The Smashing Pumpkins - Today - 1993

Today we'll dive into the iconic song "Today" by The Smashing Pumpkins, released in 1993 on their album Siamese Dream. This song, with its catchy guitar riff and contrasting themes of despair and joy, marked a significant moment in the '90s alternative rock scene. Let's explore the song, its background, the lyrics, and the impact it has had on music and culture.

Background

Today is one of The Smashing Pumpkins' most famous songs, known for its optimistic melody juxtaposed with somber lyrics. Written by the band's lead singer and guitarist, Billy Corgan, "Today" was created during a period of deep depression and contemplation of suicide. Corgan has described the song as a sarcastic take on what was the worst day of his life, turning his feelings of despair into a seemingly upbeat song that became an anthem for many.

Composition and Release

The song features a distinctive guitar riff that opens and runs throughout the track, which has become one of the band's signature sounds. It was released as the second single from Siamese Dream, an album that faced tumultuous recording sessions, including band tensions and Corgan's struggle with depression. Despite these challenges, or perhaps because of them, Siamese Dream and "Today" in particular, propelled The Smashing Pumpkins to major success.

Lyrics Analysis

The lyrics of "Today" are a poignant reflection of Corgan's emotional state at the time, offering a window into his struggles with mental health. Despite the song's cheerful melody, the lyrics speak to themes of desperation and the fleeting nature of happiness. This contrast has led listeners to find both solace and joy in the song, resonating with those who have faced their own dark moments.

Music Video

The music video for "Today", directed by Stéphane Sednaoui, is a visual representation of the song's juxtaposed themes. It features surreal and colorful imagery, including the band performing in an ice cream truck amidst a desert landscape, further emphasizing the song's blend of joy and despair.

Impact and Legacy

"Today" is often cited as one of the defining tracks of the '90s alternative rock movement. Its success helped to solidify The Smashing Pumpkins as a key player in the music scene of the era. The song's ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level, through its blend of melancholic lyrics with an uplifting melody, has ensured its place in rock history.

Interactive Tasks

Quiz: Questions on the song

What inspired Billy Corgan to write "Today"? (The song was inspired by his feelings of depression and thoughts of suicide.) (!Billy Corgan's joyous celebration of his birthday.) (!A particularly good day he experienced.) (!The birth of a close friend's child.)

Which album features "Today"? (Siamese Dream) (!Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness) (!Gish) (!Adore)

How is "Today" often described in terms of its music and lyrics? (As having an upbeat melody with contrasting somber lyrics.) (!As a purely joyful and optimistic song.) (!As a dark and depressing track with no sense of hope.) (!As an instrumental piece showcasing the band's musical talents.)

Who directed the music video for "Today"? (Stéphane Sednaoui) (!Spike Jonze) (!David Fincher) (!Michel Gondry)

What is a distinctive feature of the song's composition? (The catchy guitar riff that opens and runs throughout the track.) (!Complex drum solos.) (!The use of a symphony orchestra.) (!Acapella verses.)

Quiz: Questions on the Performer

Who is the lead singer and primary songwriter of The Smashing Pumpkins? (Billy Corgan) (!James Iha) (!Jimmy Chamberlin) (!D'arcy Wretzky)

In what year was "Today" released? (1993) (!1991) (!1995) (!1999)

Which of the following albums is not by The Smashing Pumpkins? (!Siamese Dream) (!Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness) (!Gish) (The Wall)

How did the recording of Siamese Dream affect the band? (It was marked by band tensions and the lead singer's struggle with depression.) (!It was a smooth and uneventful process.) (!It led to the immediate breakup of the band.) (!It was done entirely in a live setting to capture the band's energy.)

What movement is "Today" often associated with? (The '90s alternative rock movement.) (!The punk revival of the late '80s.) (!The grunge scene of the early '90s.) (!The pop-punk explosion of the late '90s.)

Quiz: Questions on the lyrics

What is a major theme of the lyrics in "Today"? (Desperation and the fleeting nature of happiness) (!Unabashed joy and celebration) (!A detailed narrative of a specific day) (!Political commentary)

Which phrase opens the song "Today"? ("Today is the greatest day I've ever known") (!"I've never felt so alive") (!"Woke up with the sun in my eyes") (!"Nothing can stand in my way")

What contrasting emotion does "Today" convey despite its upbeat melody? (Sadness and despair) (!Pure elation) (!Indifference) (!Anger)

How do the lyrics "Today is the greatest day I've ever known" serve the song's message? (They use irony to contrast the songwriter's actual feelings of despair.) (!They straightforwardly celebrate a particularly good day.) (!They set up the song as a narrative about overcoming adversity.) (!They introduce a love story that unfolds throughout the song.)

What do the somber lyrics of "Today" contrast with? (The song's cheerful melody) (!The band's typically heavy metal sound) (!The visual themes of its music video) (!Other songs on the album Siamese Dream)

Memory

Billy Corgan	Lead singer and primary songwriter
1993	Year "Today" was released
Siamese Dream	Album featuring "Today"
Desperation and happiness	Major themes of the song
Stéphane Sednaoui	Director of the music video

Open Tasks

Easy

Research the alternative rock scene of the early '90s: Identify other bands and songs that defined this era.
Create a playlist: Include "Today" and other similar tracks that capture the essence of '90s alternative rock.
Write a short essay: Discuss the impact of Siamese Dream on the music industry and its significance in The Smashing Pumpkins' discography.

Standard

Analyze the lyrics of "Today": Explore the themes of despair and hope in greater detail. What does this song say about the human condition?
Compare and contrast: "Today" with another song by The Smashing Pumpkins. How does the band's approach to songwriting and themes vary?
Study the role of music videos: in the '90s. How did "Today's" music video contribute to the song's success?

Difficult

Research the recording process of ''Siamese Dream'': Look into the challenges faced during the album's production. How did these challenges affect the final product?
Examine the cultural impact of "Today": How has the song influenced other music, media, or cultural movements since its release?
Critically assess the legacy of The Smashing Pumpkins: Consider their contribution to alternative rock and their place in music history.