The Five Worst Modern Rock Lyricists of the '90s: #4

Malkmus had this one right, for sure: "I don't understand what they mean, and I could really give a fuck." The Smashing Pumpkins weren't a terrible band, and Billy Corgan's vocals would probably place second only to Eddie Vedder's in the "most fun to imitate vocalists of the '90s" countdown, but Billy has more than earned his spot on this list as well. I actually had a really difficult time choosing one song, so if you'd like to sample some more of Billy's choicest offerings, might I suggest Clones (We're All), Disarm , Tonight, Tonight... I could easily go on, but feel free to click around at Lost Vortex (haha) and discover some favorites of your own. Although there were certainly many worthy contenders, thanks to the probably the worst chorus of the entire decade, "Bullet With Butterfly Wings" was our winner.

The world is a vampire, sent to drain
Secret destroyers, hold you up to the flames
And what do I get, for my pain
Betrayed desires, and a piece of the game
Even though I know-I suppose I'll show
All my cool and cold-like old job
Despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved
Despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
Now I'm naked, nothing but an animal
But can you fake it, for just one more show
And what do you want, I want to change
And what have you got
When you feel the same
Even though I know-I suppose I'll show
All my cool and cold-like old job
Despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved
Despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
Tell me I'm the only one
Tell me there's no other one
Jesus was the only son
Tell me I'm the chosen one
Jesus was the only son for you
Despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
And I still believe that I cannot be saved

Sadly very few of Mr. Corgan's recent poetic efforts are available online, but I did locate recordings of one of his recent readings. I didn't subject myself to it, but if you're feeling masochistic please do share your thoughts (and any particularly pithy quotes).

--MZ--

Comments

[Steven]

Clones is a cover

[MZ]

Thanks for the info- it appears it's actually an Alice Cooper song. I don't know why that SP site posted the lyrics for that one at all. It certainly does still call into question his taste, if you ask me.

[Tanya]

You just dont have the intelligence to understand.

I hope you grow a dick one day and relise..

your a moron