“Today is the greatest day I’ve ever known” – the opening line of The Smashing Pumpkins’ hit song “Today” immediately grabs attention. Released in 1993 as part of their breakthrough album Siamese Dream, this track is far more complex than its seemingly optimistic chorus suggests. While the song “Today” is the greatest anthem for many, its origins are rooted in profound personal struggle and a dark sense of irony.
Smashing Pumpkins Today single cover art featuring a red background and the song title in bold white letters, capturing the 90s alternative rock aesthetic.
The seemingly uplifting lyrics stand in stark contrast to the state of mind of the song’s writer, Billy Corgan. In a 1993 interview with Rolling Stone, Corgan revealed the bleak inspiration behind “Today.” He confessed to being in a deeply depressive state, even contemplating suicide. “I lost the ability to function. I didn’t want to go outside. I couldn’t write songs. I was really suicidal,” Corgan explained. The line “today is the greatest day of your life” was born from this despair, a sarcastic twist on his miserable reality. It was, in his words, funny to write a song with such a positive-sounding message when he felt at his lowest.
Animated GIF of Billy Corgan singing “Today is the greatest” with intense emotion during a live Smashing Pumpkins performance, highlighting the raw energy of the song.
This dichotomy between the upbeat melody and the underlying darkness is what gives “Today” its enduring power. It speaks to the human experience of finding light in the deepest valleys, a sentiment echoed by Richard Nixon’s quote: “Only if you have been in the deepest valley, can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.” This quote encapsulates the essence of “Today” – the appreciation for life’s highs is often amplified by the experience of its lows.
Black and white photograph of Billy Corgan with long hair and a melancholic expression, reflecting the emotional depth behind the lyrics of “Today”.
Over time, Corgan himself acknowledged the evolving meaning of “Today.” Speaking to VH-1 Storytellers, he noted how the song, initially conceived in a dark place, became an anthem of survival and hope. While the negativity is undeniably present in the lyrics, the positive lines are what resonated most with listeners. “Today” became less about the sarcastic statement of a suicidal man and more about the triumphant feeling of overcoming adversity. The song evolved into a testament to persistence and perseverance.
Promotional image of The Smashing Pumpkins band members in their early 90s era, promoting the Siamese Dream album which features the hit song “Today”.
Animated GIF of James Iha and Billy Corgan playing guitars intensely during a live performance of “Today”, capturing the energy of the song’s instrumentation.
In conclusion, “Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins is more than just a 90s alternative rock classic; it’s a powerful exploration of human resilience. Born from despair, the song transformed into an anthem of hope and survival. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, the promise of a brighter “today” – the greatest day – is always within reach. The song “Today” is the greatest because it encapsulates this journey from darkness to light, making it a timeless and deeply relatable piece of music.
