Today (song) - Definition and Overview

"Today" is a popular song by The Smashing Pumpkins. It originally appeared on their 1993 album Siamese Dream, from which it was the second single. The song also appeared on the band's greatest hits album Rotten Apples. It was the band's breakthrough hit, giving them their initial mainstream success.

The song is ironically upbeat, containing sarcastic lyrics claiming that "Today is the greatest day I've ever known." In truth, the lyrics are actually gloomy in attitude; songwriter Billy Corgan wrote the song about a day in which he was having suicidal thoughts (exemplified by the self-mutilatory reference in the lines "pink ribbon scars/that never forget/I tried so hard/to clense these regrets"). Still, this darker side of the song is partially hidden in the soft instrumental part that is played in the verses, which made many listeners unaware of the song's tale of depression and desperation. The louder, harder choruses are more revealing of the true nature of the song.

Single

All songs written by Billy Corgan.

1. "Today" - 3:22
2. "Hello Kitty Kat" - 4:32
3. "Obscured" - 5:20

Personnel

• Billy Corgan - Producer, Vocals, Guitar
• Jimmy Chamberlin - Drums
• Butch Vig - Producer

Chart positions

1993    Today            Modern Rock Tracks           No. 4
1994    Today            Mainstream Rock Tracks       No. 28
1994    Today            Modern Rock Tracks           No. 6