Night Waves
"Night Waves" is the fifth track from Act II of The Smashing Pumpkins' 2023 rock opera, ATUM.
The song originally had sounded similar to The Cars, with Billy Corgan comparing his writing to something Rick Nielsen would write. Engineer Howard Willing and Corgan ultimately decided that version wasn't going to work, and aimed for a more Brian Eno-esque production, with elements of marching bands. Corgan said the final recording is a "shadow of what it was" originally.[1]
Synopsis[edit | edit source]
(performed by Hopus Dei)
After the X+I give their propaganda message to the world with "Moss", Osirah, Nighthawk, and Ruby the robot realize that they are at the center of attention and that their friends and family could be in danger. They decide to return to Dr. Aesh – the old hacker who first appeared in "With Ado I Do" – whom they've learned to trust. While driving to his location, Osirah looks out the window, realizing her new life and reflecting on the one she left behind. She sings "Night Waves" as she laments coming to these realizations.[1]
Lyrics[edit | edit source]
On splintered glass, we creep
And while this town's asleep
I am prone to weep in a violet storm
So lay my wreath as fault
And waste your prose on all
These nights a'int worth their out
On circles alone
Oh my, how the mighty smite
What smoulders, what survives
To destroy all that needs to turn
So everything'll turn out right
There I go again
Come, oh come as doom
As windows to the room
So it's too soon
We whistle to that tune of 'ophelia'
And die until we'll die no more
There I go, again
Casting doubt and then
Leaving home to mend this broken world
Come, oh come as doom
As windows to the room
So, it's too soon
I miss ophelia
Who died until she was no more
So there I go
With my pal, 'ol dread
Forbidden cities end
And no friends amend
This debt of air
Are we null at keel
Where mistakes appeal
And mandrakes stomp their heels
On our circles alone
There I go
Availability
| Title | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| ATUM | Act II | Studio |
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Corgan, Billy. "Night Waves (with William Patrick Corgan)". Thirty-Three (Podcast). Retrieved January 25, 2023.