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The Smashing Pumpkins — Thirty-Three
Album: Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1902









Released: 1995
Length: 3:58
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Speak to me in a language I can hear
Humor me before I have to go
Deep in thought I forgive everyone
As the cluttered streets greet me once again
I know I can't be late, supper's waiting on the table
Tomorrow's just an excuse away
So I pull my collar up and face the cold, on my own
The earth laughs beneath my heavy feet
At the blasphemy in my old jangly walk
Steeple guide me to my heart and home
The sun is out and up and down again

I know I'll make it, love can last forever
Graceful swans of never topple to the earth

And you can make it last forever, you
You can make it last forever, you
Can make it last

And for a moment, I lose myself
Wrapped up in the pleasures of the world
I've journeyed here and there and back again
But in the same old haunts I still find my friends
Mysteries not ready to reveal
Sympathies I'm ready to return

I'll make the effort, love can last forever
Graceful swans of never topple to the earth
Tomorrow's just an excuse
Tomorrow's just an excuse

And you can make it last forever, you
Can make it last forever, you
Can make it last forever, you
Forever, you
Comments (164)add comment
good new Beato interview of Billy Corgan discussing the recording and song writing process around this time:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

Got me listening to the first 3 albums again.   For me it goes Gish > Siamese Dream > Mellon Collie and then they totally lost me.   Something about the vocal mix on Mellon Collie really rubbed me the wrong way.   The rockers still rock though!
This album was on my daily playlist when it came out.
I even still have the T-Shirt with the washed out print which I still wear occasionally.
 the_jake wrote:
 
 
mistery not ready to revel...
Maybe a year before 34, the last year...
Arcade Fire did a great rendition of "1979" at their Chicago show last week - a nice nod to our local heroes!
 the_jake wrote:

Any clues on the song title meaning?
Thirty-Three? 


Love can last forever when you're 33?  (At 66, I know it sometimes cannot.)
Still hoping to see Smashing Pumpkins live someday when tickets aren't $200 plus. Brings me back to my 90s childhood. 
So much sniping and negative comments on RP. At least the music is good!
This was such a terrific album. They were really in top form in 95
 dcoy wrote:


Don't let the door hit you......


This comment currently has 33 "likes" 
    - There are no coincidences. 
 the_jake wrote:
Any clues on the song title meaning?
Thirty-Three? 
 
Maybe a reference to age? George Harrison released an album called 33 1/3 when he turned 33.
 the_jake wrote:

Any clues on the song title meaning?
Thirty-Three? 




Must be their fondness for Rolling Rock! 
Any clues on the song title meaning?
Thirty-Three? 

not a fan because of the voice, but the lyrics are interesting...
Ho Hum: rated a 3 just because of the annoing voice...{#Sad}
 benfitch523 wrote:


Do you mean it gets better with age?
 

It does not. If that is meant to wonder about what it all means... If it's sung by Billie, it's good.
Mellon Collie, for real.
The Pumpkins without Corgan (Whine haters, I see you!!!) is like being heartbroken and no girl or boy involved
 ziakut wrote:
This tune is much like a fine 'whine'.
 

Do you mean it gets better with age?
I'm really feeling this today.
This man has no voice.
I just cannot abide that man's voice.
 dcoy wrote:


Don't let the door hit you......
 

Well said, my friend!
Random memory time!
I remember reading a Rolling Stone article wherein the journalists recounted witnessing Sound Garden's Kim Thayil  arguing with Billy Corgan right before Smashing Pumpkin's set.
Corgan finally pointed at this chest, yelling, "That hurts me in my heart!", and then went on to give one of his best performances.
This tune is much like a fine 'whine'.
Play six notes. Repeat. 
 idiot_wind wrote:
He does it so well, and often...ya almost think that he's following a formula.

But that would make this band: formulaic, monotonic, boring, and predictable.  
Ooops! 
 
You probably haven't noticed how well this describes your posts.  Except for the part about "so well".
 ppopp wrote:
This is the very worst voice ever to make it to record.

 

Perhaps, but Billy dances so well. For a cat. 

gif of hairless cat getting up on legs while on bed
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:
I just had a moment of deja vu hearing this - or more correctly a feeling of listening to a bygone era.  Their music now sounds 'dated' and 'of its time' with the benefit of hindsight. Life moves on imperceptibly and it takes a about 20 years time gap to realise that was then and this is now.

 
Simalar feeling here, this album came out the year I graduated HS and started college.  I was not so much a SP fan, or grunge at all (hard being in Seattle and not liking grunge) and like you say, I can completely feel that it 20+ years old now. I think I like it somewhat now for nostalgic reasons and not so much cuz I actually like the music all of a sudden.  Weird feeling actually.  
I just had a moment of deja vu hearing this - or more correctly a feeling of listening to a bygone era.  Their music now sounds 'dated' and 'of its time' with the benefit of hindsight. Life moves on imperceptibly and it takes a about 20 years time gap to realise that was then and this is now.
 Flip_flops wrote:
haunJ wrote:

I don't mind the Pumpkins however I have to agree old Billy has that nasal sound perfected.

 
Pish

 
Gish!
Only the singers with Counting Crows and Coldplay sound worse than Billy Corgan.
haunJ wrote:

I don't mind the Pumpkins however I have to agree old Billy has that nasal sound perfected.

 
Pish
 idiot_wind wrote:
Ohhhhh, feel the pain!

Feel the angst!!!

Feel the torture!

Feel the despair!

He does it so well, and often...ya almost think that he's following a formula.

But that would make this band: formulaic, monotonic, boring, and predictable.  
Ooops! 

 

 
Amen...and again: some Dinosaur Jr to balance this pumkin proclivity puhleeease?
 ppopp wrote:
This is the very worst voice ever to make it to record.

 
I don't mind the Pumpkins however I have to agree old Billy has that nasal sound perfected.
Just enjoy the music.
 
 idiot_wind wrote:
Ohhhhh, feel the pain!

Feel the angst!!!

Feel the torture!

Feel the despair!

He does it so well, and often...ya almost think that he's following a formula.

But that would make this band: formulaic, monotonic, boring, and predictable.  
Ooops! 

 

 

No, if there were a formula, then it would be reproducible by another band.
As long as there's no other band that sounds the same with the same initials...

Smashing Pickups?
Silversun Pumpkins? 

Nope.  Neither of those bands exist, so it can't be formulaic, monotonic, boring, and predictable.  
You left out irritating.  
 
excellent Lyrics.
Ohhhhh, feel the pain!

Feel the angst!!!

Feel the torture!

Feel the despair!

He does it so well, and often...ya almost think that he's following a formula.

But that would make this band: formulaic, monotonic, boring, and predictable.  
Ooops! 

 
 jhorton wrote:
Well, it's true that nobody can ever be as brilliant as Billy thinks he is, but songs like this make me think that he is, in fact, PRETTY FREAKING BRILLIANT!

 
You got a point there.
Nicely put-together recording.
Billy's voice in this song sounds a little like he's in front of a fan ..."Lo, lo, lee, lo, Luuuuuke, I am your fahhhh-thahhhh!" 
This is the very worst voice ever to make it to record.
Well, it's true that nobody can ever be as brilliant as Billy thinks he is, but songs like this make me think that he is, in fact, PRETTY FREAKING BRILLIANT!
 Cynaera wrote:

My friend, I hate that people provoke you into defending yourself, but man, if backed into a corner, you rock.  When the end of the world comes, I want you in my tribe. *hugs you*

And yeah - this song is really good. My ears are happy ears. {#Daisy}
 
miss you so much, Cynaera...

everybody in my alien space craft truly loves this song...
does that guy have adenoid problem?
If a voiceover would be possible, I think TSP would be accepable, but with this voice: nope! {#Stop}{#No}
Havng trouble visualizing a guy in an ersatz kilt singing this song.

My roommate back then called this "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Album".



This is one of the best songs from the 1990's...  love it...  this is from a fine album...
 
Correct lyrics:

speak to me in a language i can hear
humor me before i have to go
deep in thought i forgive everyone
as the cluttered streets greet me once again
i know i can't be late, supper's waiting on the table
tomorrow's just an excuse away
so I pull my collar up and face the cold, on my own
the earth laughs beneath my heavy feet
at the blasphemy in my old jangly walk
steeple guide me to my heart and home
the sun is out and up and down again
i know i'll make it, love can last forever
graceful swans of never topple to the earth
and you can make it last, forever you
you can make it last, forever you
and for a moment i lose myself
wrapped up in the pleasures of the world
i've journeyed here and there and back again
but in the same old haunts i still find my friends
mysteries not ready to reveal
sympathies i'm ready to return
i'll make the effort, love can last forever
graceful swans of never topple to the earth
tomorrow's just an excuse
and you can make it last, forever you
you can make it last, forever you

Great song!  9
A great song and the best album from the 90's

Everybody in my church truly loves this song...
 
very nice song
Never play Smashing Pumpkins. Ever. Thank You.
someone needs a hug..
Oh that growling bass. Evocative song and always welcome.
 romeotuma wrote:

Thank you!  Hope you are having a grand day...

this song is wonderful...

 

 
I agree with rabbi phil and I'm happy to see romeo's lovely comments, whether I agree with them or not. Thank you romeo for keeping the positive vibe! {#Kiss}
Such a let down after Dire Straits.  :(
 Poacher wrote:

Yep, it is his right to say what he likes. . . and to make his comments in green like a child who needs attention. . . and rate everything a 10 because he thinks it is clever. . . and to attack anyone who calls him up on his incessant repeat posts. . . and to claim 'everybody' is dancing in his hotel room when likely as not it is just him. 

So, is he a bit sad? Is he a bit of a cunt? It depends on ones viewpoint.

 
I am a huge fan of RT's enthusiasm, and I often share it.  Alas, I think you also make a good point.  At some point the repetition makes it hard to find the less repetitious, more thoughtful and considered comments.  I tend to look for critical comments.  They are just more interesting to me.  We tune in here because we like the music.   We know we all like this music.  Still, I'd dance with RT in Vegas any day of the week.  


 sronis wrote:
I actually have no problem with what romeotuma writes, silly as it may be, and as much as rating every bit likable song as "10" is meaningless, it's his right. only thing that bothers me is the "trolling", i.e. commenting over and over again about how much he likes a certain song. one time is more than enough, thanks. otherwise it becomes a burden to read the entire comment list. And if you could write something interesting about the song every once in a while, i will also be dancing... :-P 
 
Yep, it is his right to say what he likes. . . and to make his comments in green like a child who needs attention. . . and rate everything a 10 because he thinks it is clever. . . and to attack anyone who calls him up on his incessant repeat posts. . . and to claim 'everybody' is dancing in his hotel room when likely as not it is just him. 

So, is he a bit sad? Is he a bit of a cunt? It depends on ones viewpoint.

 rabbi_phil wrote:
Seems like we have plenty to talk about within the music,why talk about one another? not criticizing anyone in particular, just sayin'.
 
{#Yes}

I prefer to think of it as folks just having off-days and speaking out of frustration, not intending to be offensive to anyone here.

May or may not be true but it's a kinder interpretation.

(BTW Bill, following this song with The Smiths and Sonic Youth? You Rock, buddy!)

K, it's 11-11-11 and he's playing a song called 33.  Might there be another "numbers" song coming up next? 

-yeah, just a silly guessing game... sorta like trying to shout out the next song Jerry's gonna rip into before you actually hear the first note....-
Hey, no romeo bashing. the guy is about as mellow as they come. I don't remember him ragging anyone ever. If he wants to rate every tune an 11 so be it.personally I could care less if he wants to re-post a dozen times,what does it hurt? this is,after all,. only radio playtime. lighten up. maybe try to appreciate such a carefree attitude. Seems like we have plenty to talk about within the music,why talk about one another? not criticizing anyone in particular, just sayin'.


I actually have no problem with what romeotuma writes, silly as it may be, and as much as rating every bit likable song as "10" is meaningless, it's his right. only thing that bothers me is the "trolling", i.e. commenting over and over again about how much he likes a certain song. one time is more than enough, thanks. otherwise it becomes a burden to read the entire comment list. And if you could write something interesting about the song every once in a while, i will also be dancing... :-P 
 romeotuma wrote:

Hey, to each their own.  "Each" is singular, and you use a plural pronoun...

this song be soooo good...

 
So has one o, not four

I like this music!
 fortyonejb wrote:
I always find it funny, if you look at a lot of people who hate Billy's voice you'll find they LIKE Neil Young.  Possibly the two most polarizing voices in rock and or roll. You either hate em or love em.

For the record, I love Corgan's voice, and hate Neil Young. 
 

Yep yep!{#Yes} Neil's voice is haunting though I can understand why some might not like it; Corgan's voice is screechy and nasally and intolerable IMO.
Maybe I can bear to hear one single song from the SP, but imagine to hear an entire CD with this voice: whow, I wouldn't survive it...!!! So whining, irritating etc.
Again, musically not bad, but that voice.........Oy Vay!!{#Stop}
 johnjconn wrote:
from beginning to the end, the best album of the 90's
 
It's good, but I don't know about best of the 90's.  Not even sure if it's the best Pumpkins of the 90's.  But it's all subjective I suppose.  Think I'll go put on Pisces Iscariot, it's been awhile.

 romeotuma wrote:

"A new cliché"?  That's a novel idea...  sigh...  if you look up the definition, you will understand that a cliché has nothing new about it...  maybe you are like an oxymoron...  I recommend an increase of okra in your diet to give your temporal lobe some roughage...

this song be berry berry good...

 
I was pointing out your sudden change to a green font. Hey, to each their own. But you seem to want to beat me over the head with some kind of taunting about "my new cliche."

You go ahead and rate every song you like a 10. I wouldn't care if you rated every song a 5 or a 1. Just be sure to grow up a little while you do. P.S. I'm not a fan of okra. How about some peanut butter for my temporal lobe?

One of the melodies in this piece reminds me of "Journey to the Past" from Anastasia. (This has bothered me for months and I just made the connection.)
 dcoy wrote:


Don't let the door hit you......
 
:)
 thenoizzbox wrote:
Dire Straits followed by the only band I hate more than them... and just as overplayed. Not on a good roll this morning. Time to switch channels.
 

Don't let the door hit you......
Dire Straits followed by the only band I hate more than them... and just as overplayed. Not on a good roll this morning. Time to switch channels.
 romeotuma wrote:

"A new cliché"?  That's a novel idea...  sigh...  if you look up the definition, you will understand that a cliché has nothing new about it...  maybe you are like an oxymoron...  I recommend an increase of okra in your diet to give your temporal lobe some roughage...

this song be berry berry good...

 
My friend, I hate that people provoke you into defending yourself, but man, if backed into a corner, you rock.  When the end of the world comes, I want you in my tribe. *hugs you*

And yeah - this song is really good. My ears are happy ears. {#Daisy}
Wow!! It has been sometime since I heard this song. Thanks again for the memories Bill!   {#Roflol}
 fortyonejb wrote:
I always find it funny, if you look at a lot of people who hate Billy's voice you'll find they LIKE Neil Young.  Possibly the two most polarizing voices in rock and or roll. You either hate em or love em.

For the record, I love Corgan's voice, and hate Neil Young. 
 
I never cared much for Billy's voice, but overall I still like Smashing Pumpkins. Neil Young is great though.

i know i'll make it, love can last forever... hopeful lyrics, perfect for the dreamer in me.
More from this album please!           {#Jump}
 fortyonejb wrote:
I always find it funny, if you look at a lot of people who hate Billy's voice you'll find they LIKE Neil Young.  Possibly the two most polarizing voices in rock and or roll. You either hate em or love em.

For the record, I love Corgan's voice, and hate Neil Young. 
 
I like both in the studio, but far too often, when i saw Pumpkins perform on TV, Corgan sang out key, and that drives me nuts.  With that said, there are songs by neil that are grating...can't name them off hand, but I know they're out there....but I don't ever recall hearing Neil sing out of key.

I always find it funny, if you look at a lot of people who hate Billy's voice you'll find they LIKE Neil Young.  Possibly the two most polarizing voices in rock and or roll. You either hate em or love em.

For the record, I love Corgan's voice, and hate Neil Young. 

Is this the start of a new cliche for you Romeotuma?




Love album title/cover art
 raerae333 wrote:
this and sweet sweet / soma are my favorites from them

 

Soma is awesome.  The guitar solo is ranked #24 in Rolling Stone's list.
 rKokon wrote:
I own the album, but this song is yecch. Who told this whiny guy he could sing?
 
His dad, who himself was a hotshot in the local (Chicago) live music scene, plus a lot of kids in Wrigleyville who liked to go to Metro for live music on Saturday night.

I think he uses at least three voices that incorporate varying degrees of whine.  The least whiny is the scream voice you hear on "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" ("despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage").  Then there's the soft voice, somewhat whiny, used on many verses and throughout songs like the "Landslide" cover.  Finally, there's the full-Corgan, which is the whiny voice you hear on this song when he goes up on "could make it last."  The last of these seems to be what irritates people the most.  If you hate that, don't even bother with emo — a whole genre devoted to such whining.


Been listening to "Gish" in the car lateley.  Great music, even though Billy's voice kinda gets to me at times.
I swear, I just never understood what anybody sees in this band! And his voice, don't get me started!{#Puke}

This two disc album was definitely the peak for this band.  Nothing memorable since, imho.


The whole two disk set is fantastic!
Love This Song :)
 FlatCat wrote:

Yes, that whiny, nasal, voice just drills a hole in my head. And the name of the band, smashed pumpkins rotting on the pavement. Nice image.  
 
Smashed pumpkins are a drag, but smashing leftover pumpkins those few days post Halloween is a blast.

 beelzebubba wrote:
Aw, shutup Billy, just shutup already.
 
Yes, that whiny, nasal, voice just drills a hole in my head. And the name of the band, smashed pumpkins rotting on the pavement. Nice image.  
this and sweet sweet / soma are my favorites from them

too bad he went all god complex crazy - siamese dream and mellon collie still affect me tremendously after all this time - wish there would've been more
This is one of a few albums that you can listen to like reading a book ...
Liked their 1st two better, but this album was not bad.  We're from the same hometown (Chicago)—brings back memories...
 Haejushe wrote:
Possibly the only band in which the frontman's whinning sounds good.
 
Gives REM a run for their money, on that front! {#Wave}
Danny_G wrote:
Y E A H ! 11/10 for the motion graphics
Technically, he should have spaced the H and the ! with the smiley.
H E E !
Danny_G wrote:
Y E A H !
11/10 for the motion graphics
*Sigh* I' fall on my knees and thank Bill for playing it (and other Pumpkins songs). BTW: There should be a more comfortable way to support RP from Europe...
Bill, two of my favorites in a row! Very Nice.
Journey here and there and back again But in the same old haunts I still find my friends Pretty much sums up the 90's for me.
I love this song. I find it the ultimate in ulgy/beautiful.
Ahhh.
johnsolo wrote:
Wow, it's the fall of 1995 again. Windows 95 was just released, the internet was hitting the mainstream. Memories... they are 10 years old... wow
i know what you mean
Possibly the only band in which the frontman's whinning sounds good.
Wow, it's the fall of 1995 again. Windows 95 was just released, the internet was hitting the mainstream. Memories... they are 10 years old... wow
I think this is a beautiful song into a very beautiful album.
I own the album, but this song is yecch. Who told this whiny guy he could sing?
Pretty piano. Billy Corgan when he still had hair.
Y E A H !
Pipes wrote:
Billy can write, Billy can compose and Billy can even play but whoever told him he could sing was lying through his ass!
Congrats, you made the broken record play once more.
Billy can write, Billy can compose and Billy can even play but whoever told him he could sing was lying through his ass!
Trustocity wrote:
How about... Beelzebubba?
beelzebubba wrote:
Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness Come on, have you ever heard a more pretentious, contrived, sophmoric name that masquerades as "clever"?
How about... Beelzebubba?
Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness Come on, have you ever heard a more pretentious, contrived, sophmoric name that masquerades as "clever"?
Aw, shutup Billy, just shutup already. :grumpy.gif:
trancefussion wrote:
I always believed this song sounded more like it should have come off "siamese dream".
You're pretty smart; Thrity-Three was the first song written for Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. I love the lyrics to this song... the video is great as well.
mrselfdestruct wrote:
Thirty-three is actually one of my least favourite songs on it.
I always believed this song sounded more like it should have come off "siamese dream".
If this had been whittled down to one album with 10 songs, it would be one of the best ever. Instead, it just serves as an example of Billy Corgan's over endulgance in himself. Which eventually served in ruining a fine band. But a fine song.