Here's to the Atom Bomb (Machina II) Lyrics

Lyric discussion by virex7 

Cover art for Here's to the Atom Bomb (Machina II) lyrics by Smashing Pumpkins, The

Billy, I think, was really ...bitter... with the female race by the time Machina (and subsequently Machina II) came about. Years of having his heart cut open probably brought about a pleasant combination of anger, sadness, desperation, and desire for vengeance in him. Hence the concept of this song and many other late Pumpkins songs--the mysterious, beautiful (but heartless) girl who tears out (in this case, Billy's) heart, and yet, Billy can't stop feeling these emotions for her. As the lyrics to this song go:

Into the bed you hang your sling To watch your man as he seeks relief You cut out his heart and watch him die So we can know you, and that you're alive

If those lyrics don't spell out Billy's message, then listen to the song a few times. As a guy, I have definitely seen the world through Billy's eyes more than once. And having your heart ripped out hurts worse than anything you could imagine. As I am sure most of you know.