Lyric discussion by Tig45 

Cover art for 1979 lyrics by Smashing Pumpkins, The

This song means so much. It brings something out in me that I dont think I have seen from any other song. Might help that I'm a disillusioned teenager, just like Billy is singing about here, but I guess that's what 90's alternative rock is all about.

This song makes me think of where I am now. Being a teenager is a strange time... it's the prime of our youth, when we get out and see the world. We learn so much about ourselves during this time. Like Eddie Vedder said... all that's sacred comes from youth... but it's more than that. Not only is it the prime and the epitome of our youth, but it's also when the prospect of being an adult really dawns on us. It's a very exciting, magical time, but it's also a very sad, fleeting one. To realize that here we are, old enough to drive and stay out late and fall in love and everything, but we gotta make the best of it while we can. Because tomorrow, we may be putting on a suit and tie every day, paying bills, sitting at a desk. It's like we only get a tiny window to learn who we really are as mature people, before the burden of modern life crushes who we wished to become. This is my favorite verse, it almost chokes me up

"And we don't know Just where our bones will rest to dust I guess forgotten and absorbed Into the earth below"

Getting old is inevitable, but for a teenager, it feels so far away... we're safe from all that noise and despair in our little bubble of rebellion.

"And we dont even care as restless as we are"

Rare indeed is the teen who is content with sitting at home with themselves. We all want love and fulfillment and happiness and our own space. It's hard to find sometimes. But the trip is half the fun.

Not sure why I just wrote all that, I guess I'm in a very shapable mood and this song caught me in the right way. So remember, you're never too young for love and fulfillment and you're never too old for rebellion and change. And if you're a teenager trying to find your way, do it, no matter what holds you back. Smoke a joint, sneak out, stay out with your friends until 4 AM, tell the person you love that you love them, see the world, tell people you hate to fuck off, listen to music that makes you happy to be alive, or okay with wishing you werent. Some day we'll be old and gray and we'll look back on the 5 years or so from when you come into your own and when you get real world responsibilities, and we'll wish we'd have done these things. Or, we'll be glad we did. Enjoy the ups and downs of teenage life while you can. Dont worry too much about the future, because tomorrow may never come, but today is here for sure.

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good grief are you really a disallusionedteenager? very impressive that you are so aware of your blessing/plight. I think it took me until college to realize the magical time I was living in. but all you lucky moter fuckers living it right now... soak it up and suck it in! it's the most fun you'll ever have, and the best friends you'll ever make. and of course the prettiest girls you'll EVER ___.

sorry to crass up your dad on balls analysis. you are wise beyond your years. enjoy. have fun : )

Older, rebellious change-seeker here^_^ I have so much respect for your analysis of this song.... "Disillusioned teenager"?! ....no.... Wise, insightful person* is more like it! Man, I wish there were more people like you in the world! ....I'm hoping that life hasn't driven you crazy in the years since you posted your comment, because each injustice we experience in life kills a little piece of us and if we're not strong enough, recapturing the optimism and desire to chase joy that we had in our younger years becomes so much more difficult. For some reason, I feel as though you'll...

The way you've stated your opinion about the song, and well, life in general, is very moving. Thanks for that. :)