Lyric discussion by osubuckeye4 

Cover art for Inkless lyrics by Smashing Pumpkins, The

I dont think it's so much Billy riding beside her (whomever the song is directed at) in a car, as it is someone else who she is trying to replace him with.

He doesn't say he rides beside her... he distinctly says:

"And what you feel for me rides beside you"

As well as:

"And what you need of me you've got inside you"


I think this is a "moving on" type song. He knows he's been replaced, but he also knows he's left a mark and is comfortable with that.

He might not be next to her, but what she felt for him is in that person... and she still feels for him inside, in some ways.

She's gained that knowledge from their relationship and taken away from it and will use the lessons she's learned in the future.


Then again, I could be very wrong.


As far as Inkless?

Ink is written, draw, put on paper.

My guess is that this is kind of a "looking towards the future" song, at a moment that maybe hasn't happened (not yet inked).

That could be VERY wrong as well though. I grew up in Chicago and have been a Pumpkins fan for somewhere between 15-20 years. All I can say about them is, Smashing Pumpkins lyrics are insanely hard to decipher. :)

another idea on the inkless thought came to me when listening..."a faith in love unseen." Perhaps "inkless" refers to their past love, it can't be seen, but there is a faith that an impression was left "what you need of me you've got inside of you." The next part makes it interesting, and I might start ranting here..."trace the face of love unseen/don't shadow up what we mean/uncover what we're meant to be/and unlace your light." Again, going to my theory of "inkless" being symbolic of their past love, the speaker could be asking for his...