Today’s song is one of my favorites by The Smashing Pumpkins. I can remember listening to it all the time on my CD player. In fact, it’s probably worn out by now. Thank goodness for digital, right? The music is fantasy-like, which is the essential theme of the lyrics. In this track, Billy talks about the “what if’s” in life by questioning all that exists in the world. We think we know the truth but sometimes things happen and our beliefs are suddenly distorted. Then it all comes down to making a choice – where do you go from there?
Appels & Oranjes was released on the band’s fourth album, Adore, in June of 1998. The album produced four singles and unfortunately, this one never made the cut. The album itself was very successful, taking #2 on the Billboard 200, #1 in Australia and New Zealand, #2 in Canada, and #4 in the UK.
The one thing I’ve never understood about the song was the title. For one, it is never mentioned in the lyrics. Secondly, it’s purposely spelled wrong. When I first saw this I said to myself, “Is this another “what if”? As in, what if “apples” and “oranges” were really spelled that way?” Apples and oranges have always been compared to each other though, even in psychology. So maybe it has a deeper meaning…after all, the song definitely dives into that science…
Above is the audio with photos. Sorry about the Spanish subtitles, it was the only one You Tube had.
