The End Is The Beginning Is The End

The Smashing Pumpkins' song "The End Is The Beginning Is The End" is a profound exploration of cyclical themes of destruction and rebirth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world in turmoil, where the protagonist emerges from the depths of despair, symbolized by the sewers and the heavens. This rebirth is not a joyous one but rather a tragic necessity, as the protagonist finds themselves in a world filled with false desires and impending doom. The phrase "till the end times begin" suggests an inevitable cycle where the end is merely a precursor to a new beginning, echoing the song's title.

The chorus raises existential questions about change and happiness, particularly in the context of being different or "strange." The protagonist seems to find a dark solace in holding a "secrets flame" during the world's darkest hours, suggesting a hidden knowledge or power that allows them to witness the world's suffering from a detached perspective. This detachment is further emphasized by the repeated use of the word "strange," highlighting a sense of alienation and otherness.

The imagery of "zeppelins rain upon us" and "guns of love disastrous" evokes a sense of apocalyptic warfare, blending themes of love and destruction. The protagonist, described as "crystal chrome" and "kremlin king of angels avenged," embodies a paradoxical figure of both fragility and power. This duality underscores the song's central theme: the end is not a finality but a transformation, a prelude to another beginning. The song's cyclical nature is a reflection on the inevitability of change and the perpetual dance between creation and annihilation.