Thru The Eyes Of Ruby

The Smashing Pumpkins' song 'Thru The Eyes Of Ruby' delves into the complexities of love, innocence, and the passage of youth. The lyrics, penned by frontman Billy Corgan, are rich with metaphors and emotional depth, reflecting the band's signature blend of alternative rock and introspective lyricism. The song opens with a juxtaposition of innocence as both a treasure and a form of death, suggesting that purity and naivety can be both beautiful and destructive. This duality sets the tone for the rest of the song, exploring the fragile nature of relationships and the inevitable loss of innocence that comes with growing up.

The recurring imagery of being 'wrapped up in always' and 'breathing underwater' evokes a sense of entrapment and suffocation, hinting at the struggles of maintaining love and faith in a world full of uncertainties. The line 'If you spin your love around, the secrets of your dreams, you may find your love is gone' speaks to the disillusionment that often accompanies romantic relationships. Love, once idealized, can reveal itself to be far more complex and less perfect than initially perceived. This theme is further emphasized by the notion that belief and faith, while powerful, are not always enough to escape the harsh realities of life.

The song also touches on the theme of youth and its fleeting nature. The line 'youth is wasted on the young' is a poignant reminder of the often-missed opportunities and the lack of appreciation for the present moment that many experience during their younger years. The repetition of 'The night has come to hold us young' at the end of the song creates a haunting, almost nostalgic atmosphere, encapsulating the longing to preserve the beauty and innocence of youth despite the inevitable march of time. Through its poetic lyrics and evocative imagery, 'Thru The Eyes Of Ruby' captures the bittersweet essence of love, innocence, and the passage of time.