Cupid de Locke

The Smashing Pumpkins' song 'Cupid de Locke' delves into the complexities of love and desire, using mythological and poetic imagery to convey its message. The opening lines reference Cupid, the Roman god of love, who is traditionally depicted as shooting arrows to cause people to fall in love. The song suggests that love can be sudden and overwhelming, likened to divine arrows that pierce one's soul. This metaphor speaks to the transformative power of love and its ability to command attention.

The lyrics then shift to a darker tone, introducing the Devil as a character who seeks mischief and captivation through love. This contrast between the divine and the diabolical suggests a duality within love itself, which can be both sweet and dangerous. The 'turpentine kisses and mistaken blows' imply a love that can be toxic and painful, despite its allure. The song captures the tension between the idealized notion of love and the more complex, sometimes harmful reality of romantic entanglements.

The final verses of 'Cupid de Locke' paint a picture of 'star crossed lovers' and 'barren hearted wanderers,' evoking themes of doomed love and unfulfilled desires. The reference to 'Satan's pull' and the seeking of the 'unseekable' suggests a yearning for something that is ultimately unattainable, perhaps the ideal of perfect love. The song concludes with a reflection on the nature of hope, compassion, and love, which, despite their vulnerability to disillusionment, remain fundamental human pursuits.