Once Upon A Time

The Smashing Pumpkins' song 'Once Upon A Time' is a poignant exploration of time, loss, and the complex relationship between a mother and her child. The lyrics convey a deep sense of weariness and resignation, as the narrator addresses his mother, expressing his exhaustion and the toll that time has taken on his soul. The repeated references to 'falling' and 'crawling' evoke a sense of helplessness and inevitability, as if the narrator is being pulled down by the weight of his experiences and emotions.

The song's imagery of falling leaves and the passage of time underscores the theme of impermanence and the inevitability of change. The narrator's attempts to make his mother proud, despite feeling like he has wasted his life, highlight the universal struggle for validation and acceptance from loved ones. The line 'To the last goodbyes, who cares why?' suggests a sense of futility and resignation, as if the reasons behind their actions no longer matter in the face of their overwhelming emotions.

The repetition of the phrase 'Once upon a time in my life' serves as a nostalgic reflection on the past, emphasizing the narrator's longing for a time when things were different. This phrase, often associated with fairy tales, contrasts sharply with the harsh reality of the narrator's current state, adding a layer of irony and melancholy to the song. The final lines, where the narrator expresses his hope that his mother knows how much he misses her, bring the song full circle, ending on a note of longing and unresolved emotion. The Smashing Pumpkins' signature blend of introspective lyrics and haunting melodies make 'Once Upon A Time' a powerful meditation on the passage of time and the enduring impact of familial relationships.