Pinwheels

The Smashing Pumpkins' song 'Pinwheels' is a poetic exploration of emotional connections and the cyclical nature of relationships. The lyrics are rich with celestial imagery, invoking 'Mother Moon' and 'Mistress of the sun,' which suggest a cosmic balance and a sense of guidance or protection. These figures seem to represent nurturing and constant forces in the singer's life, offering reassurance with the repeated phrase 'I got you.' This repetition underscores a theme of unwavering support and presence, even amidst emotional turbulence.

The song's chorus and verses convey a sense of floating and transformation, as the singer contemplates staying 'blue-black' or changing next to a significant other. This imagery of floating suggests a state of liminality, where the singer is between states of being, reflecting on past losses and future possibilities. The line 'Finding a way to make the loss seem new' indicates a struggle to reinterpret or come to terms with past emotional pain, suggesting that the process of healing and moving forward is ongoing and complex.

The juxtaposition of 'you don't deserve me, but I deserve you' highlights a tension in the relationship, where the singer feels a sense of self-worth and entitlement to love, despite feeling unappreciated. This dynamic adds depth to the song, portraying the complexities of self-esteem and mutual respect in relationships. The closing lines, 'If nobody wins, then what gets lost? If I've got you,' encapsulate the existential pondering of the song, questioning the nature of victory and loss in the context of love and connection. 'Pinwheels' ultimately paints a vivid picture of emotional resilience and the search for meaning in the ebb and flow of relationships.