Who Goes There

The Smashing Pumpkins' song 'Who Goes There' delves into the complexities of existence, relationships, and the search for meaning. The lyrics open with a postcard from the cross, a metaphor that suggests a message from a place of suffering or sacrifice. This sets the tone for a reflective journey, where the narrator contemplates their place in the world and the nature of their connections with others. The mention of zebras on a megaphone adds a surreal touch, emphasizing the absurdity and unpredictability of life. The repeated lines about no one taking them home or leaving them alone highlight a sense of isolation and the struggle to find a sense of belonging.

The song also explores themes of familial relationships and the passage of time. The lines 'Father to the child, I'm daughter to the man' suggest a cyclical nature of life and the roles we play within it. The narrator's admission of never having been to Katmandu and not having the mien to choose reflects a sense of missed opportunities and the constraints of personal choice. The imagery of hanging 'round on tender hooks' conveys a feeling of being in a state of suspense or uncertainty, waiting for something more substantial than just time.

Love and faith are central themes in 'Who Goes There.' The narrator's belief in 'you, not us' and the idea that 'wish is faith and forgive is trust' point to a personal, perhaps spiritual, journey. The repeated plea to 'say you will say, love makes mine' underscores the importance of love as a guiding force. The song's closing lines, 'Who goes there now?' leave the listener with a lingering question about identity and purpose, inviting introspection and a deeper understanding of one's own path in life.