Introduction
“Ava Adore” is a song from the Smashing Pumpkins’ fourth studio album, “Adore,” released in 1998. The track was the album’s first single and became a hit, reaching number 42 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Despite being one of the band’s most popular songs, there is still much discussion about the meaning behind the lyrics and the inspiration for the song. In this article, we will explore the story behind “Ava Adore,” what the lyrics mean, and how it has become an iconic song for the Smashing Pumpkins.
The Story of “Ava Adore”
The Smashing Pumpkins’ frontman, Billy Corgan, wrote “Ava Adore” during a difficult period in his life. The band’s drummer, Jimmy Chamberlin, had just been fired due to his ongoing drug problems, and Corgan was going through a painful divorce. He has described the song as his attempt to “deal with my own anxiety and my own depression and my own sense of hopelessness.”
Corgan has also explained that the song was inspired by the music of 1960s French singer Françoise Hardy. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he said: “I got really interested in the idea of using French vowels, which led me to listen to Françoise Hardy, who I’d missed the boat on in the ’80s.” The song’s title, “Ava Adore,” is a play on words that rhymes with the French phrase “il va adorer,” which means “he will love.”
The Lyrics of “Ava Adore”
The lyrics of “Ava Adore” are notoriously difficult to decipher, with many interpretations proposed over the years. The song’s chorus, which repeats the phrase “God is empty just like me,” has been interpreted as a commentary on the spiritual emptiness of modern society. Corgan has said that the line was inspired by a sermon he heard on a Christian radio station, where a preacher said, “God is the only one who can love you completely.” Corgan disagreed, saying that “we can all love each other, but we can’t love each other completely because we’re all flawed.”
Other interpretations of the lyrics include suggestions that the song is about a doomed relationship or a woman who has been mistreated by men. The line “you’re the saddest thing I’ve ever seen” has been interpreted as a reference to a woman who has been objectified and mistreated by men, while the line “you always get what you deserve” has been seen as a warning to those who mistreat women.
The Musical Inspiration Behind “Ava Adore”
The music of “Ava Adore” is a departure from the Smashing Pumpkins’ previous albums, which had been characterized by their heavy guitar sound and complex arrangements. “Ava Adore” features a more electronic sound, with drum machines and synthesizers playing a prominent role. Corgan has said that he was inspired by the music of artists like Portishead and Massive Attack, as well as the work of French composer Maurice Ravel.
The song’s opening riff, played on a harpsichord, is one of its most recognizable features. Corgan has said that he wrote the riff on a cheap keyboard while sitting in the back of a taxi, and that he originally intended it to be played on a guitar. However, he later decided that the harpsichord sound was more appropriate for the song’s delicate atmosphere.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
What was the inspiration for “Ava Adore”?
As we mentioned earlier, “Ava Adore” was written during a difficult period in Billy Corgan’s life. He was going through a painful divorce and dealing with the band’s drummer, Jimmy Chamberlin’s, drug problems. Corgan has said that the song was his attempt to deal with his own anxiety and depression.
What is the meaning behind the lyrics of “Ava Adore”?
The lyrics of “Ava Adore” have been interpreted in many ways over the years. Some people see the song as a commentary on modern society’s spiritual emptiness, while others interpret it as a warning against mistreating women. Ultimately, the interpretation of the lyrics is up to the listener.
How did the musical style of “Ava Adore” differ from the Smashing Pumpkins’ previous albums?
“Ava Adore” featured a more electronic sound than the Smashing Pumpkins’ previous albums. Billy Corgan was inspired by the music of bands like Portishead and Massive Attack, as well as the work of French composer Maurice Ravel.
What was the inspiration for the song’s opening harpsichord riff?
Billy Corgan has said that he wrote the opening harpsichord riff on a cheap keyboard while sitting in the back of a taxi. He originally intended the riff to be played on a guitar, but later decided that the harpsichord sound was more appropriate.
Did “Ava Adore” become a hit?
Yes, “Ava Adore” was the first single from the Smashing Pumpkins’ album “Adore,” and it became a hit, reaching number 42 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
What was the critical reception to “Ava Adore”?
Critics praised “Ava Adore” for its atmospheric sound and innovative instrumentation. The song was also seen as a departure from the Smashing Pumpkins’ previous albums, which had focused on heavy guitar sounds.
What role did French singer Françoise Hardy play in the creation of “Ava Adore”?
Billy Corgan has said that he was inspired by the French vowels used in Françoise Hardy’s music, which he then incorporated into “Ava Adore.” The song’s title is a play on words that rhymes with the French phrase “il va adorer,” meaning “he will love.”
Was “Ava Adore” part of a concept album?
No, “Ava Adore” was not part of a concept album. However, the Smashing Pumpkins’ next album, “Machina/The Machines of God,” was a concept album about a rock star named Zero who has accepted his own mortality.
What have the Smashing Pumpkins said about “Ava Adore” over the years?
The Smashing Pumpkins have described “Ava Adore” as a departure from their previous albums and a reflection of the difficult period in Billy Corgan’s life. Corgan has said that the song was his attempt to deal with his own anxiety and depression.
Has “Ava Adore” been covered by other artists?
Yes, “Ava Adore” has been covered by several artists, including Marilyn Manson, who recorded a version of the song for the soundtrack of the film “Not Another Teen Movie.”
Did the Smashing Pumpkins perform “Ava Adore” live?
Yes, the Smashing Pumpkins performed “Ava Adore” live during their 1998 tour in support of the album “Adore.” The song has become a fan favorite and is often requested at the band’s concerts.
What impact has “Ava Adore” had on the Smashing Pumpkins’ legacy?
“Ava Adore” is now seen as one of the Smashing Pumpkins’ most iconic songs, and it helped establish the band as innovators in the alternative rock genre. The song’s electronic sound and innovative instrumentation have influenced many other artists in the years since its release.
