- published: 11 May 2016
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William Patrick "Billy" Corgan, Jr. (born March 17, 1967) is an American musician, producer, and occasional poet best known as the frontman and sole permanent member of The Smashing Pumpkins. Formed by Corgan and guitarist James Iha in Chicago, Illinois, in 1987, the band quickly gained steam with the addition of bassist D'arcy Wretzky and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. The band's direction has largely been driven by Corgan through his confessional lyrics, grandiose production values, and virtuosic musical interplay, notably with Chamberlin. In three years, The Smashing Pumpkins had transformed themselves into a major label success. Strong album sales and large-scale tours propelled the band's increasing fame in the 1990s, while Chamberlin's drug problems escalated until he had to be fired. The Pumpkins continued as a three-piece until Chamberlin rejoined the band in 1999, then broke up in 2000. Corgan started a new band with Chamberlin right away, called Zwan, and after their demise, he released a solo album (The Future Embrace) and a collection of poetry (Blinking with Fists) before setting his sights on reforming the Smashing Pumpkins.
the gifts I share
the love I kept inside for you
there's no one there but failed soldiers
and dare we feel
we shared a light that won't go out
but goes on
what's farther than the noonday sun?
you know I'm true
I wasn't born to follow
you know I'm true
I wasn't born to follow
you are what you are to me
you are what you are to me
I take things down
I play chess from both sides now
there's no regrets
just junk sayings
what is the price if you won't play?
you know I'm true
wasn't born to follow
you know I'm true
wasn't born to follow
you stay with me
you stay with me when I go
you know I'm true
wasn't born to follow
yeah yeah
you know I'm true