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Blinking with Fists: Poems
The hit poetry collection from the creative force behind The Smashing Pumpkins
Having risen to fame during the grunge era in the early nineties, Billy Corgan is among the most respected figures of the alternative rock world―a visionary artist who, more than a decade later, still commands a devoted following. Long admired for his evocative songwriting, Corgan embarks on a deeper exploration of literary terrain as a poet. Full of "the regretful melancholy of his music [and] the rhythmic, angular wordplay of his best Pumpkins lyrics" (Jeff Vrabel, Chicago Sun-Times), the poems in this collection form an imagistic journey through the intensely personal as Corgan throws into sharp relief issues of love, loss, identity, and loyalty. Crafted with a thoughtful and cadenced approach that shares the same allegiance to thunder and quiet found in his music, these writings further solidify Corgan's place as the voice of a generation.
Having risen to fame during the grunge era in the early nineties, Billy Corgan is among the most respected figures of the alternative rock world―a visionary artist who, more than a decade later, still commands a devoted following. Long admired for his evocative songwriting, Corgan embarks on a deeper exploration of literary terrain as a poet. Full of "the regretful melancholy of his music [and] the rhythmic, angular wordplay of his best Pumpkins lyrics" (Jeff Vrabel, Chicago Sun-Times), the poems in this collection form an imagistic journey through the intensely personal as Corgan throws into sharp relief issues of love, loss, identity, and loyalty. Crafted with a thoughtful and cadenced approach that shares the same allegiance to thunder and quiet found in his music, these writings further solidify Corgan's place as the voice of a generation.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
19 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Billy Corgan
52 books55 followersWilliam Patrick Corgan, Jr. is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and occasional poet. Corgan is the vocalist and lead guitarist for alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins, who are known for their complex, layered style, and Corgan's distinctive vocals and guitar solos.[citation needed]
Music journalist Jim DeRogatis declared, "Of all the memorable artists and characters that the alternative era produced, [Corgan] was the most traditional rock star, with all of the good and bad traits that implies." When the band broke up in 2000, Corgan went on to form the short-lived Zwan with former Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. After releasing a solo album and a collection of poetry, Corgan reformed The Smashing Pumpkins with Chamberlin in 2006.
Music journalist Jim DeRogatis declared, "Of all the memorable artists and characters that the alternative era produced, [Corgan] was the most traditional rock star, with all of the good and bad traits that implies." When the band broke up in 2000, Corgan went on to form the short-lived Zwan with former Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. After releasing a solo album and a collection of poetry, Corgan reformed The Smashing Pumpkins with Chamberlin in 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
March 7, 2019
Billy Corgan is best known as the frontman of The Smashing Pumpkins, and we have all heard his poetry consciously or un. I submit:
Or perhaps:
Something about the Smashing Pumpkins resonated with me as a teen, and they have remained my favorite band throughout the years. It's the musical craft. It's the mix of whimsy and mystery and peace and rage, often within the span of a single track. But importantly, it's the poetry. Corgan was and remains a prolific artist, never ceasing to create new material and rail against those who would have him regurgitate. In 2004, Four years after the Pumpkins broke up and one year after his spin-off band Zwan had dissolved (also a year before his solo album The Future Embrace), Corgan released this small book of poetry: Blinking With Fists. I was living in LA at the time, having recently graduated from college and lost my faith, and stood in a long line to have him sign a copy. As I stepped up, I made some awkward comment about how tired he must be of signing books. He demurred along the lines of "Yeah, well... it is what it is." Then I said, "Thanks for the influence." That made him stop, smile, and look up: "You're welcome."
I read a bit of the book then, but mostly it's been part of the decor on my various shelves for the past 15 years. On occasion I'll go on a Pumpkins binge and buy whatever new albums they've released (the band re-formed in 2006; long story), and on such a recent binge I finally sat down to read Blinking With Fists in its entirety.
It's fascinating to read what I would call the same poetry of the songs, but denuded of musical accompaniment. There is similar structure: the same visions of the ethereal, the mercurial, the lost and twilight. The same esoteric word choices and rapid pivots of vantage point. Religious allusions to archangels and apostles. Pining over love unrequited, love seen from afar, or love that has grown old and lives only as memory. Restless poking and prodding, questioning, dissatisfaction with easy answers.
In song form, our ears do a lot of heavy lifting to absorb the evocative words and string them into relevant images and messages. It's interesting to look back at those lyrics and realize they lack in narrative what they make up for in sensation. The poetry adds another vantage point: seeing the words themselves and choosing to invent your own tunes, or guess at their personal meaning to the author, or simply learn to let those fleeting images sail inscrutably by and, on occasion, like cosmic rays, make impact. Either way, thanks for the influence.
Shakedown 1979, cool kids never have the time
On a live wire right up off the street
You and I should meet
June bug skipping like a stone
With the headlights pointed at the dawn
We were sure we'd never see an end to it all
(from 1979)
Or perhaps:
The world is a vampire, sent to drain
Secret destroyers, hold you up to the flames
And what do I get, for my pain?
Betrayed desires, and a piece of the game
(from Bullet with Butterfly Wings)
Something about the Smashing Pumpkins resonated with me as a teen, and they have remained my favorite band throughout the years. It's the musical craft. It's the mix of whimsy and mystery and peace and rage, often within the span of a single track. But importantly, it's the poetry. Corgan was and remains a prolific artist, never ceasing to create new material and rail against those who would have him regurgitate. In 2004, Four years after the Pumpkins broke up and one year after his spin-off band Zwan had dissolved (also a year before his solo album The Future Embrace), Corgan released this small book of poetry: Blinking With Fists. I was living in LA at the time, having recently graduated from college and lost my faith, and stood in a long line to have him sign a copy. As I stepped up, I made some awkward comment about how tired he must be of signing books. He demurred along the lines of "Yeah, well... it is what it is." Then I said, "Thanks for the influence." That made him stop, smile, and look up: "You're welcome."
I read a bit of the book then, but mostly it's been part of the decor on my various shelves for the past 15 years. On occasion I'll go on a Pumpkins binge and buy whatever new albums they've released (the band re-formed in 2006; long story), and on such a recent binge I finally sat down to read Blinking With Fists in its entirety.
It's fascinating to read what I would call the same poetry of the songs, but denuded of musical accompaniment. There is similar structure: the same visions of the ethereal, the mercurial, the lost and twilight. The same esoteric word choices and rapid pivots of vantage point. Religious allusions to archangels and apostles. Pining over love unrequited, love seen from afar, or love that has grown old and lives only as memory. Restless poking and prodding, questioning, dissatisfaction with easy answers.
In song form, our ears do a lot of heavy lifting to absorb the evocative words and string them into relevant images and messages. It's interesting to look back at those lyrics and realize they lack in narrative what they make up for in sensation. The poetry adds another vantage point: seeing the words themselves and choosing to invent your own tunes, or guess at their personal meaning to the author, or simply learn to let those fleeting images sail inscrutably by and, on occasion, like cosmic rays, make impact. Either way, thanks for the influence.
March 28, 2007
Not even the 10+ years I spent adoring Billy Corgan could save me from having a poor opinion of this book. It mostly reads like bad high school poetry that he wrote with a thesaurus next to his desk.
March 1, 2013
I had relatively high hopes for this collection. After all, I enjoy most of Corgan's music under the Smashing Pumpkins umbrella. However, reading this collection turned out to be a disappointing experience.
I never paid too much attention to Corgan's lyrics, mainly because his thin, whiny voice is difficult to comprehend, but also because the overall *sound* of the song is often more important than what he's actually trying to say. Take "Siva" or "I Am One" for instance--they sound phenomenal but don't say a whole lot. "1979" is one of the few Pumpkins songs with the triumvirate of good plot, audible lyrics, and excellent hook.
My warning flag should have been the publishing date: 2004, right after his "happy music" efforts with Zwan. That album was an enjoyable but odd departure from the normally appealingly bleak Pumpkins fare. It turns out that this shiny side of Corgan wormed its way into his non-music poetry too. You get titles like "The Poetry of My Heart", "The Sun of Flowers", and "A Twixt the Twine". Their content is just as irritatingly generic and abstract as their titles.
Not all is lost. The "title" poem is darn good, and "See Saw Swam" is an intriguing exercise in language. "A Wax Seal" also strikes a chord, especially appealing in the lines "Apologies if I tripped that wire / The one attached to desire." But too often efforts like "Chiaroscuro" sound like lyrics to a never-released Pumpkins song and fall utterly flat on the page without Corgan's shimmering music to prop it up.
I've written abstract poetry myself, so I know what it's like to try to convey some of these ideas successfully while still trying to be unique. But there just isn't enough here to merit serious reading.
I never paid too much attention to Corgan's lyrics, mainly because his thin, whiny voice is difficult to comprehend, but also because the overall *sound* of the song is often more important than what he's actually trying to say. Take "Siva" or "I Am One" for instance--they sound phenomenal but don't say a whole lot. "1979" is one of the few Pumpkins songs with the triumvirate of good plot, audible lyrics, and excellent hook.
My warning flag should have been the publishing date: 2004, right after his "happy music" efforts with Zwan. That album was an enjoyable but odd departure from the normally appealingly bleak Pumpkins fare. It turns out that this shiny side of Corgan wormed its way into his non-music poetry too. You get titles like "The Poetry of My Heart", "The Sun of Flowers", and "A Twixt the Twine". Their content is just as irritatingly generic and abstract as their titles.
Not all is lost. The "title" poem is darn good, and "See Saw Swam" is an intriguing exercise in language. "A Wax Seal" also strikes a chord, especially appealing in the lines "Apologies if I tripped that wire / The one attached to desire." But too often efforts like "Chiaroscuro" sound like lyrics to a never-released Pumpkins song and fall utterly flat on the page without Corgan's shimmering music to prop it up.
I've written abstract poetry myself, so I know what it's like to try to convey some of these ideas successfully while still trying to be unique. But there just isn't enough here to merit serious reading.
May 30, 2007
I have always had a hard time pinning a number or opinion to a poem by someone I don't know personally. Mr. Corgan is an amazing lyricist which is why I bought this book through the mail the instant it was available (and had a friend get it signed by Mr. Corgan himself). It is his amazing powers of speech that beckoned me to tear through the book three times end after end look for a whisper of that same voice in the words printed before me. I was disappointed to find myself so disappointed. I was disgusted to find myself so bored. After a short time I read through his online journaling and recognized that same undeveloped voice I had rummaged through in his book.
I am still a huge fan of the man and his music. I would suggest that anyone who likes him read his poetry because there is definitely a piece of him in there...it’s just not as honed or practiced as I had originally been looking for. I mostly blame myself for setting expectations before reading the book.
I am still a huge fan of the man and his music. I would suggest that anyone who likes him read his poetry because there is definitely a piece of him in there...it’s just not as honed or practiced as I had originally been looking for. I mostly blame myself for setting expectations before reading the book.
September 10, 2007
Didn't like it is probably the understatement of the decade. How about the fact that I could've burned it until I remembered that I could take it back to the bookstore and get a better book instead? Yes. Yes.
May 3, 2008
I've never classed myself as a huge fan of the Smashing Pumpkins, but what does appeal to me most on the albums I own is their lyrics and sense of storytelling within the songs.
As such I was interested to see how Billy Corgan comes across on paper. And generally I think the answer is quite well.
There were times when he seemed a bit overblown, and a spirituality is evident throughout which didnt appeal to me that much.
But there are moments of striking skill with words and stunning and original images peppered throughout.
I'm left wondering what he could do with the prose form...
As such I was interested to see how Billy Corgan comes across on paper. And generally I think the answer is quite well.
There were times when he seemed a bit overblown, and a spirituality is evident throughout which didnt appeal to me that much.
But there are moments of striking skill with words and stunning and original images peppered throughout.
I'm left wondering what he could do with the prose form...
November 28, 2009
I love Billy's work, I really do, but the poems in this collection are so disappointing, especially because they could've been so much better. A lot of great ideas, a lot of great sounds, a lot of great images, but the poems really need a good edit to make them stronger. In a poem everything needs to be tight because of brevity, and the weak parts really drag down the rest of the poem, over and over again.
I went to the poetry reading in Chicago, and one of these poems had a very powerful image, a short two line segment, that was cut from the poem before publication. Sadly.
Billy's incredibly gifted, but without the music to back them up, the words in these poems more often than not don't manage to stand on their own. I'm not sure how much input Billy got from an editor or other poets before submitting these poems for publication, but they strike me as rather early drafts of what could've been great poems.
I went to the poetry reading in Chicago, and one of these poems had a very powerful image, a short two line segment, that was cut from the poem before publication. Sadly.
Billy's incredibly gifted, but without the music to back them up, the words in these poems more often than not don't manage to stand on their own. I'm not sure how much input Billy got from an editor or other poets before submitting these poems for publication, but they strike me as rather early drafts of what could've been great poems.
January 5, 2014
I could not even finish this book because reading it made me cringe and want to go ' Oh Billy' out loud to my self in a sad voice. I am a fan of his music both old and new, he does have talent there.But I honestly think that if he WASN'T Billy Corgan NO publisher would touch this book or give it a second thought. The poems did not rhyme, and sounded sophomoric and that they were the poorly put together thoughts of a angst ridden girl whose parents did not understand how deep and complicated she is. I really do feel bad about saying this, but I am not going to flatter or sugar coat because he is Billy Corgan. If anything he deserves honesty, and honestly I think he should stick to music. Sorry Billy.
May 12, 2008
What I dislike more then seascapes is lame poetry about seascapes and there are several references to seascapes and the sky and it kinda made me want to throw up a little. Corgan can do much better than this. He's a complete ass but the boy can write. Unfortunately, I didn't find that genius in this book.
The date of this book is 2004. I felt this was earlier for some reason. There are a few poems that were great but nothing that really blew my mind like some of his lyrics have done.
The date of this book is 2004. I felt this was earlier for some reason. There are a few poems that were great but nothing that really blew my mind like some of his lyrics have done.
Read
January 21, 2009I basically bought this book just so that I could meet Billy Corgan at a book signing. I was quite poor at the time, and man, poetry books are expensive. Worth it though.
January 12, 2022
If you want to be hurt by the end of book, this is a must read. Poem after poem tears shed down the pages. You can feel the hurt in every page
October 22, 2023
I knew once I’d had a copy in my clutches I’d tear through it like the fan girl that I am. Billy Corgan certainly has a flair for the dramatic.
Some poems were hard to decipher and I didn’t love them all but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still awestruck by his mind.
Some poems were hard to decipher and I didn’t love them all but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still awestruck by his mind.
October 31, 2025
Forlorn. Deeply expressive. This short work contains poems of powerful meaning and poems that I do not understand. Is there a word for heartbreaking decrescendo?
I am a tremendous Smashing Pumpkins fan. This work is worth the read.
I am a tremendous Smashing Pumpkins fan. This work is worth the read.
February 22, 2018
Two stars is generous. I found this at Value Village and was unaware that Billy Corgan wrote poetry. And in a way, he doesn’t... cuz this was pretty bad. It lacked a coherent theme, I struggled to figure out what any of the poems were actually about, and the majority read as a string of random words that lacked any kind of flow. I’ve literally seen predictive text iPhone writing that makes more sense. I read this collection without looking at any reviews and once finished was unsurprised to see that most other readers were just as unimpressed. Too bad.
April 7, 2022
This book is so bad I can't even bring myself to put it on my READ list, the thought of it's memory tainting all the good (and bad) books I've previously read makes just me nauseous.
Tired, clichéd phrases like "dashed upon the rocks" and "quench my thirst" and "lost souls" should be banned from the English vocabulary at all costs and Billy Corgan's poetry is packed with them. At a certain point I realized my face had become contorted by a subconscious disgust at what I was wading through.
I imagine this might appeal to the 15-24 year old "dark-hearted emo poets" of Instagram -- in fact I often pictured Corgan sitting at his faux-Victorian writing desk, clad in a long black cloak, thick eye-shadow, with a goblet of elixer and plate of Twinkies at his side while writing this drivel -- but anyone with taste in words and imagination should not waste their time exploring this, not even as novelty.
⭐ Putrid.
Tired, clichéd phrases like "dashed upon the rocks" and "quench my thirst" and "lost souls" should be banned from the English vocabulary at all costs and Billy Corgan's poetry is packed with them. At a certain point I realized my face had become contorted by a subconscious disgust at what I was wading through.
I imagine this might appeal to the 15-24 year old "dark-hearted emo poets" of Instagram -- in fact I often pictured Corgan sitting at his faux-Victorian writing desk, clad in a long black cloak, thick eye-shadow, with a goblet of elixer and plate of Twinkies at his side while writing this drivel -- but anyone with taste in words and imagination should not waste their time exploring this, not even as novelty.
⭐ Putrid.
April 6, 2011
The poems collected here truly evoke images of the tortured artist. From myths to lost loves to American cities, the subjects flow as wide as thoughts in a brainstorming exercise. But each poem is meticulous in its words and each word creates a sense of wonder in the reader. Corgan is perhaps more known for his talents as singer and songwriter with the band, The Smashing Pumpkins, making the poems most similar to his lyrics rise to the top of the collection. Music seems to gush out of these glimpses of the band's famous song catalogue, full of familiarity and dissonance all at once. However, each poem is in its own sense lyrical and sweeping, so by the end, a journey of the mind has taken place.
September 25, 2007
So, let me start by saying that I am a huge Smashing Pumpkins nerd. I've spent countless dollars and hours on just about everything Billy Corgan, no matter how obscure (or stupid) the project. I think the man is brilliant as a lyricist. When I heard he was working on a book of poetry, sure, I had a stiffy. Then I read the book and my dick went more limp than the prose.
Seriously, all I have to say is that if I wrote those poems they'd never be published. Outside of about two pieces, Corgan seems totally out of his element. He stumbles awkwardly over language and either gets lost in his own rhythm or stuck in obscure and unsuccessful imagery.
Seriously, all I have to say is that if I wrote those poems they'd never be published. Outside of about two pieces, Corgan seems totally out of his element. He stumbles awkwardly over language and either gets lost in his own rhythm or stuck in obscure and unsuccessful imagery.
March 23, 2008
Let me just say, as many people have, that I am a huge Pumpkin's fan. Corgan is truly a great songwriter when he is in love or in pain. But what the hell was up with this book? 'Blinking with fists' ? Really? What does that mean?
Those were the exact questions I asked myself while I read this book. Expecting to be impressed and head-over-heels in love with this book, I have to say it fell short and it didn't give me the goosebumps I thought it would. I must say, he is an above and beyond talented person with an amazing force to pull you in with his songs, but this book didn't do it and I can't get over how disappointed I am.
Better luck next time, bud.
Those were the exact questions I asked myself while I read this book. Expecting to be impressed and head-over-heels in love with this book, I have to say it fell short and it didn't give me the goosebumps I thought it would. I must say, he is an above and beyond talented person with an amazing force to pull you in with his songs, but this book didn't do it and I can't get over how disappointed I am.
Better luck next time, bud.
September 22, 2010
More widely known as the singer from The Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Corgan's Blinking with Fists proves that his talent is not restricted to performance in vocals. This collection of lyrical poetry deals with a wide range of issues, from love to hate and back again--plus, of course, a nature poem or two to emphasis the healing power of the natural world. His carefully crafted insights into our world make him a must-read for aspiring poets or readers of poetry. It challenged me on my previous thoughts about the line distinguishing lyrics and poetry—apparently, they can be one in the same, for some artists!
October 4, 2010
Actually it's very disappointing. I had a lot of expectation when purchasing this book and it just didn't make as much of an impact, or any impact at all, to me as I foretold it to. I expected an imagination emphasis, but it didn't give me that emotion I feel when listening to Smashing Pumpkins. I don't believe reading this was a waste of time, it was just ok. It still entertained me, I just thought it would be much more than it is.
Not to mention poetry books are ridiculously expensive.
PS:
Billy Corgan is also writing a novel... Let's fasten our seatbelts and take motivational breaths.
Don't let me down!
Not to mention poetry books are ridiculously expensive.
PS:
Billy Corgan is also writing a novel... Let's fasten our seatbelts and take motivational breaths.
Don't let me down!
November 7, 2012
I am as disappointed as everyone else. Love Corgan as a lyricist, but I think as a musician has tools of chord, rhythm and dissonance, so too does the learned poet. The words are there, but what about punctuation, spacing, etc, to tell the audience at what pace it is to be read, otherwise, like others said, it feels like a mess of amateur words.
I borrowed this back from a friend I gave it to as a gift, and am happy she never read it. She isn't a fan of poetry and this wouldn't have been the right one to let her in on it.
I borrowed this back from a friend I gave it to as a gift, and am happy she never read it. She isn't a fan of poetry and this wouldn't have been the right one to let her in on it.
April 22, 2012
it's imperfection gives me room to try, and then, who am i to say it's not perfect. he pushes the shape of himself into existence, and pushes and pushes. thank god for billy corgan; he gives me the courage to keep writing and this book, as are his songs, are a big part of my journey into sound.
November 17, 2011
Beautiful poems by the rock god/legend himself...give complex yet touching insights into the man himself.
June 10, 2014
much better than the three and a half stars people have given it. if you don't understand billy corgan, we can't be buddies!!
August 6, 2015
You've disappointed me, Billy.
June 20, 2025
Enjoyable and accomplished. It has a lot of echoes of Zwan-era Billy, with the seeds of what came after. Nice to see it still in print and available after 21 years.
March 18, 2024
Anyone saying the poems in this are childish are reading with a very pretentious lens in my opinion. I am a fan of the smashing pumpkins and from hearing Corgan's lyrics I always wondered if he was a writer, as it's clear that the way he chooses to write demonstrates an eye for symbolism, rhythm, metaphors etc. When I found that he published a poetry book I was not surprised at all.
I think a good example of one of his poems is a twist the twine in this poem his writing skills are on full display, the use of rhyming, rhythm, diction is very reminiscent of his music, but also really well suited in the format of poetry. The amount of literary devices he employs in the poem alone is honestly beyond what you would expect from a person publishing poetry who is not really known specially for their poems.
I think a good example of one of his poems is a twist the twine in this poem his writing skills are on full display, the use of rhyming, rhythm, diction is very reminiscent of his music, but also really well suited in the format of poetry. The amount of literary devices he employs in the poem alone is honestly beyond what you would expect from a person publishing poetry who is not really known specially for their poems.
August 4, 2018
Most people who read this book are Smashing Pumpkins fans, or fans of poetric verse within the construct of music, not poetry fans. Myself included. I tried to consider that when reading reviews and while reading the poems themselves. In the end, despite a few attractive lines and verses, this is not an enjoyable book of poetry to read. If after reading a poem several times you still have no idea what the poem means or even how the words fit together, it is not a good poem. This book is a collection of those.
December 30, 2020
i love melon collie and the infinite sadness, and my mom has had this book for forever so i thought i’d read it to tack on a year-end read. unfortunately there were only three-ish poems that really stood out to me, and only a couple lines that struck me. i guess not all lyricists match themselves as poets (at least IMO). or maybe everything is lost on me after having read richard siken. idk. thanks for getting me closer to my reading goal tho🙏
May 17, 2025
Just as beautifully executed through his musical lyrics is just as transformative in his poetry. Whether it is the reader getting into Corgan's mind to seek meaning or reflection of your own past and thoughts to bring comfort, reminisce, or contemplation. Definitely keeping copy in my library for many years to come!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews