By Starlight

Album: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In Billy Corgan's autobiography he describes his wedding day, writing that while the priest spoke he looked into his wife's eyes and thought she was a million miles away. He makes constant reference to her eyes in this song: "Dead eyes vacant as the sea."

    He didn't enjoy the wedding day, and at night when his wife had gone to bed he went out and looked up at the stars and thought he had made a mistake, hence "by starlight." He says, "I'll promise to be your one and only," and "Are you just like me," showing that he thinks she feels the same way. Corgan married Chris Fabian in 1993, and they divorced in 1997. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Leanne - Dublin, Ireland

Comments: 1

  • Ripu from North Shore, New ZealandHm i totally disagree with this interpretation. i allways thought it was about how maybe seeing someone and really just liking them at that moment but knowing their name or anything just knowing them by a distinctive feature (like dead eyes as vacent as the seas) and wondering if the person is just as lonely as you and just like you
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian OrchestraSongwriter Interviews

Writing great prog metal isn't easy, especially when it's for 60 musicians.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."