Pennies

The Smashing Pumpkins' song 'Pennies' delves into the complex emotions surrounding a past relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of two people who stumbled into each other's lives, only to be torn apart by fate. The narrator reflects on the love they once shared, emphasizing how deeply they cared, especially during moments of separation. This recurring theme of love and loss is a poignant reminder of the bittersweet nature of relationships that don't last.

The song's chorus, 'All the world must know that I loved you so,' underscores the narrator's need to express their enduring feelings, even after the relationship has ended. The mention of a new girlfriend who resembles the former lover suggests a lingering attachment and a struggle to move on. This new relationship seems to be a way for the narrator to cope with the heartbreak, yet it also highlights the irreplaceable nature of the past love.

The repeated phrase 'Pennies for sale' at the end of the song can be interpreted as a metaphor for the narrator's feelings of worthlessness and the devaluation of their emotions. Pennies, often seen as insignificant and of little value, symbolize how the narrator feels about their own worth in the aftermath of the breakup. This metaphor adds a layer of depth to the song, illustrating the emotional toll of lost love and the struggle to find self-worth in its wake.