Cherub Rock is a song by Smashing Pumpkins According to various interviews with lead singer Billy Corgan, the lyrics of this song are an ironic attack on the 'Indie' credibility in Chicago's music scene that he was feeling frustrated with - the old complaint about bands going to major labels becoming sell-outs. (thanks, Quinn - Sechelt, Canada) The Smashing Pumpkins performed this on Saturday Night Live on October 30, 1993.