Initially premiered via a TikTok live stream before its digital release to streaming platforms.

is the lead single from The Smashing Pumpkins' 12th studio album, Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts , released on September 20, 2022. The track marked a high point for the band’s modern era, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Rock Airplay chart, their first top 10 hit since 2007. Sound and Style

The Official Music Video was directed by Linda Strawberry and features the band's current lineup, including original members James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin. The Smashing Pumpkins – Beguiled Lyrics - Genius

Frontman Billy Corgan has stated the lyrics are sung from the perspective of an authoritarian character delivering propaganda to the masses.

As part of the ATUM rock opera, "Beguiled" serves a specific narrative purpose within the 33-song story.

The song is characterized by heavy, "chugging" guitar riffs that draw comparisons to classic metal acts like and Judas Priest .

Sonically, it moved away from the synth-heavy pop of their previous album, Cyr , returning to a grittier, guitar-led alternative metal sound. Meaning and Context