Courtney Love Says Hole’s ‘Violet’ Isn’t “Just About Billy Corgan,” As Handwritten Lyrics Auctioned For Charity

Courtney Love has donated her handwritten lyrics to Hole’s gold-selling 1994 single, “Violet,” to a charity auction. Ahead of the sale, Love has opened up about the song’s inspirations, and disclosed that the tune is “not just about Billy Corgan.” The auction is a fundraiser for the wildlife sanctuary Ellis Park, which cares for rescued animals in Sumatra and was founded by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ Warren Ellis. Love shared her thoughts about “Violet” in a statement that was shared by her team: “It’s not just about Billy Corgan, as many might assume; it’s about sitting on the fire escape of his flat, sipping cheap wine and taking a Vicodin (oh, to be young!) while the Chicago sun sets, leaving behind a bejeweled amethyst sky. The piece also touches on the theme of being caught between two boys—representing the angel and devil within me, as well as my own nature.” (NME)