According to Fripp: "The album presents two distinct sides of the band’s personality, which has caused at least as much confusion for the group as it has the public and the industry. The left side is accessible, the right side excessive."
The "other side" on the 2001 CD remaster consists of instrumental material from the 1983 sessions, and a 1989 a cappella recording (first published in the 1991 "Frame By Frame" box set) in which Tony Levin performed his humorous song "The King Crimson Barber Shop".
The title of the album is based on the idea of “perfect opposites”, or someone's truth, someone else's truth, and an objective truth (the idea of “three sides to every story”).
The Peter Willis designed artwork illustrates the sacred–profane dichotomy while being a simplified version of the Larks' Tongues in Aspic cover; a rising phallic object represents a male solar deity about to penetrate the crescent figure, a female lunar deity. According to Fripp, the artwork is “a presentation of a reconciliation of Western & Eastern Christianity..the front cover has the two elements, representing the male & female principles. The back cover has the third element drawing together & reconciling the preceding opposite terms”.
Tracks 10-15 were added for the 2001 30th Anniversary remaster. The aforementioned instrumentals, “The King Crimson Barbershop”, and three alternate mixes of "Sleepless". Two of the three were previously released on the UK 12" single. The Bob Clearmountain mix appeared (incorrectly credited and against the band's wishes) on the U.S. Warner Bros. pressing of the LP.
The hip hop duo Gang Starr would later sample the intro to "Dig Me" in their song "Words I Manifest (Remix)" from their 1989 debut album No More Mr. Nice Guy.
Three of a Perfect Pair
King Crimson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He is impossible
They have their cross to share
Three of a perfect pair
He has his contradicting views
She has her cyclothymic moods
They make a study in despair
Three of a perfect pair
One, one too many
Schizophrenic tendencies
Keeps it complicated (complicated)
Keeps it aggravated (aggravated)
And full of this hopelessness
Oh, what a perfect mess
He has his contradicting views
She has her cyclothymic moods
They make a study in despair
Three of a perfect pair
One, one too many
Schizophrenic tendencies
Keeps it complicated (complicated)
Keeps it aggravated (aggravated)
And full of this hopelessness
Oh, what a perfect mess
One, one too many
Schizophrenic tendencies
Keeps it complicated (complicated)
Keeps it aggravated (aggravated)
And full of this hopelessness
Oh, what a perfect mess
One, one too many
Schizophrenic tendencies
Keeps it complicated (complicated)
Keeps it so aggravated (aggravated)
And full of this hopelessness
Oh, what a perfect mess
The lyrics of King Crimson's song Three of a Perfect Pair describe the complex and tumultuous relationship between an unpredictable woman and an opinionated man. The first verse sets the stage by describing their individual challenges: she is susceptible to emotional extremes, while he is impossible to reason with. But despite these obstacles, they share a common burden, symbolized by their "cross to share", and are thus "three of a perfect pair". The second verse continues to spotlight the difficulties of their union, highlighting their "contradicting views" and her "cyclothymic moods". The repeated refrain of "One, one too many, schizophrenic tendencies" emphasizes the chaotic nature of their relationship, as they both struggle with mental health issues.
Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on the impossibility of achieving perfection in any human relationship. Even when two people seem like they should complement each other perfectly, there will always be personality clashes and obstacles to overcome. The repeated refrain of "Oh, what a perfect mess" suggests that the singer is resigned to the difficulties of this particular pairing, but cannot help but be fascinated by its complexity.
Line by Line Meaning
She is susceptible
She is easily influenced or affected by others.
He is impossible
He is extremely difficult to deal with or please.
They have their cross to share
They both have their own difficulties to deal with and share a burden.
Three of a perfect pair
Despite their differences and difficulties, they are a perfect match for each other.
He has his contradicting views
He holds opposing opinions and ideas at the same time.
She has her cyclothymic moods
She experiences periods of highs and lows in her mood, but not to the extent of full bipolar disorder.
They make a study in despair
Their troubles and struggles are a subject of scrutiny or examination for themselves and others.
One, one too many
Too much of a good thing becomes a problem.
Schizophrenic tendencies
Behavior that is erratic and contradictory, as if having two different personalities.
Keeps it complicated (complicated)
Keeps the situation or relationship difficult and confusing.
Keeps it aggravated (aggravated)
Makes things worse by stirring up negative emotions or conflict.
And full of this hopelessness
Feeling completely hopeless and without optimism.
Oh, what a perfect mess
Despite the chaos and problems, it seems to be a perfect or fitting situation for them to be in.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Adrian Belew, Anthony Charles Levin, Robert Fripp, William Scott Bruford
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind