Third Time Lucky
Basia Lyrics


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First one--it's a shock
A second helping--not good enough
Third time lucky--and you've arrived!
If you have any doubts then try once more...

Maybe I was too impressed...
He flattered--I was blushing
He found my _joie de vivre_ so cute and rather touching
Himself so upwardly mobile, so cerebral, clever
Could I ever live up to his dreams
Or would I like to play a part in his scheme?
I don't think so...

I have my plans and brave ambition
Knowing no bounds, no inhibitions
'nd I'm aware there's a lesson in every fall
So next time I'll get closer

First one--it's a shock
A second helping--not good enough
Third time lucky--and you've arrived!
If you have any doubts then try one more time

Later I met a boy whose inner life was his true passion
We did connect in an exploratory fashion
He claimed what tie us to this mortal coil we should sever
Could I ever live up to his dreams
Or would I like to play a part in his scheme?
Oh I fear not...

I have my plans and brave ambition
Knowing no bounds, no inhibitions




'nd I'm aware there's a lesson in every fall
So next time I might get it right

Overall Meaning

The song "Third Time Lucky" by Basia is about not giving up on love and personal growth despite previous disappointments. The first verse talks about how the first attempts at love are often not successful, but the third time is the charm. It encourages the listener to keep trying and not let doubt stop them. The second verse discusses two different men that the singer has met. The first man flattered her, but she didn't feel like she could live up to his expectations. The second man was more interested in exploring their inner lives and breaking free from societal expectations. The singer still has brave ambition and knows that every fall teaches a lesson, so she's ready to try again.


The song's message is about optimism and perseverance. The use of "Third Time Lucky" as the title is a common saying that means that after multiple failed attempts, success can still come. The idea of not living up to someone else's expectations is also a relatable theme for many people. The song's upbeat, jazzy sound contrasts with the more serious lyrics, creating an interesting juxtaposition.


Line by Line Meaning

First one--it's a shock
The first attempt can be quite startling and unexpected


A second helping--not good enough
The second attempt can be insufficient and fall short


Third time lucky--and you've arrived!
By the third attempt, success can be achieved


If you have any doubts then try once more...
Encouraging perseverance through doubt and difficulties


Maybe I was too impressed...
Having initial admiration and attraction for someone


He flattered--I was blushing
Being praised and feeling bashful in response


He found my _joie de vivre_ so cute and rather touching
He appreciated my love of life and was moved by it


Himself so upwardly mobile, so cerebral, clever
He was intelligent and ambitious, with a successful career


Could I ever live up to his dreams
Questioning if I could meet his high expectations and aspirations


Or would I like to play a part in his scheme?
Wondering if I would be a pawn in his plans and goals


I don't think so...
Concluding that it is unlikely or undesirable


I have my plans and brave ambition
Having my own goals and fearless determination


Knowing no bounds, no inhibitions
Unrestricted by limitations or fears


'nd I'm aware there's a lesson in every fall
Recognizing that every failure has a valuable lesson to be learned


So next time I'll get closer
Striving to improve and succeed on the next attempt


Later I met a boy whose inner life was his true passion
Meeting someone who was deeply committed to their personal interests and goals


We did connect in an exploratory fashion
Forming a bond through shared curiosity and experimentation


He claimed what tie us to this mortal coil we should sever
Believing that we should break free from the constraints of human existence


Could I ever live up to his dreams
Questioning if I could meet his high expectations and aspirations


Or would I like to play a part in his scheme?
Wondering if I would be a pawn in his plans and goals


Oh I fear not...
Feeling confident that I would not be manipulated or controlled


I have my plans and brave ambition
Having my own goals and fearless determination


Knowing no bounds, no inhibitions
Unrestricted by limitations or fears


'nd I'm aware there's a lesson in every fall
Recognizing that every failure has a valuable lesson to be learned


So next time I might get it right
Hoping to succeed and make progress on the next attempt




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BASIA TRZETRZELEWSKA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@alanmorris7669

I was driving through Charlotte listening to the jazz station when this song came on. I pulled over into a convenient store and called the radio station to find out who sang this song. That was over two decades ago, and I've been listening to Basia ever since!

@segen434

u have a high taste of music, indeed :)

@alanmorris7669

@@segen434
Thanks. So do you!

@user-jl7ym4en5b

Where did the time go? No matter, her beautiful voice and rich arrangements still hold up, actually outshine today's music. I have been lucky enough to see Basia in cocert 12 times. This song is amazing live. What an outstanding writer, singer and performer. And so humble too. A Perfect Diamond!

@TralfazConstruction

I empathize. I heard "Time and Tide" at my wife's company picnic in August of '96. I went over to ask the DJ the name of the artist since I'd been in the dark for so long. By the end of September 1996 I had every album that Basia had released; on cassette. Once I finally had a CD player in a vehicle (1998) I bought the lady's music on CD. So much fine music to appreciate of Basia's and now it's all right at our fingertips.

@alanmorris7669

@@TralfazConstruction
Basia is definitely a class act. "Time and Tide" is a nice song too. It sounds a bit like "Love's In Need Of Love Today" by Stevie Wonder.

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@Vejur9000

Hands down, this young girl from Poland has made her mark in music. Well done.

Feel good greatness, is Basia.

@TheMambomaster

young girl? Basia is in her late 60's

@wojtekbo3245

@@TheMambomaster Basia yes, "has her years" as they say in Poland, but I always remember her just like that. Her music is still young and energizing to me anyway, even though I've been listening to her since the 1990s. :)

@blackshell

One of my favorite vocalists. Her sound is timeless.

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