Third Time Lucky
Basia Trzetrzelewska 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 lyrics to Basia Trzetrzelewska's song "Third Time Lucky" speak to the idea of perseverance and taking chances. The first verse begins by acknowledging the shock of experiencing failure for the first time, and the disappointment of not succeeding on the second attempt. However, the lyrics suggest that the third time is the charm, and that by being persistent and trying again, success can be achieved. The lyrics also provide encouragement to those who may have doubts, suggesting that they should continue to try until they succeed.


The second verse speaks to the idea of pressure and expectations from others. The singer has attracted the attention of someone who is intellectual and ambitious, but questions whether they are capable of living up to their standards. However, the singer ultimately decides that they have their own plans and ambitions, and that they will not simply play a part in someone else's scheme. The next person they meet is someone who shares their passion for exploration and self-discovery, and while there is again the question of whether they can meet expectations, the singer ultimately decides to trust in their own plans and ambitions.


Line by Line Meaning

First one--it's a shock
The first attempt is always unexpected and may not always go as planned.


A second helping--not good enough
Trying for a second time may not lead to success, and may still fall short of expectations.


Third time lucky--and you've arrived!
Sometimes it takes several attempts to achieve success, but the third attempt may lead to reaching one's goals.


If you have any doubts then try once more...
If there are any uncertainties or hesitations, it is worth taking another attempt to see if it can bring one closer to success.


Maybe I was too impressed...
It is possible to become overly enamored or influenced by others, which can distract from one's own goals and aspirations.


He flattered--I was blushing
Compliments can be flattering and cause one to feel good about oneself.


He found my _joie de vivre_ so cute and rather touching
He was charmed by my enthusiasm for life, and found it endearing.


Himself so upwardly mobile, so cerebral, clever
He was very ambitious, intelligent, and constantly seeking to improve his status in life.


Could I ever live up to his dreams
I wondered if I could match his expectations or be the kind of person he idealized me to be.


Or would I like to play a part in his scheme?
I questioned whether I wanted to be a part of his plans or whether it would detract from my own ambitions.


I don't think so...
I ultimately decided that it was not the right path for me, and I needed to stay true to my own aspirations.


I have my plans and brave ambition
I am driven by my own goals and aspirations, and am willing to take risks to achieve them.


Knowing no bounds, no inhibitions
I refuse to let any obstacles or fears hold me back from pursuing my dreams.


'nd I'm aware there's a lesson in every fall
I recognize that every setback or failure can serve as a learning opportunity, and can help me to grow stronger and wiser.


So next time I'll get closer
I am determined to keep trying, and believe that with each attempt, I am getting one step closer to achieving my goals.


Later I met a boy whose inner life was his true passion
I later encountered someone who was deeply committed to his own interests and pursuits, and this inspired me to stay true to myself as well.


We did connect in an exploratory fashion
We connected on a deeper level as we both shared our passions and explored new ideas together.


He claimed what tie us to this mortal coil we should sever
He believed that we should break free from the constraints of everyday life and pursue something greater.


Oh I fear not...
I am not afraid to follow my own path, even if it means taking a risk or going against convention.


So next time I might get it right
I am optimistic about the future, and believe that with persistence and courage, I will eventually achieve my goals.




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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