In the wake of this set-back, McMahon went on a years-long hiatus from music. Prick reemerged in 2002 with The Wreckard, independently released by McMahon over the Internet, and featuring many songs once slated for the second, canceled Nothing Records album.
Three Rings
Prick Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looking for the quickest way down
Swallowing fire
Playing the clown
The erectors came in
And before I knew they did it
They'd constructed the scene
The flying trapeze, the rings
I am, here I am
I am, here I am
The rings of my eyes fade
Lemon drops on my tongue
All the glory of the kings of the beasts crawl
As the perfume horse runs
Questions up to our citizens
You ask an arch at one please
Have you been educated? (where?)
Are you married, are you free? (answer me!)
Are you ready, are you ready for me? (I am, here I am)
I hear you, tell me everything! (I am, here I am)
mocking mortality with every move
The limelight tickles the wire
When and where indecision is fatal
Can I open my eyes? (ready?)
Have you ever pulled a trigger for your country?
Are you sedate are you wild? (answer me!)
I am ready, are you ready for me? (I am, here I am)
I hear you, so tell me everything! (I am, here I am)
Trouble with the world today
Freedom causes confusion
One reaction, too many questions
Leave the choices with me
That is, the world decayed
You said he's locked on computers
See a view through the keyhole too-too-too late
Where they make over years (answer me!)
(I am, here I am)
I hear you, tell me everything (I am, here I am)
Where the rings of my eyes fade (I am)
Where the rings of my eyes
Where the rings of my eyes fade (I am)
Where the rings of my eyes
The song "Three Rings" by Prick details the life of a circus performer, particularly one who performs on the flying trapeze and rings. The song begins with the performer on the wire, looking for a way down, perhaps signifying the end of his act. He then acknowledges the construction of the scene and the rings that he has to perform on. He describes the fading of the rings of his eyes, perhaps due to fatigue or age, and the taste of lemon drops on his tongue, perhaps signifying the sweetness of life that he experiences in his performances. The performer then addresses the audience, asking if they are educated, married, and free.
The song then shifts focus to the performer's thoughts on mortality and the limelight of his profession. He questions if he can open his eyes without fear of falling, and asks if anyone has ever pulled a trigger for their country. He addresses the confusion that freedom causes and believes that the choices should be left with him. The song ends with a repetition of the lines "Where the rings of my eyes fade" and "I am, here I am", perhaps signifying the cyclical nature of the performer's life.
Overall, "Three Rings" is a thought-provoking commentary on the life of a circus performer, touching on mortality, the sacrifices made for one's country, and the complexities of freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
I was out on the wire
I was taking a risk, putting myself in a precarious situation
Looking for the quickest way down
Trying to find an easy exit strategy
Swallowing fire
Taking big risks for the sake of entertainment
Playing the clown
Putting on a show to distract from personal struggles
The erectors came in
Constructors arrived to set up the scene for the performance
And before I knew they did it
The scene was set up quickly and efficiently
They'd constructed the scene
The stage was ready, including the flying trapeze and rings
The flying trapeze, the rings
The tools and props for the acrobatics performance
I am, here I am
I am present and ready
The rings of my eyes fade
The tiredness in my eyes is slowly calming down
Lemon drops on my tongue
A sweet taste that brings a moment of happiness
All the glory of the kings of the beasts crawl
Even the most celebrated and powerful beings can have their moments of weakness
As the perfume horse runs
Enjoying a moment of fleeting beauty, but it doesn't last forever
Questions up to our citizens
People are asking questions and seeking answers
You ask an arch at one please
Directing a question at someone specifically
Have you been educated? (where?)
Have you received formal education? Where did you go to school?
Are you married, are you free? (answer me!)
Are you in a committed relationship or single? Please respond
Are you ready, are you ready for me? (I am, here I am)
Are you prepared to engage with me? I am ready and present
I hear you, tell me everything! (I am, here I am)
I am actively listening, please share your thoughts and feelings
Mocking mortality with every move
Poking fun at the inevitability of death, potentially through daring or risky behaviors
The limelight tickles the wire
The attention and spotlight feel thrilling
When and where indecision is fatal
In certain situations, hesitating or being uncertain can be dangerous
Can I open my eyes? (ready?)
Am I prepared to face the reality of the situation?
Have you ever pulled a trigger for your country?
Have you taken up arms in defense of your nation?
Are you sedate are you wild? (answer me!)
Are you calm and composed or are you reckless? Please answer honestly
I am ready, are you ready for me? (I am, here I am)
I am prepared for any challenge, are you? I am present and engaged
I hear you, so tell me everything! (I am, here I am)
I am here for you, please share whatever is on your mind
Trouble with the world today
The chaos and confusion present in modern society
Freedom causes confusion
Having too many choices and options can be overwhelming
One reaction, too many questions
Feeling bombarded by inquiries, leading to frustration
Leave the choices with me
Trusting someone else to make decisions on your behalf
That is, the world decayed
The world has become worse off or less hopeful
You said he's locked on computers
Talking about someone who is deeply involved with technology
See a view through the keyhole too-too-too late
Understand the full picture too late, after the opportunity has passed
Where they make over years (answer me!)
Where are things changing and evolving over time? Please answer
(I am, here I am)
Repeated reminder that the artist is present and ready for whatever comes their way
Where the rings of my eyes fade (I am)
Continuing the idea that the singer is becoming more alert and energized
Where the rings of my eyes
Referring back to the tiredness in the eyes mentioned earlier
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: SALLY ANNE OLDFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rather Have the Story - The RHS podcast
Find the live version, it's 10x better. Amazing song, when revealed there...
S 6
excellent