Within the alternative world, Seven Mary Three have often been compared to … Read Full Bio ↴Within the alternative world, Seven Mary Three have often been compared to the mainstream-sounding, garage/arena rock of post-Ten Pearl Jam, but the group insists that their refusal to alienate themselves from the rest of the world makes them different. Instead, Seven Mary Three offer songs concerning self-discovery and true outsiders isolated from society. Based in Virginia (where the bandmates attended the College of William and Mary), Seven Mary Three signed to the Mammoth label after releasing a self-produced album, Churn, in 1994. The album -- particularly its gritty lead single, "Cumbersome" -- generated a healthy buzz in Florida, and radio stations in Orlando began devoting significant airtime to the band. Seven Mary Three relocated to the Orlando area and re-recorded their old songs, which were packaged alongside two new cuts to round out the band's proper debut, 1995's American Standard. With "Cumbersome" enjoying national success, the album went platinum and won the group a contract with Atlantic Records. Rock Crown followed in 1997, and a year later Seven Mary Three returned with their third LP, Orange Ave. Neither record enjoyed as much recognition as American Standard, but the band continued to release albums into the following decade, issuing The Economy of Sound in 2001 and Dis/Location three years later. Seven Mary Three signed with New York's Icon Records in late 2007, and the following year saw the release of their sixth effort, DAY&NIGHTDRIVING. Steve Huey, All Music Guide

Peel
Seven Mary Three Lyrics

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I'm going back to Virginia
If it's not too late, to make my break
Maybe Carolina
near the company of Grace
If I find New Orleans
you know my will just fades
when I see all my people
on the Esplanade

If the O-town humor
shines on my estate
Let them peel me like an orange
taste the sugar of my?

Going back to beginnings
I'm on call, to tell you all
There's a paranoid loose
in the urban shopping mall
All the perfect people on Orange Ave.
they're all right
All the ugly ones who tried to run you through
they're all right

If you can stand yourself and sleep tonight

Let them peel you like an orange
taste your shivering insides

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Seven Mary Three's song Peel speak to the artist's desire to return to his origins, where he feels most comfortable and able to make a break. He's considering journeys to Virginia, Carolina, and New Orleans, but ultimately it's the latter location that causes his will to fade, a place he associates with the people on Esplanade. However, he remains haunted by a sense of paranoia, believing that even in environments he considers safe and free of judgment, there are still shadows lurking just beneath the surface. The perfect people and ugly ones both have power, and it's ultimately up to the individual to find a way to stand themselves and avoid being peeled like an orange, exposed for their weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

The lyrics of Peel are representative of an artist grappling with their identity, and the need to find a place to belong. There's a sense of wanderlust present in the song, with the artist expressing an interest in leaving the safety of what they know behind to chase something new. Ultimately, though, they return to their origins, driven by a desire to confront their demons and reconcile their past with their present. Peel is a poignant reflection on the search for meaning and belonging in a world that often feels hostile and confusing.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm going back to Virginia
I'm returning to my roots in Virginia

If it's not too late, to make my break
If I can still escape and start anew

Maybe Carolina
Perhaps I'll head to Carolina

near the company of Grace
To be close to someone named Grace

If I find New Orleans
If I end up in New Orleans

you know my will just fades
I lose my motivation

when I see all my people
When I'm surrounded by my loved ones

on the Esplanade
In a specific neighborhood of New Orleans

If the O-town humor
If Orlando's cultural style

shines on my estate
Impacted my property value favorably

Let them peel me like an orange
Allow them to strip away my layers