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

This Evening's Great Excuse
Seven Mary Three Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Time will pack a bag on you, my love
organize, re-organize your Luck
Pretty face, a pretty smile,
a pretty shame you can't defile
The message you have made for them to see

And it will be
And it will be

H why P O see are I S why HYPOCRISY

This evening's great excuse is this:
To make your peace.
And make a list
of everything that's trivial and wide

Handshake man, how could you be?
A sweeter, softer, gentler king
Spread out for every queen to see

And it will be

And it will be
H why P O see are I S why hypocrisy

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of This Evening's Great Excuse suggest that time will inevitably change one's luck and it is up to the individual to organize and re-organize their life. The image presented of a "pretty face" and "pretty smile" juxtaposed with the inability to defile is a commentary on society's perception of beauty and the expectations placed on individuals to maintain a certain image. The message that one presents to others is under scrutiny, and the fear of hypocrisy is evident in the repetition of the line "H why P O see are I S why HYPOCRISY."

The chorus of the song "And it will be" seems to imply a sense of resignation, as though the individual is accepting that this is their fate. The second verse introduces the idea of the "handshake man," who is described as a "sweeter, softer, gentler king" who is spread out for every queen to see. This line alludes to the idea that the individual has a certain power or influence over others, and they are being watched by those around them.

The song concludes with the repetition of the line about hypocrisy, reinforcing the idea that the fear of being seen as inauthentic or insincere is a prevalent theme throughout the song. This Evening's Great Excuse can be interpreted as a commentary on societal expectations and the pressure to maintain an image of perfection, while also grappling with the fear of being perceived as a hypocrite.

Line by Line Meaning

Time will pack a bag on you, my love
Your time is limited and eventually your life will expire, causing you to leave everything you know and love behind.

organize, re-organize your Luck
Take control of your own destiny and create your own luck through careful planning and hard work.

Pretty face, a pretty smile,
An attractive appearance and demeanor may make life easier, but they do not define a person's worth or character.

a pretty shame you can't defile
It is unfortunate that our society often values superficial qualities more than genuine human connection and kindness.

The message you have made for them to see
People present a public image, but it may not always be a true reflection of their thoughts, feelings, or beliefs.

And it will be
The realization that life is finite and unpredictable is a universal truth that applies to all.

H why P O see are I S why HYPOCRISY
The word 'hypocrisy' spelled backwards highlights the irony of people who say one thing and do another.

This evening's great excuse is this:
People often make excuses to avoid acknowledging their problems or confronting difficult situations.

To make your peace.
Instead of running from issues, it is important to face them head-on and reach a state of inner calm and acceptance.

And make a list
Take stock of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to identify areas for improvement and growth.

of everything that's trivial and wide
Life can often feel overwhelming and chaotic, but it is important to focus on what truly matters and let go of what does not.

Handshake man, how could you be?
People who put on a fake persona for the sake of socializing and networking are not worth trusting or relying on.

A sweeter, softer, gentler king
Genuine kindness and compassion are far more valuable traits than power, status, or wealth.

Spread out for every queen to see
It is important to treat everyone with equal respect and empathy, regardless of their social status, gender, or background.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JASON POLLOCK, JASON ROSS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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