Times Like These
Seven Mary Three Lyrics
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Put a snake on my neck and a bird on my arm
Got one good leg 'cause the other went south
Got a brand new crutch and a brand new mouth
I got a sheriff's name branded where I should have kept clean
If you get too close, you're going to know what I mean
And I know when I'm old the only runnin' gonna come
It only gets to me in times like these
And times like these are getting to me
Put your hand in the oven; there's a heaven inside
It burns straight through, but the devil don't mind
Because he takes what he wants, and he finds what you hide
And it will buy you a place on the Lower East Side
I rolled a number last night, and I walked in my sleep
I could feel all the nerves in the tips of my teeth
As they crumbled into dust and washed into the sea
Finally shut my mouth so I could hear myself think
It only gets to me in times like these
It only gets to me in times like these
It only gets to me in times like these
And times like these are getting to me
The lyrics to Seven Mary Three's "Times Like These" are open to interpretation, but generally paint a picture of a troubled individual who has faced challenges and made mistakes. The opening verse describes how a young girl gave the singer a good luck charm, perhaps indicating that he is looking for guidance or protection. The snake on his neck and bird on his arm could represent conflicting ideas or emotions. The line "Got one good leg 'cause the other went south/Got a brand new crutch and a brand new mouth" suggests physical and/or emotional weakness and the need for support or a fresh start.
The second verse reveals that the singer has a sheriff's name branded on his body, implying that he has been punished for breaking the law. He warns those who get too close that they will know what he means, indicating that he may be defensive or dangerous. The line "And I know when I'm old the only runnin' gonna come/Away from lips and the fork of my tongue" suggests regret and the self-awareness that words can hurt others.
The chorus repeats the phrase "It only gets to me in times like these," indicating that the singer is struggling with his situation or emotions. The verses that follow describe extremes: "Put your hand in the oven; there's a heaven inside" suggests that what seems dangerous or painful may have a hidden reward, while "It burns straight through, but the devil don't mind/Because he takes what he wants, and he finds what you hide" suggests that some things are better left unseen.
Overall, "Times Like These" portrays a complex, flawed individual who is grappling with his past, present, and future.
Line by Line Meaning
A young girl give me a good luck charm
A young girl gave me a charm that she believes will bring me good luck
Put a snake on my neck and a bird on my arm
As part of the charm, she put a snake around my neck and a bird on my arm
Got one good leg 'cause the other went south
I have one useful leg because the other is no longer functional
Got a brand new crutch and a brand new mouth
To aid my mobility, I have a new crutch and a repaired mouth
I got a sheriff's name branded where I should have kept clean
I have made a mistake in my past by getting the sheriff's name tattooed where it should not have been
If you get too close, you're going to know what I mean
If you get too close to me, you will understand the mistake I made
And I know when I'm old the only runnin' gonna come
As I age, the only running I will do will be away from my own careless words
Away from lips and the fork of my tongue
To avoid speaking recklessly, I will need to take a step back and think about what I say
It only gets to me in times like these
These difficult times are the only moments when my past mistake and my own weaknesses bother me
Put your hand in the oven; there's a heaven inside
There is something rewarding, but dangerous, if you take risks and go through adversity
It burns straight through, but the devil don't mind
The payoff may come at a cost, and sometimes it's worth it for the reward
Because he takes what he wants, and he finds what you hide
The devil is not afraid to take what he wants and find out your secrets
And it will buy you a place on the Lower East Side
The reward may buy you a status change and a better life
I rolled a number last night, and I walked in my sleep
I smoked marijuana last night, and it made me hallucinate when I slept
I could feel all the nerves in the tips of my teeth
The drug made me feel a sensation in my mouth that I had never felt before
As they crumbled into dust and washed into the sea
This experience made my teeth feel so fragile that they felt like they were crumbling and disappearing
Finally shut my mouth so I could hear myself think
I had to stop talking and be quiet to give myself time to reflect on what I had experienced
And times like these are getting to me
These tough moments are starting to wear me down
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JASON ROSS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Daniel Void
A young girl give me a good luck charm
Put a snake on my neck and a bird on my arm
Got one good leg 'cause the other went south
Got a brand new crutch and a brand new mouth
I got a sheriff's name branded where I should have kept clean
If you get too close, you're going to know what I mean
And I know when I'm old the only runnin' gonna come
Away from lips and the fork of my tongue
It only gets to me in times like these
And times like these are getting to me
Put your hand in the oven; there's a heaven inside
It burns straight through, but the devil don't mind
Because he takes what he wants, and he finds what you hide
And it will buy you a place on the Lower East Side
I rolled a number last night, and I walked in my sleep
I could feel all the nerves in the tips of my teeth
As they crumbled into dust and washed into the sea
Finally shut my mouth so I could hear myself think
It only gets to me in times like these
It only gets to me in times like these
It only gets to me in times like these
And times like these are getting to me
Daniel Void
A young girl give me a good luck charm
Put a snake on my neck and a bird on my arm
Got one good leg 'cause the other went south
Got a brand new crutch and a brand new mouth
I got a sheriff's name branded where I should have kept clean
If you get too close, you're going to know what I mean
And I know when I'm old the only runnin' gonna come
Away from lips and the fork of my tongue
It only gets to me in times like these
And times like these are getting to me
Put your hand in the oven; there's a heaven inside
It burns straight through, but the devil don't mind
Because he takes what he wants, and he finds what you hide
And it will buy you a place on the Lower East Side
I rolled a number last night, and I walked in my sleep
I could feel all the nerves in the tips of my teeth
As they crumbled into dust and washed into the sea
Finally shut my mouth so I could hear myself think
It only gets to me in times like these
It only gets to me in times like these
It only gets to me in times like these
And times like these are getting to me
Semipaw
Without a doubt one of the most underrated bands of the last 30 years, and this song in particular is so underrated. 7m3 provided the soundtrack of my life so far. I truly wish I could see them perform live again.
Taylor Barker
These guys are totally under rated. Love them
Tew-dawg
This band in particular can take me straight back to my teenage years.
Mrkgbpckrfn
hell yeah
Shellie Clemons
Yes it does.
BrushCountryAg06
This is as of TODAY one of my favorite songs! ❤️❤️❤️
Rob Sipel
Welcome! We've been waiting for you!
Jeff Smith
True musicians are very few these days. Glad I grew up in a era that appreciates great music.
SouthBuffaloG1
Does anyone know why they stopped recording/touring? They truly have been completely undermined as a band. Their music is very heartfelt and the lyrics to their songs are so very honest and beautiful.
Rod Hall
Jason-the singer/songwriter-felt burned out and went to work for a music production co out of NY. I miss them-they were so good live...