Son of Three
The Breeders Lyrics
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No more time on the meter
Daybreak
About face
I think I'm comin'
Cross another country line
Are we there?
Cookin' with nitrous
Crackin' in the air
I am the sign of go
While last night's stars were high
Now they're popping in the sky
And the band is jammin' in
Daybreak
I don't like it
Better tonight
Better for you
Buzzing flourescence
I don't what it wants from me
If I find the door
Then I am the son of go
And the band is movin' in
That's what you get
That's what you get
When there's no time on the meter
You get
An empty case
Of Wip-Its
And a boyfriend with a beeper
The Breeders' "Son of Three" is a track that has left many fans pondering its meaning. The song presents an array of seemingly random images that are strung together to form a narrative of confusion and disorientation. The opening lines, "I got an empty case of Wip-Its, no more time on the meter," sets the stage for a journey that is about to take place. The singer seems to be in the midst of some sort of drug-induced haze, as he talks about "Cookin' with nitrous, crackin' in the air." Although he is in this state of mind, he is aware of his surroundings and is crossing "another country line," but questions if "we there?"
As the sun rises on this new day, the singer seems to be aware that things are different from the night before. He "doesn't like it" and hopes that the situation will be "better tonight, better for you." Meanwhile, there are pulsating and buzzing sounds that fill the air which he cannot understand, and he doesn't know what they "want from" him. However, he believes that if he can find the door, he will be the "son of go."
Overall, the lyrics of "Son of Three" present a surreal and enigmatic narrative of drugs, confusion, and searching for meaning. The song seems to juxtapose a sense of urgency and frantic energy with a more introspective and contemplative exploration of the self.
Line by Line Meaning
I got an empty case of Wip-Its
I consumed all the nitrous oxide in the canisters, leaving behind an empty case.
No more time on the meter
I used up all the time on the parking meter, and now I have to leave this place.
Daybreak
It's early morning and the sun is starting to rise.
About face
I'm turning around and heading in the opposite direction.
I think I'm comin'
I believe I'm starting to catch on or understand something.
Cross another country line
I'm traveling across the border into another country.
Are we there?
I'm unsure if we have arrived at our intended destination.
Convertible
I'm driving with the top down and enjoying the fresh air.
Cookin' with nitrous
I'm using nitrous oxide to enhance the speed and performance of my vehicle.
Crackin' in the air
The sound of my engine and the nitrous oxide makes a cracking sound.
I am the sign of go
I symbolize faster movement and acceleration.
While last night's stars were high
When the stars were still out last night and I was still awake.
Now they're popping in the sky
The stars are disappearing as the sun rises and the sky turns light blue.
And the band is jammin' in
The band is playing music and having a good time together.
Daybreak
Another reference to the early morning sun coming up.
I don't like it
I'm not enjoying the current situation.
Better tonight
I hope for a better experience or outcome in the future.
Better for you
I hope things improve for the benefit of you or someone else.
Buzzing flourescence
The bright lights are causing a humming or buzzing sound in the room.
I don't what it wants from me
I don't know what the bright lights are trying to communicate or achieve.
If I find the door
If I discover a way to exit or escape from my current situation.
Then I am the son of go
I become a symbol of speed and acceleration if I'm able to find a way out.
And the band is movin' in
The band is continuing to play music and entertain the crowd.
That's what you get
The outcome is a result of your actions.
When there's no time on the meter
When you run out of time on the parking meter and have to leave quickly.
You get
You receive or are left with.
An empty case
All the nitrous oxide has been used up and the container is now empty.
Of Wip-Its
Referring to the brand of nitrous oxide canisters used earlier in the song.
And a boyfriend with a beeper
A reference to a pager, which was a popular form of communication in the 1990s when the song was released.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KIM DEAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brick
As a twin myself, I approve of this song!
Dan Duntz
Always drawn back to this song and it’s greatness.
Nicci Keller
I'm so in love with the Deal sisters. ,,,,,❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Shannon McDowell
Love this!!
Mcadminbro
Classic underrated album
Bennjamin
Spontaneity at its truest.
Eduardo Rivera
This music video makes me so happy!
Furiously sad
I Love everything about this video.
Randy Randall
That's what you get
When there's no time on the meter
You get an empty case of whippits and a boyfriend with a beaver 🥳
Chris Rose
boyfriend with a beeper.... (drug dealer)