rule of three
The Lemonheads Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

The way it's supposed to go
As if you didn't know
Exactly how to feel
When it looks just like a dolphin show

The way that most folks know
This is how your life will go
I never wonder why
And I always get a decent lie

The way it's supposed to feel
When you're finding out it's real
Turning on a dime
We'll prepared and right in time, right in time

The way it's supposed to be
When you're climbing up a tree
What is that you see?
And don't forget the rule of three, rule of three




Rule of three, rule of three, rule of three, rule of three
Rule of three, rule of three. rule of three. rule of three

Overall Meaning

The Lemonheads' song "Rule of Three" describes the human experience of trying to navigate life according to conventional standards and what is deemed "normal." The singer acknowledges that there is a way that life is "supposed to go" and that most people follow this path, without questioning why. The imagery of a dolphin show suggests that it is a spectacle or performance, possibly indicating that the way society constructs life is ultimately a facade.


The next stanza hints at the idea of conformity and how people often lie to themselves to fit into the mold. The singer doesn't wonder why people do this, but acknowledges it happens. The following verse suggests that there is something real and genuine that can be found in life, yet it requires a change in perspective or a shift in direction. The line "turning on a dime" implies that a sudden change of course is necessary, and it has to be "well prepared and right in time," emphasizing the importance of being ready for the unknown.


The final stanza mentions climbing a tree and the "rule of three." Climbing a tree metaphorically represents progress towards a goal or aspiration, but the "rule of three" adds an element of superstition or caution. The "rule of three" refers to a principle in writing and storytelling where events should happen in threes, creating a rhythm and pattern. It can also refer to an old adage that bad things happen in threes, warning the singer to be careful and not take too many risks. Overall, the song implies that while there is a predetermined path in life, individuals can deviate from it and find something authentic, but it requires caution and a willingness to change.


Line by Line Meaning

The way it's supposed to go
The conventional expectation of how things proceed.


As if you didn't know
As though the person weren't aware of this expectation.


Exactly how to feel
Knowing precisely how one should feel in this situation.


When it looks just like a dolphin show
When the spectacle before you appears to be orchestrated, rehearsed or inauthentic.


The way that most folks know
How the majority of society understands this experience.


This is how your life will go
An outline of how life will unfold based on society's conventions and norms.


I never wonder why
The singer does not question why things are this way.


And I always get a decent lie
The artist receives an acceptable explanation or excuse to uphold societal expectations, even if it isn't entirely true.


The way it's supposed to feel
The anticipated emotional response to this experience.


When you're finding out it's real
When you discover that something is genuine or authentic.


Turning on a dime
Being able to change direction quickly or easily.


We'll prepared and right in time, right in time
The artist is confident that they are ready for this experience, and it is happening at precisely the right moment.


The way it's supposed to be
Society's expectation of the desired outcome.


When you're climbing up a tree
The process of working hard to achieve a goal.


What is that you see?
Questioning what is visible or becoming aware of something new.


And don't forget the rule of three, rule of three
The concept that things happen in sets of three and should be acknowledged.


Rule of three, rule of three, rule of three, rule of three
Repeating the notion that things come in threes.


Rule of three, rule of three. rule of three. rule of three
Continuing to emphasize the idea that occurrences happen in sets of three.




Contributed by Matthew T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions