The band was originally formed in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1990 by friends Merritt and (percussionist/pianist/vocalist) Claudia Gonson. While 1991's Distant Plastic Trees and 1992's The Wayward Bus (now most easily available together as a compilation, The Wayward Bus / Distant Plastic Trees) are sung by Susan Anway (b. 1951 - d. 2021), all subsequent albums are principally sung by Merritt himself.
Longtime members include: Gonson, (cellist) Sam Davol, and (banjo player/guitarist) John Woo. Contributors include (but are not limited to) the singers Susan Anway, Dudley Klute, Shirley Simms, and LD Beghtol, and the accordionist/writer Daniel Handler (famous for writing the childrens' books A Series of Unfortunate Events under the alias Lemony Snicket).
Their most popular and best-selling album to date is 69 Love Songs issued on Merge Records as a triple album filled with many fairly short songs that are reminiscent of early Beatles productions.
The album is notable for its employment of many unorthodox musical arrangements and downright impressive quantity of material presented. Instruments used on this album include the ukulele, banjo, accordion, cello, mandolin, piano, flute, xylophone guitars, various percussion instruments, and a standard setup of synths and effects. It features several guest vocalists on several different tracks. The album is a three CD set, released in the US as three separate albums (also available as a boxed set) and in the UK as a triple album.
The album i (2004, Nonesuch Records) continues Merritt's fixation on the concept album, with each of the 14 songs beginning with the letter (and often the pronoun) "I".
The album Distortion, was released through Nonesuch on the 15th January 2008 and introduced noise pop to the array of styles utilized in their music. The album's release was followed by a sold-out U.S. tour starting in February. Additional albums followed in 2010, 2012, 2017, and 2020.
Stephin Merritt is involved in several other musical projects: The 6ths (featuring different guest performers on every track), The Gothic Archies (songs dealing humorously with dark themes) and Future Bible Heroes (with music written by Chris Ewen)
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Three-Way
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics
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Three way!
Three way!
As these three repeated phrases open the song, The Magnetic Fields’s “Three-Way”, they immediately conjure up images of a ménage à trois - a sexual encounter involving three people. The song delves into the complexities and uncertainties of such a situation. The lyrics suggest that, while the prospect of sex with multiple partners may initially sound thrilling, the reality can be confusing and fraught with issues of jealousy and insecurity. The song’s narrator admits to feeling jealous of the other two partners and also suggests that he’s worried about being replaced by them. These feelings are further complicated by an underlying desire for the thrill of sexual exploration with multiple partners.
The lyrics seem to play into the stereotype that men are always up for having a threesome, regardless of the consequences. However, the song’s narrative is from the point of view of a man who is grappling with his own emotions and the complexity of the situation. Ultimately, the song suggests that a three-way sexual encounter may not be the panacea to one's sexual frustration after all.
Line by Line Meaning
Three way!
Repeated assertion of desire for a three-way sexual encounter.
Three way!
Continued insistence on wanting a three-way sexual experience, potentially indicating a strong longing or obsession.
Three way!
Final repetition of the desire for a three-way, concluding the song on a provocative and explicit note.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Stephin Merritt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind