Three-Way
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics


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Three way!

Three way!

Three way!




Overall Meaning

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
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