Three Marlenas
The Wallflowers Lyrics

Alone tonight in somebody's bed
She is currently alone in an unknown person's bed, feeling lonely and unsure.

She gone and dyed her hair red
She has recently changed her appearance by dying her hair red, possibly to feel free and liberated.

She only went and did what she did
She made a decision that she might have regretted later, but at the moment, it felt right for her.

'Cause he would drive her home then
She believes that her actions were influenced by a man who used to drop her home.

There's lipstick on her new dress
Her dress has stains of lipstick, indicating that she had a passionate night with someone.

She hadn't even paid yet
Her dress was not paid for, and she may have stolen or shoplifted it.

But it doesn't matter where the money went
The financial aspect of the situation is not significant compared to the emotional turmoil she is in.

It wasn't how she paid her rent
Her actions may not be ethical, but they did not affect her ability to pay her rent.

One, two, three Marlenas
Different women with the same name are referred to in the song.

There's got to be someone we can trust
The artist is searching for someone reliable in a world full of deceptive people and situations.

Out here among us
The search is happening in the same environment as the dangerous elements.

Now lookin' out across the city lights
The artist is contemplating life by gazing at the mesmerizing and majestic city lights.

She thought they'd be a good pair
She believed that she and someone else had a bright future together.

Now he could make a living sellin' cars
Her partner could earn his livelihood by selling automobiles, and they could together lead a comfortable life.

Maybe she could work there
She was trying to figure out her own role in the relationship by thinking of taking up a job at the car dealership.

She's gonna pick a star in the night
She plans to choose a bright star and wishes upon it to make everything alright.

And pray to make it all right
By seeking divine intervention, hoping that things work out in her favor.

She tried so hard not to pick a kite
She tried not to set unrealistic goals that she could not achieve, as represented by the image of picking a kite.

She always prayed to heaven lights
She believes that the stars in the sky will grant her wishes, so she prays to them.

It's see no, speak no, hear no evil about us
The people around the artist need to keep quiet about the bad things they see or hear about them.

Man, I think I'm gonna buy myself a Rolls
The artist appears to be successful now and is thinking of purchasing a Rolls-Royce luxury car.

Maybe a Chevrolet
Alternatively, they might buy a Chevrolet for themselves.

One where I can pull that top down
An essential feature of their car must be that the roof can be pulled down and enjoy the wind in their hair.

Just let my radio play
The artist wishes to ride their new car while letting the radio play some enjoyable music.

Now I'm headin' out on that highway
The singer is moving forward in life, taking the road towards their bright future.

I'm goin' right out of state
They are leaving the current state for better prospects and a new life.

Now I ain't lookin' back until I'm gone
They have no plans of returning, and do not plan to look back and regret the past.

Right through heaven's gates
The artist plans to achieve their goals, even if it means having to go through tough times to reach the promised land of heaven.

Ya see no, speak no, hear no evil among us
The idea is reiterated by reminding others to keep quiet and not snitch or gossip about any wrongdoing, thereby avoiding the consequences.

The three Marlenas
The song concludes with the mention of the three Marlenas who have enriched the narrative by symbolizing a crucial lesson of life - trust.