Third Eye Blind recorded their first demo in 1993. In 1996, the band landed an opening gig for Oasis, prior to which performance, so the legend goes, Third Eye Blind was warned that the crowd might throw food at them. As it turned out, however, they were invited out for an encore, even after Oasis had already played, bringing Liam Gallagher to tears and sparking the friendly rivalry that would form between the two bands. The band was paid double what they were promised for the gig. Afterwards, the band found themselves in a bidding war among record labels, in which they settled on Elektra because they believed it offered the most artistic freedom. Stephan Jenkins' outspoken behavior after signing the deal earned him the title of "the biggest mouth in music" by many critics. Jenkins has spoken out many times against several different artists, including a heated feud with Rob Thomas of the band Matchbox Twenty.
A fourth album, tentatively titled Ursa Major, was released August 2009. Shortly after the band has slated the release of a follow-up album, Ursa Minor. Only Jenkins' lyrics and vocals are left to be finished; all instrumental work is reportedly complete. Recent live performances have revealed a majority of the new tracks being worked on, including "Don't Believe a Word," "Lay Back (and the Water Will Hold You)," "In the Skin," "Summer Town," "Second Born," "(You Really) Don't Like Me Now" aka "Campfire," "Monotov's Private Opera," "Break Me," "Stevie Ray Vaughan," "Red Star," and "Standing Up For You." Other tracks mentioned for the album by Fredianelli are "Away," "A Sharp Knife," "Captain of Emo," "Swimming," and "Jesse 2k." He also confirmed that "Lay Back" was scrapped. A number of previously unreleased recordings were made available, including "Persephone," "Carnival Barker" (an instrumental), and numerous instrumental sessions declined by Jenkins for inclusion on the fourth album.
Another Life
Third Eye Blind Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shook down and left lonely
Only with the maybe we could
I stay inside cause I'm misunderstood
I can't get no release
I'm shell shocked from some heavy blows
A stranger to the people I know
Now I'm holding on to can't let goes
And silence brings no peace
Because another life
Went through my window pane
And I don't know why
I've got a will to burn
In attic rooms I just shut my door
For seven weeks or maybe seven more
It's like I face a seven headed whore
The fight's knocked out of me
No measure for grief and I can't find it with the sound
Break down, to the great god of the hand me down
Holding the past around wound up at the lost and found
Where the colors all run to grey
I'm coming out of a down day
Colorized, the city's plays a double feature today
Life is long and something is wrong
But I want to know what's going on
In another life
Cause it's good again
And it will never die
I've got a will to burn
To see you again
It's like another life
It's like I'll not get better
Will to burn
Time goes by and I realize, that I'm alright
You thought nothing would be the same
But life comes round again
Quick wits and all curious
All caught up in what you say
And makes me grab the time
Before it slips away
I can't stay and I cannot wait
And I'm grateful to whistle past a grave yard gate
The flicker fade is getting stronger
When the days start getting longer
I got the rhythm down now in the places we warred
The Golden Gate is like my diving board
And life is pointless
But what's so wrong with that?
Cause there's another life
And it's sweeter pain
And we will never die
We got will to burn
To see you again
Is like another life
I feel the whole thing happen
Will to burn
To see you again
Is like another life
I got another life
I got another life
The song Another Life by Third Eye Blind is a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and the struggle to move on after a traumatic experience. The opening lines of the song talk about how people look at the singer with disapproving eyes and how, after a difficult breakup or some other significant loss, they feel left behind and lonely. The singer is struggling with the feelings of not understanding why things had to end the way they did, and the only comfort they have is in the possibility that things could have been different if they had made different choices. However, they remain confined to their own thoughts and emotions, unable to find any sense of release from the overwhelming pain they are feeling.
The narrative goes on to describe how the singer has become something of a recluse, hiding out in their attic for weeks at a time, effectively shutting themselves off from the outside world. They see the future as being dark and foreboding, with no measure for the grief that they are feeling. They are numb to the passage of time and the changing of the seasons, and all colors in their world have turned to gray.
The song's refrain speaks to the hope of finding another life, one that is free from the pain and heartache of the current one. The singer finds solace in the idea that there is something more, something that goes beyond the everyday struggles we all face. They have a will to burn, a desire to keep moving forward, and to keep searching for that new life that will bring them peace.
Line by Line Meaning
People's eyes say I'm no damn good
I am aware that people judge me negatively based on their perception formed from my actions or inactions.
Shook down and left lonely
I feel hopeless and deserted due to the impact of recent events in my life.
Only with the maybe we could
I cling to the hope of a possible change in the situation or relationship.
I stay inside cause I'm misunderstood
I keep to myself because I am aware that I am not truly understood by those around me.
I can't get no release
I am unable to find any satisfying solution or escape from my current struggles.
I'm shell shocked from some heavy blows
I am deeply affected and traumatized by the emotional and physical blows recently dealt to me.
A stranger to the people I know
The recent events have rendered me unrecognizable even to those who used to know and understand me.
Who used to say 'he never had a down day'?
People who knew me previously often used to comment on my positive outlook and lack of tough times.
Now I'm holding on to can't let goes
I am holding on to things that I can't let go of- things that cause me pain or regret.
And silence brings no peace
Even in silence, I find no solace or comfort- only more noise of inner turmoil.
Because another life
The hypothetical existence of a life alternate to mine.
Went through my window pane
The sudden intrusion of a possibility of change that could be a window of opportunity.
And I don't know why
I am uncertain of how this chance presented itself.
I've got a will to burn
I have an intense desire to embrace this change and use it to fuel my ambition.
In attic rooms I just shut my door
Out of despair, I retreat to a confined space away from the world where I feel safe.
For seven weeks or maybe seven more
The duration of this emotional isolation cannot be determined and is possibly open-ended.
It's like I face a seven headed whore
The struggle to overcome my obstacles feels like battling a monstrous and impossible foe.
The fight's knocked out of me
I feel defeated and powerless to change my circumstances.
No measure for grief and I can't find it with the sound
My overwhelming grief has no quantifiable measure and no relief can be gained from external sources like music or noise.
Break down, to the great god of the hand me down
I seek solace in religion and prayer to find reprieve from my troubles.
Holding the past around wound up at the lost and found
I am haunted by my past and my identity is tied to my previous experiences.
Where the colors all run to grey
The vibrancy and joy of my life has vanished, leaving only a bleak monochromatic existence.
I'm coming out of a down day
I am starting to emerge from a period of emotional turmoil and depression.
Colorized, the city's plays a double feature today
The world seems more vivid and interesting today- it's like watching two movies playing out simultaneously.
Life is long and something is wrong
Despite the long-term nature of life, something feels off or amiss in my life right now.
But I want to know what's going on
I have the drive to seek answers and clarity to gain better understanding of my situation.
Cause it's good again
I sense the presence of good, positive change in my life.
And it will never die
I hold onto this hope of a bright future despite setbacks or obstacles.
Time goes by and I realize, that I'm alright
With the passage of time, I have come to terms with my struggles and feel more comfortable with where I am now.
You thought nothing would be the same
Despite the lack of hope and positivity, things have changed for the better unexpectedly.
But life comes round again
Life has a cyclical nature- even after the worst of times, there is always a chance for better fortunes to arise.
Quick wits and all curious
My sharp intellect and insatiable curiosity have always been my strong suits.
All caught up in what you say
I am enamored by your words and find myself engaging with them effortlessly.
And makes me grab the time
Your thoughts motivate me to make the most of my time and live life to the fullest.
Before it slips away
I am aware of the temporal nature of life and want to make the most of every moment.
I can't stay and I cannot wait
I am ready to leave my current situation and embark on a new adventure, without any delay.
And I'm grateful to whistle past a grave yard gate
I am thankful that despite the challenges and hardships, I am still alive and kicking.
The flicker fade is getting stronger
Despite my positive outlook, I sense the inevitability of my eventual demise and try to make the most of the limited time I have.
When the days start getting longer
During times of longevity, I focus on personal growth and enjoy nature's beauty as the world starts to spring back to life.
I got the rhythm down now in the places we warred
I have adjusted and become comfortable in the places where I had previously struggled or fought.
The Golden Gate is like my diving board
The Golden Gate Bridge is my metaphorical launching pad, where I embrace new beginnings and take the leap of faith.
And life is pointless
Even though life seems meaningless and futile at times, there is still some value in living and seeking joy and happiness.
But what's so wrong with that?
I choose to embrace this meaningless existence and see it as a form of liberation, free from societal pressure and expectations.
And it's sweeter pain
Even though the pain may be intense, it is a necessary part of life's journey and ultimately leads to a sweeter and more fulfilling experience.
And we will never die
Despite facing mortality and the possibility of extinction, our legacy and impact will live on forever.
I got another life
I am aware of the infinite possibilities and opportunities that life offers and am eager to embrace them with open arms.
Contributed by Adrian W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.