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.
Burning Man
Third Eye Blind Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They'll get you.
I'm not the one you were thinking of,
Maybe you thought I'd call, Instead of crashing down your hall.
Hold me down, but I'll find out.
You know you will never get what you need,
Blue Diamond strike 'em anywhere,
First we caffeinate, then incinerate,
And sparks will fly in the summer air,
Did you pull out of your stall,
Maybe I'll see you after all.
Say we don't. Know who we are. We say no,
I live my life like the burning man,
Like a burning man,
Like a burning man,
And I won't get enough 'Till my legs are broken,
The stars they shine. In an empty void.
Life is not to fear, life is to enjoy,
He'll get you.
Mr. Death catches all someday.
Baby I thought you'd call.
Or leave a light on in the hall,
Hold me down, But I'll find out. We say no,
I live my life like a burning man,
And I won't get enough,
till my legs are broken.
The lyrics to Third Eye Blind's song Burning Man are laden with symbolism and metaphorical language that allude to a life lived recklessly, akin to a Burning Man festival. The song's title refers to the annual event in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, where tens of thousands of participants come together to create a temporary city built on principles of radical self-expression, self-reliance, and community. The verse "I live my life like the burning man" is a reference to the famed counter-culture event and the idea of living life on one's own terms, without fear or hesitation.
The song's opening lines "The rise and fall of my sloppy love, The smatterings and splatterings, They'll get you" may refer to a tumultuous relationship that has resulted in a breakup or a falling out. The lyrics "Maybe you thought I'd call, Instead of crashing down your hall" suggest a disconnect between the two parties and a sense of betrayal or abandonment felt by the singer.
The chorus "Say we don't know who we are. We say no" echoes the sentiment of the Burning Man festival of breaking down societal norms and structures and embracing individuality and non-conformity. The repeated refrain "Like a burning man" reinforces this theme and speaks to the idea of living a life of passion and purpose, even if it's non-traditional.
Overall, the lyrics to Burning Man are a homage to the spirit of adventure and radical self-expression embodied by the Burning Man festival. The song encourages the listener to live life to the fullest, to embrace their individuality, and to stay open to new experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
The rise and fall of my sloppy love, The smatterings, and splatterings, They'll get you.
My tumultuous relationship will drag you down with me.
I'm not the one you were thinking of, Maybe you thought I'd call, Instead of crashing down your hall.
I didn't live up to your expectations, and now I'm just a mess in your life.
Hold me down, but I'll find out.
You can try to control me, but I'll always find my way.
You know you will never get what you need, Blue Diamond strike 'em anywhere, First we caffeinate, then incinerate, We'll get you.
You're chasing something that you'll never find, and we'll drag you along through our addictive lifestyles.
And sparks will fly in the summer air, Did you pull out of your stall, Maybe I'll see you after all.
There's a sense of electricity between us, but our paths may diverge and we may not meet again.
Say we don't. Know who we are. We say no,
We may be lost and uncertain, but we still choose to resist and say no.
I live my life like the burning man, Like a burning man, Like a burning man, And I won't get enough 'Till my legs are broken,
I live my life with a fiery passion, and I won't stop pushing myself until I've given everything I have, even if it means sacrificing my own well-being.
The stars they shine. In an empty void. Life is not to fear, life is to enjoy, He'll get you.
Even in the midst of emptiness, life is meant to be enjoyed and cherished, but it can also consume you if you're not careful.
Mr. Death catches all someday. Baby I thought you'd call. Or leave a light on in the hall, Hold me down, But I'll find out.
Death comes for us all eventually, and I had hoped to hear from you before my end. But regardless, I'll find my way forward even if you try to hold me back.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ARION SALAZAR, KEVIN CADOGAN, STEPHAN JENKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind