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.
Joke
Third Eye Blind Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everything's a joke
When we smoke
It's up in smoke, yeah
I feel fine when we're high
I'm gonna light you on fire
We laugh so hard, you make me cry
I'm getting better at forgetting
Everything that's heavier
All a joke
It's all a joke, yeah
I feel fine when we're high
I'm gonna light you on fire
I laugh so hard, you make me cry
Let's light everything on fire
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
It's all a joke, girl
I feel fine when we are high
I'm gonna light you on fire
Laugh so hard, you make me cry
Let's light everything on fire
Let's light everything on fire
The lyrics to Third Eye Blind's song "Joke" convey a sense of lightheartedness and escapism. The idea of nothing being serious and everything being a joke suggests a desire to detach from the weight and intensity of reality. The mention of smoking and things going up in smoke further emphasizes this theme of temporary relief and letting go.
The line "I feel fine when we're high" could be interpreted both literally, referring to the act of getting high, as well as metaphorically, representing a state of euphoria or emotional release. The imagery of lighting someone on fire and laughing so hard that it brings tears could symbolize a desire for extreme and exhilarating experiences.
The repeated phrase "It's all a joke" reinforces the idea that life itself can be seen as a playful and transient phenomenon. The repetition of these words may also indicate a search for meaning and a questioning of the seriousness that often surrounds us. Through humor and laughter, the singer finds solace and a way to cope with the complexities of existence.
Overall, "Joke" invites listeners to embrace a carefree attitude, to find joy in laughter, and to seek moments of levity in a world that can often feel overwhelming.
Line by Line Meaning
Nothing's serious
Nothing is significant or important
Everything's a joke
Everything is humorous or not to be taken seriously
When we smoke
When we use cannabis
It's up in smoke, yeah
It vanishes or disappears quickly
I feel fine when we're high
I feel good or relaxed when under the influence of drugs
I'm gonna light you on fire
I find you incredibly attractive and exciting
We laugh so hard, you make me cry
We find something extremely funny
Let's light everything on fire
Let's experience extreme excitement or destruction
I'm getting better at forgetting
I am improving my ability to ignore or not dwell on things
Everything that's heavier
Anything that carries a lot of weight or significance
All a joke
All is not to be taken seriously
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
Emphasizing the carefree or light-hearted nature of the situation
It's all a joke, girl
Everything is humorous, my dear
Lyrics © TERRORBIRD PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Gretchen Renee Grimm, Lydia Elizabeth Lund, Julia Marie Shapiro, Annie Truscott
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bryan Mark
Nothing's serious
Everything's a joke
When we smoke
It's all in smoke, yeah
I feel fine when we're high
I'm gonna light you on fire
I laugh so hard, you make me cry
Let's light everything on fire
I'm getting better at forgetting
Everything that's heavier
All a joke
It's all a joke, yeah
I feel fine when we're high
I'm gonna light you on fire
I laugh so hard, you make me cry
Let's light everything on fire
It's all a joke, yeah
I feel fine when we're high
I'm gonna light you on fire
Laugh so... you make me cry
Let's light everything on fire
Let's light everything on fire
NickJaca 76
Man 3EB still rockin!
I was 20 in 1996, now i'm 45, have 1 3yo kid and still listening 👍😎
Thank you for the great music Mr. Jenkins! 🇵🇭
TheMajestrix
As soon as the music began I almost teared up. I missed you guys more than I realized.
Ivan
This song is absolutely beautiful
RJV
Both versions are epic in their own way!😎👍
Russell B
All time favorite band!!! I can't quite explain it but I simply "resonate" with this band. This song and the others on this release are welcome additions! Keep the music rolling and see you in July!!!!!
Jamie
it blows my mind how you guys are still so incredible. god bless.
J B
3EB never fails!
The Last Shoegazer
Been rockin 3eb since the beginning, and even though the sound and lineup has changed, my feelings connected to them haven’t... Loving the straight forward groove behind this one - digging the shoegaze vibe.
Bryan Mark
Yeah man!
Michael Rios
The best thing to wake up too.. my all time fav band and a new video... 18 shows and 20 years rocking with 3EB... best band ever.