This song is a tribute to a unique and deeply emotional experience shared between the songwriter, Perry Farrell, and two women, one of whom is named Xiola. It delves into themes of fleeting relationships, the intense connection between individuals, and the inevitable parting that follows. The songwriter weaves a narrative that captures the essence of human connection and the pain of its loss, using vivid imagery and metaphors to express the depth of these emotions. The song is not just a recounting of a personal experience but also a reflection on the transient nature of love and the beauty of embracing the moment.
Why did Farrell write this song? It’s a celebration and a eulogy for a three-day affair that was both luminous and ephemeral, highlighting the duality of human experiences – the joy of connection and the sorrow of departure.
“Three Days” Lyrics Meaning
Starting with preparing a room illuminated by Christmas lights and candles, the song immediately sets a tone of intimacy and anticipation. This scene is not merely about the physical setting; it’s a metaphor for creating a space in one’s life and heart, ready to be filled with love and memories.
The repetition of “Three days was the morning” signifies the beginning of this intense, fleeting encounter. It’s a temporal marker that frames the entire experience. The phrase “My focus three days old” suggests a complete immersion in the moment, a deep connection that feels both timeless and transient. The mention of “cricket bows” contrasts the bustling energy of human connection and the serene, ongoing life of nature, perhaps hinting at the natural cycle of coming together and parting.
The song’s narrative progresses to describe a ménage à trois, but it’s clear this isn’t just a tale of physical love. It’s about the profound emotional and spiritual connections formed between the individuals. “Three lovers, in three ways” could be interpreted as the different dimensions of their relationships — physical, emotional, and spiritual. Acknowledging this tryst not as a scandal but as a proud, shared experience speaks volumes about the depth of their bond.
“We saw shadows of the morning light, the shadows of the evening sun, till the shadows and the light were one,” beautifully illustrates the merging of individual identities in the shared experience. Yet, this unity is temporary, highlighted by the cycle of day and night, emphasizing the fleeting nature of their connection.
The lyrics then shift toward a broader reflection on human nature and society. “True hunting is over, no herd to follow” suggests a loss of direction and purpose in modern life, where traditional roles and relationships no longer hold the same meaning. This line transitions the song from a personal narrative into a commentary on humanity’s existential crisis, longing for connection in a fragmented world.
The final verses, “Erotic Jesus lays with his Marys, loves his Marys,” introduce religious imagery to explore themes of sacrilege and sanctity, further complicating the song’s exploration of love and connection. It’s as if the song suggests that humans touch upon something divine in their most intimate moments, transcending societal norms and expectations.
“Three Days” is not just a recounting of a personal experience but a philosophical meditation on love, loss, and the search for meaning in a transient world. The song’s complex narrative structure, rich imagery, and thematic depth invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of connection and the fleeting moments that define our lives.
The Story Behind “Three Days”
Perry Farrell, the lead singer and songwriter for Jane’s Addiction, drew inspiration from a real-life event — a three-day affair with his girlfriend, Casey Niccoli, and their friend Xiola Blue. This wasn’t just a spontaneous fling; it was a profound emotional and spiritual experience that left an indelible mark on all involved.
The late 80s and early 90s were a time of significant cultural and musical shifts, with Jane’s Addiction at the forefront of the alternative rock movement. Therefore, this song is not just a personal recounting; it reflects the era’s ethos — a desire to break free from conventional norms and explore deeper, more complex emotional landscapes.
The room prepared with “Christmas lights, a city of candles” wasn’t just a physical setting but a symbolic gesture of creating a sacred space for this union. The intensity and brevity of their connection underscored the song’s meditation on the ephemeral nature of human relationships and the beauty found within those fleeting moments.
“Three Days” also reflects Farrell’s contemplation on the nature of love, spirituality, and the human condition. The merging of shadows and light, the cycles of day and night, and the interplay between physical and spiritual love are all explored with a depth that mirrors Farrell’s own quest for understanding and meaning. In many ways, this song is a microcosm of the human experience — a journey through love, loss, connection, and the perpetual search for something transcendent.