“Amber” by 311

The popular understanding of “Amber” is that it is based on the romantic relationship 311’s lead singer, Nick Hexum, was in at the time. In fact back in 2001 he was engaged to Nicole Scherzinger, of (later) P_____cat Dolls’ fame. Indeed Nicole actually appears in the music video of “Amber”, alongside Hexum.

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for 311's Amber at Lyrics.org.

However, Nick himself, who also wrote this song, never confirmed that it is in fact about Nicole. Indeed whereas the logical implication would be that the song is romantic in nature, the lyrics never seem to directly point to such an idea.

Rather the “amber” quality is an attribute the addressee possesses. This is, according to an interview conducted with Nick Hexum, the title is the color of this individual’s energy. Or as he puts it, amber is a cool, relaxing hue to describe someone.

And what the singer is basically saying is that he relies on this “amber” person as sort of a relief from the stresses of life. Or more to the point, said individual has a positive effect on his overall disposition – an experience that he describes as a “phenomenon”. For instance, according to the second verse, just thinking about this person seems to make him “blind to fear”. And the implication is that he is separated from the addressee by a considerable amount of distance. So if this is a love song, then it would be one based on something like a long-distance romance, i.e. the singer admiring his sweetheart from afar. And at the same time he advises her to remain independent and that the good things in life must be earned through struggle.

What really is the meaning of “Amber”?

So with that in mind, another theory we would like to introduce is one which postulates that this song is rather based on a general philosophy 311 is putting forth in terms of making the most of life and interpersonal relationships. According to this understanding of “Amber”, the sentiment expressed in the lyrics are the direct result of the band parting ways with their long-time record label. So basically in such a case the singer would once again be praising the addressee, though it would be a lot more-challenging trying to ascertain who exactly that person is. However, it is possible that if so, he is addressing a fellow bandmate, not only bigging this person up but also telling him to remain strong in face of the uncertainty (i.e. changing labels) which lies ahead.

Lyrics of "Amber"

Facts about “Amber”

311 is an alternative-rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. And “Amber” was featured on their sixth album, “From Chaos”. It was released by Volcano Records with the album on 19 June 2001, and they later reissued it as the third single from it also.

And almost two decades later, this remains the most-popular song 311 has ever come out with. For example, it is the only one of their tracks to have been certified Gold in the United States, where it also was listed on Billboard’s Adult Top 40 and Modern Rock Tracks charts.

The music video to “Amber” was directed by the Malloy Brothers (Brendan and Emmett).

“Amber” has been featured in a couple of movies, such as Adam Sandler’s “50 First Dates” (2004) and Channing Tatum’s “Dear John” (2010).

Nick Hexum wrote “Amber”. And the entire band produced the song alongside Ron Saint-Germain.

2 Responses

  1. c says:

    I believe the song is about the oil in a trichome from cannabis. Photosynthesis makes energy. The THC and CBD and other cannabinoids are found in the resin of pressing cannabis (or activating cannabis with heat) and may even be a defense mechanism to the plant (the trichomes). Amber as a gemstone is fossilized tree rosin. Just a theory mixed with personal experience and research.

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