“Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind
Third Eye Blind’s “Semi-Charmed Life” is based on, succinctly put, doing speed. More specifically it points to the band’s frontman, Stephan Jenkins’, personal experiences with the drug. And as the story goes, he and his friends were randomly introduced to it one day. A short time later, according to his own words, ‘all of his friends were addicted’.
And the drug references in the lyrics are pretty obvious. The way the story plays out is as if the singer is enjoying the intoxicant alongside a female friend whom he is intimately involved with. In fact he makes a direct allusion to her performing a particular intimate act on him. And in plain language, Mr. Jenkins once again stated in his own words that this is a “song about snorting speed and getting b— jobs”.
A Deep Song
But by the time the bridge comes around the listener can see that, at least at points, the track has a deeper than that. And Jenkins did go on to expound on the macrocosmic, ultimate understanding of “Semi-Charmed Life”. And such is that it is meant to point to the universal idea of a person never being satisfied. And indeed, throughout most of the song the general feeling is that the singer is enjoying his relationship with this lady. Yet by the time the bridge concludes, he is proclaiming that “nothing is alright”. Or stated otherwise, he knows that the both of them are actually entranced in a situation which has no type of fruitful future. But still they continue to indulge which ultimately, within the context of this song, points to the notion of having an insatiable appetite.
Conclusion
So perhaps the simplest way to describe “Semi-Charmed Life” is as it speaking out against the vanity of addiction. The song is intentionally set to play in a way where it relays a good feeling. But the lives of characters therein are only “semi-charmed”. Indeed even their relationship comes to an end.
So considering the different explanations which Stephan Jenkins has given concerning its meaning, the way it is all seemingly meant to play out is that this couple’s addiction is representative of them seeking some type of unrealistic euphoria.
Facts about “Semi-Charmed Life”
This track is from Third Eye Blind’s debut album, which was named directly after the band. Elektra Records released the song on 17 June 1997, and it is the lead single from that project.
“Semi-Charmed Life” was written by Third Eye Blind members:
- Stephan Jenkins
- Aaron Salazar
- Kevin Cadogan
Jenkins is recognized as the primary composer of this tune.
The song was quite successful in the USA, peaking at number 4 on the Hot 100. Furthermore, it appeared on 5 other Billboard lists, including scoring a number 1 on its Alternative Songs and Mainstream Top 40 charts.
Moreover “Semi-Charmed Life” charted in handful of other countries, most notably peaking at number two on Canada’s Top Singles.
The song has also been certified Gold in both the United States and Australia.
“Semi-Charmed Life” was influenced by a Lou Reed (1942-2013) track from 1972 entitled “Walk on the Wild Side”.
