Meaning of "333" by Against Me!

"333" delves into the darker aspects of the human psyche, exploring the depths of despair and the desire for connection with the listener. The opening lines describe a yearning for self-destructive behavior, symbolized by wanting to fall down stairs or float face down in a river. This suggests a desperate need to escape or feel any sensation despite its harm. The mention of "150 Marilyns, the war, and the bomb" alludes to societal anxieties and fears – Marilyn Monroe representative of a troubled epitome, war representing conflict, and the bomb symbolizing imminent destruction. Each day seems to be filled with reasons to fear, yet it also brings the opportunity to wake up and confront these fears.

The repetition of "333" acts as a plea, a cry for help, or a desire for recognition. It seeks acknowledgment, as if the number serves as a personal symbol or code representing the singer's identity. The line "bring it all back to me" suggests a longing to return to a state of love and connection, perhaps a desire for the listener to remember or understand the singer's pain.

The song also touches on the idea of unknown devils, referring to unseen personal demons or experiences that have not been shared. The singer invites these devils to join them on their journey, perhaps as a way to confront and understand their own darkness. The repeated desire to be as close as possible to the listener reflects a deep longing for intimacy, seeking solace and understanding through closeness.

The reference to "The Renowned Orders of the Night" could symbolize a significant event or revelation. The singer questions why they should approach this experience with irony or cynicism, suggesting a desire to approach life with sincerity and openness. Walking through a tarot garden may represent a journey through the symbolic and mysterious, with "visible mutations fading right before your fucking eyes" signifying changes that go unnoticed or underappreciated. The cycles of death and regeneration, the sensations of absence and loss, convey a deeper exploration of the human experience and the impermanence of existence.

Overall, "333" explores themes of fear, existential uncertainty, and the pursuit of connection and understanding amidst darkness. It conveys emotions of desperation, longing, and a plea for recognition, inviting the listener to empathize and confront their own inner devils.