Meaning of "We Three" by Patti Smith

"We Three" by Patti Smith delves into the complexities of love, desire, and the fragility of relationships. The song explores the themes of longing, betrayal, and the insecurities that arise when feelings of love become entangled. The narrator visits a bar every Sunday, symbolizing their need to escape or find solace from the turmoil within their relationship. Leaving the guitar behind may represent their vulnerability or even a sense of sacrifice. The lyrics reveal a fractured love triangle, where the partner expresses a desire for someone else, specifically the narrator's brother. This dynamic leads to a heightened sense of jealousy, pain, and a loss of confidence in the narrator's own worth. The repetition of the plea, "Baby, please, don't take my hope away from me," conveys the narrator's fear of being abandoned or losing the belief in the possibility of love and happiness.

The song also highlights the deceptive nature of desire and the uncertainty that it brings. The stars and the dice are mentioned to highlight how things may seem promising or hopeful on the surface but can ultimately be misleading. The key of A mentioned in the lyrics could symbolize the emotional state of the narrator and their partner, suggesting that everything is in a state of harmony or alignment before the tensions of the love triangle come to the forefront.

Throughout the song, time is presented as a critical factor in determining the destiny of the three individuals involved. The repeated emphasis on time suggests that the resolution or outcome of the complicated relationship will be revealed with the passage of time. It serves as a reminder that patience and the natural progression of events will ultimately decide the fate of their love.

In summary, "We Three" explores the intricate emotions and challenges that arise within a love triangle. The lyrics embody themes of longing, jealousy, fear of abandonment, and the power of time in shaping one's destiny.