In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
For three strange days
I had no obligations
My mind was a blur
I did not know what to do
I think I lost myself
When I lost my motivation
Now I'm walking 'round the city
Just waiting to come to
For three strange...
For three strange days
I couldn't put a smile on my face
So they dressed me up in all of their clothes
And took me somewhere else
Johnny Clueless was there
With his simulated wood grain
So I pulled up a chair
And started drinking by myself
For three strange...
I've got to make it through
No matter what it takes
Oh I've got to make it through
These strange days
I lay down for a while
And I woke up on the ocean
Floating on my back
And staring at the gray
It was completely still
Except the pounding of my heart
Bringing me back to life
From three strange days
Three strange...
Three strange days
Three strange days
I had no obligations
My mind was a blur
I did not know what to do
I think I lost myself
When I lost my motivation
Now I'm walking 'round the city
Just waiting to come to
For three strange...
For three strange days
I couldn't put a smile on my face
So they dressed me up in all of their clothes
And took me somewhere else
Johnny Clueless was there
With his simulated wood grain
So I pulled up a chair
And started drinking by myself
For three strange...
I've got to make it through
No matter what it takes
Oh I've got to make it through
These strange days
I lay down for a while
And I woke up on the ocean
Floating on my back
And staring at the gray
It was completely still
Except the pounding of my heart
Bringing me back to life
From three strange days
Three strange...
Three strange days
Three strange days
Lyrics submitted by planetearth
3 Strange Days Lyrics as written by Michael B. Ward Joshua B. Clayton-felt
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I really think this song is about an LSD trip. Perhaps not. I was really bummed when I realized that Josh Clayton Felt died only a few years ago, I believe in 2001. They're a great band though, and it's a shame that they never made it big, or is that for the better?
this song is the best ever. the part about him having no obligations is about him losing his job, and the rest of the song is a state of depression.
Given the occult symbolism found in the music video and lyrics I believe this song was written on a subconscious level about a trauma based mind control expedition. The beginning of the song is slipping into a trance and the end is waking up. "They" are his handlers and Johnny Clueless is their target.
Wow. I didn't know that he died.
I agree. Great band.
Maybe this song is about some kind of weird state of concioussness, due to drugs or any other reason. I live in Cuba, please, can anyone explain to me what means, or who is, "Jhonny Clueless" and "simulated wood grain"? Thanks.
@Abiku Jesus Christ and his cross.
after the 3 days, he gets a new job.
Abiku, the Johnny clueless thing might be stupid enemy of his, and the simulated wood grain could be fake wood in his car.
@plasmaHD The wood grain is alcohol I believe.Johnny clueless is just someone who is just random at this party or wherever he is.It sounds like he's pretty wasted in the song and trying to forget his depression.
Personally i thinks its about doing a fentanyl patch. Which is a opiate like, yet way more powerful pain killer perscribed for dieing cancer patients and the like. The patch is designed to last 3 days... Never done it but i here it basically makes u feel dead and life less... and well strange...
I have no idea about what the song means... but that guitar kicks ass.
Not that anyone's reading this anymore or cares about the question posed by Abiku from 4yrs ago (2006) but I'm posting my thoughts anyway. I don't know exactly what the meaning of the song is but my interpretation of the lyrics "Johnny Clueless was there with his simulated wood grain" is that, wherever he was, there was the typical clueless guy you see at the bar/dance club/etc trying to look the part of a cool/stud/rich guy but it's all fake (simulated wood grain) rather than the real thing (actual, real, rich wood) and he has no idea how transparent he looks. Now how that fits into the meaning of the song I don't know.
I think the 3 days refer to three differet stages in the persons life.<br /> <br /> Possibly while growing up, not having any real obligations. Their mind is a blur because nothing of real significance happened in this time to reflect back upon. <br /> <br /> Loosing motivation because of a break up in relationship or possibly changing interest in the "scene" they accociated with.<br /> <br /> Dressed me up in all of their clothes - finding a new crowd to hang out with but not exaclty fitting in. Johnny Clueless and simulated woodgrain is about the people there portaying a part and seeming fake.<br /> <br /> He starts drinking by himself instead of out partying with friends. He becomes anti-social or an alcoholic. The end is about sobering up, mentally or physically. <br />
Ooops, didn't mean to post this as a response the a comment. Sorry
@GaryIndiana I thought the wood grain was alcohol (moonshine).Johnny Cluesless just seemed to be someone unimportant or random.