3 O'Clock Things
by AJR

Album: OK Orchestra (2021)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song finds AJR dipping their toes into contemporary issues and politics. Vocalist Jack Metzger discusses education, target advertising, the US electoral system, and racism. He also reflects on social anxiety and the pressures of fitting in as he wonders whether he should talk about such topics with his friends.

    AJR issued a statement that said: "We wrote the most political song on the album, '3 O'Clock Things,' about the predicament of, 'Should I even write a political song? Should I even discuss politics with my friends? Is it worth it?' Then we ended up talking about racism."
  • The band set the song at 3 o'clock in the morning during which they debate with tired eyes whether to do a political track. 3 a.m. and the number 3 has been a reoccurring topic in many AJR tunes in the past, including The Click track "Three-Thirty" and a reference to the time in the OK Orchestra song "Way Less Sad."

    Well, I can't fall asleep and I'm losin' my mind
    'Cause it's half-past three and my brain's on fire
  • Jack Met co-directed the video with the band's regular visual collaborator, Edoardo Ranaboldo. The clip parodies some of AJR's past videos, including the ones for "Dear Winter," "My Play," "Sober Up," "I'm Not Famous," and "Come Hang Out."

    AJR's lighting designer, Ezra Donellan, portrays Jack Met while Zach Sang of the Zach Sang Show makes a cameo.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Mike Love of The Beach Boys

Mike Love of The Beach BoysSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist of The Beach Boys talks about coming up with the words for "Good Vibrations," "Fun, Fun, Fun," "Kokomo" and other classic songs.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

George Clinton

George ClintonSongwriter Interviews

When you free your mind, your ass may follow, but you have to make sure someone else doesn't program it while it's wide open.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"They're Playing My Song

The Prince-penned "Manic Monday" was the first song The Bangles heard coming from a car radio, but "Eternal Flame" is closest to Susanna's heart, perhaps because she sang it in "various states of undress."