The Background

Album: Third Eye Blind (1997)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Third Eye Blind lead singer Stephan Jenkins said of this song: "Have you ever felt like your life was in high gear, and you were right in the moment, and you were happy, and rolling into some glorious unknown future? And then have that all taken away? And then lived in sort of the post-period of that high? That's what it's like to live in the background." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jeremy - Lowell, MA

Comments: 9

  • Austin from AustinI always thought it was about a relationship that ended with an abortion and now there’s only regret left at what could’ve been.
  • Look2the5ky from FloridaIt's about a partner who's now in a coma; she can hear him in the background but she's no longer there.
  • Breeauna from Amarillo TxWhen I listen to this song I think about my mom, I know she's here, but most of the time it really isn't her she's just sitting there high. This song is the best by far.
  • Rb from IndianaTo me, the song comes down to hearing the line "All my plans still have you in them." I was dating a girl and realized she had made her way into all of my plans and just maybe she might be the one. We've been married 22 years tomorrow!
  • Patrick from Overland Park, KsBest Third Eye Blind song
  • Lydia from New York City, Nyhe wrote this song about his girlfriend who was in a mental hospital
  • Joey from Cleveland, GaUm thats one way of looking at it Suii. There's a very extensive forum discussion about the meaning of this song at thevillagechurchyard.uk. Very great sight for Third Eye Blind fans.
  • Amber from San Francisco, CaI love this song. It's always been my favorite by Third Eye Blind. Somehow, it helped me get through a bad breakup a few years back. Very sad song.
  • Suii from Holtville, CaIm still confuzed...
    is it about sumone who died?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Harold Brown of War

Harold Brown of WarSongwriter Interviews

A founding member of the band War, Harold gives a first-person account of one of the most important periods in music history.

Dave Edmunds

Dave EdmundsSongwriter Interviews

A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."

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.

Wang Chung Pick The Top Songs Of The '80s

Wang Chung Pick The Top Songs Of The '80sSongwriter Interviews

'80s music ambassadors Wang Chung pick their top tracks of the decade, explaining what makes each one so special.