Some people believe that the number three is bad luck. Others believe it’s good luck. In songs, it can mean a variety of things, from relationships to a number of people and even telling time.
The stories this particular number brings to the world of melody and sound are as intriguing and diverse as they come.
That’s why in this post, we’ll take a look at 15 of the best songs with the number three in the title to discover the different meanings and interpretations behind them. Ready? Let’s get started!
1. “3” By Britney Spears
Starting this list is a standout track from Britney Spears’ The Singles Collection album. Penned and produced by the renowned Max Martin alongside Shellback, its straightforward and risqué content was somewhat of a departure for Spears.
Its lyrics dive into themes of threesomes. It is encapsulated by the lines “1, 2, 3 / not only you and me / Got one eighty degrees / and I’m caught in between.” Because of this, reviews were mixed. Some praised its catchy nature and Spears’ confident delivery. Others critiqued it for its overtly sexual theme.
Despite the divided critical reception, the song soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. It marked Spears’ third single to achieve this feat.
2. “Three Times A Lady” By Commodores
Fall in love with a timeless ballad next. “Three Times a Lady,” by the American soul group Commodores, is featured on their 1978 album Natural High. Written by Lionel Richie, the song stands as one of Commodores’ most enduring hits.
In the song, the protagonist sings of his appreciation for his beloved, even though their relationship has come to an end. The phrase “three times a lady” offers a metaphor for the multifaceted nature of his love and the deep respect and admiration he has for his partner.
This suggests that the subject of the song embodies everything one could desire in a partner, magnified threefold — a sentiment that resonates with the universal desire for profound and lasting love.
3. “Three Steps To Heaven” By Eddie Cochran
Performed by the legendary Eddie Cochran, “Three Steps to Heaven” holds a poignant place in music history. It was released posthumously in 1960, just months after the singer’s untimely death in a car accident at the age of 21.
The song narrates a simple yet profound pathway to bliss. It is outlined in three steps: finding a girl to love, making her your own, and ensuring she loves you too. It is a straightforward formula for happiness that has endeared itself to listeners.
Upon its release, “Three Steps to Heaven” achieved remarkable success, particularly in the United Kingdom. There it soared to #1 and remained at the top for two weeks.
4. “Year 3000” By Jonas Brothers
Our next song was originally by the British pop-rock band Busted in 2003. The single “Year 3000” became popular in the United States because of the Jonas Brothers’ cover three years later. The Brothers’ rendition was released from their debut album, It’s About Time.
The narrative of “Year 3000” is a whimsical take on time travel. The lyrics describe a journey to the future where the narrator encounters various fantastical scenarios. He experiences living underwater and the widespread fame of his band.
The Jonas Brothers’ cover of “Year 3000” received considerable airplay and soon became a fan favorite, contributing to the band’s rising fame.
5. “1234” By Feist
From the Canadian-American singer Feist, we have “1234” next. It’s a playful yet poignant track taken from the singer’s third album, The Reminder.
Its whimsical lyrics reflect the narrator’s personal growth and self-discovery, with lines like “Oh, you’re changing your heart / Oh, you know who you are.” The song’s structure, characterized by its repetitive chorus and bridge, creates an engaging and memorable experience for listeners, inviting them to sing along.
“1234” gained widespread recognition and commercial success, partly due to its feature in a popular iPod Nano commercial, which helped catapult Feist into the international spotlight.
6. “Three Little Birds” By Bob Marley
If you want a song to comfort you in times of trouble, “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley & The Wailers would be the perfect one to listen to. Released as part of their 1977 album Exodus, it is an inspirational song that’s sure to relax you with its laid-back rhythm and roots reggae tune.
The song’s message is simple yet profound: We shouldn’t worry too much. This mantra of optimism resonates deeply with people from various walks of life, making “Three Little Birds” a timeless anthem of positivity.
Over the years, the song has seen numerous covers by artists across different genres. Renditions by the jazz pianist Monty Alexander and British singer Connie Talbert are noteworthy. The song’s legacy is a reflection of Marley’s profound impact on music and society, reminding us that, in his own words, “every little thing gonna be all right.”
7. “1, 2, 3” By Sofia Reyes Ft. Jason Derulo And De La Ghetto
Let’s get some Latin beats in here with Sofía Reyes’ “1, 2, 3.” It was released in 2018 and features American singer Jason Derulo and Puerto Rican rapper De La Ghetto. It blends Latin pop with reggaeton and tropical influences, making it a captivating tune to dance to.
The song’s lyrics are a mix of English and Spanish, enhancing its appeal to a global audience. This reflects the growing popularity of bilingual tracks in mainstream music.
The song enjoyed considerable success, landing at #24 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart. It also garnered millions of streams and views on Spotify and YouTube, reflecting its global reach.
8. “3:15 (Breathe)” By Russ
Our next song, “3:15 (Breathe)” by Russ showcases the rapper’s versatility as both an artist and producer. Known for his do-it-yourself approach in the music industry, Russ produced the song himself and released it in 2021 as a standalone single.
The song’s title and refrain suggest a theme of reflection and seeking moments of peace amid chaos. Its narrative describes struggles in relationships where the narrator is “just tryna find [his] peace.”
“3:15 (Breathe)” serves as a reminder that amid life’s challenges, taking a moment to breathe and finding our peace is not only necessary but vital. It is a testament to the power of music as a form of expression and connection, further showcasing Russ’s talent in creating songs that speak to the heart.
9. “The Unforgiven III” By Metallica
Let’s dive into the world of heavy metal with Metallica’s “The Unforgiven III.” This is the third installment in the band’s Unforgiven trilogy. It carries forward the thematic essence of its predecessors — the struggle with societal expectations and the quest for identity and redemption.
Its lyrics describe the internal battles one faces, symbolized through the metaphor of a ship lost at sea. Lines like “How can I be lost / if I’ve got nowhere to go?” reflect the protagonist’s existential crisis and search for purpose.
Though the song did not rank highly in the charts, it remains a fan favorite. It encourages listeners to reflect on their own struggles with identity, freedom, and self-forgiveness.
10. “3 a.m.” By Eminem
As a renowned rapper, Eminem has many great songs under his belt. “3 a.m.,” featured as the third single from his Relapse album, is one of them.
The song presents dark and horror-themed lyrics. They portray Eminem as a serial killer who commits gruesome acts without recollection. This suggests a dissociative identity disorder influenced by his alter ego, Slim Shady.
With lines like “Guess I must’ve just blacked out again — not again!” Eminem captures the chilling narrative of losing control and the horror of the actions committed during these blackouts. This is further emphasized by the music video, which features a haunting visual representation of the song’s themes.
11. “3’s & 7’s” By Queen Of The Stone Age
From the album Era Vulgaris, “3’s & 7’s” is an electrifying single by Queens of the Stone Age, released in 2007. It is a dynamic track blending hard rock and alternative elements the band is known for.
The song takes on themes of deceit and manipulation. The title itself is a metaphor derived from poker. It symbolizes a bad hand, which further emphasizes the song’s exploration of bluffing and falsehood in personal relationships: “Lie, lie to my face / Tell me it ain’t nothing, that’s what I wanna hear.”
The music video complements the track’s themes. It features a visually striking and somewhat surreal narrative, enhancing the overall impact of the song on its audience.
12. “The 30th” By Billie Eilish
As part of Billie Eilish’s Guitar Songs project, “The 30th” was released in 2022. Through stripped-back production and haunting lyrics, it tells of the aftermath of a tragic accident. The “30th” in the title reflects the date this happened.
Through the song, Eilish captures the time before and after her friend was in an accident. She recalls the “unusually early traffic,” and when she “saw the ambulances on the shoulder / [she] didn’t even think of pulling over.” She knew instinctively her friend was hurt.
From “The 30th,” listeners can take away a profound sense of empathy. Eilish’s candidness in sharing such a personal story invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of nearly losing someone.
13. “My Next 30 Years” By Tim McGraw
Written by Phil Vassar, “My Next 30 Years” by Tim McGraw is part of the latter’s 1999 album A Place in the Sun. Though it was not released as a single, the track quickly became a favorite among fans.
McGraw sings about taking a moment to celebrate his age. It marks the end of an era while eagerly anticipating the “next 30 years.” He plans many things for this new chapter of his life, like “settle all the scores / cry a little less, laugh a little more.”
In essence, “My Next Thirty Years” encourages us to reflect on our past, learn from our experiences, and look forward to making the most out of the years to come. It serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to start anew and pursue a life filled with joy, health, and fulfillment.
14. “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad” By Meat Loaf
A classic rock ballad by Meat Loaf is penultimate on our list. “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” was featured on his iconic album Bat Out of Hell.
The song tells a story of unrequited love. It expresses a sentiment of being caught between love and rejection, where the singer can offer two things: “I want you / I need you / but there ain’t no way I’m ever gonna love you. He tells her not to be sad because “two out of three ain’t bad.”
This lyrical nuance explores the heartache of incomplete relationships and the complexity of human emotions. It’s a timeless anthem for those who have experienced love’s more challenging facets.
15. “We Three Kings” By The Irish Tenors
Though the holiday season might still be a few months away, we’ve included this classic Christmas carol “We Three Kings.” There are many renditions of this song, including the beautiful and harmonic version by The Irish Tenors. The song goes all the way back to the mid-1900s, in the hands of hymnodist John Henry Hopkins Jr.
The Irish Tenors have been celebrated for their ability to breathe new life into traditional songs. Their rendition of “We Three Kings” is no exception, showcasing their dynamic vocal range and emotional depth.
The arrangement of the song highlights not only the individual talents of the tenors but also their seamless harmonization. This creates a rich, layered listening experience that deeply resonates with the spirit of the holiday season.
Summing Up Our List Of Songs Titled With The Number Three
And there you have it, dear readers, songs containing the number three in their titles. The variety and depth of these tracks highlight the creativity and thoughtfulness of artists.
They prove that the fascination with this number is not bound by any musical boundaries, weaving varied and captivating stories that resonate with audiences.
As we wrap up, we realize our list is far from exhaustive. Let us know songs we’ve missed, and we’ll include them here!
