One of the Three

There were three people put on crosses when Jesus was sentenced to death so the singer is saying Jesus was only one of three people killed in the same way - should we attach special significance to just one? Also the bit about "it was suicide" and they will come from you - well if you claim to be son of God then it was suicidal in those days. I'm not religious but to me this is clearly about struggling with the belief in Jesus as the son of God.

Yeah : i too think that they're the 2 best songs on the album.But i really looove this album entirely, it's a really great ensemble of emotions, intelligence, and authenticity, which i think it's rare these modern days in the music business.

For me, it's one of the most underestimated band of the 90's. Just like Pavement, they passed under the radar while everybody was watching Kurt Cobain destroy himself. I don't know why it seems like people considered James like a guilty pleasure, ( or that.s the idea i got from people around me when i listen to the album). Like there no real musical or melodic quality about them, like you have to be ashamed to listen to them, cuz it's not cool enough for the masses. sometimes, it kills me when people didnt listen more than one song ( Laid) and say things like " ah yeah, it's the catchy song in american pie...I thought it was played by Better than Ezra"... True story. What the fuck with your ears, stupid people ?? Anyway, Just wanted to speak out to a crowd i felt would understand.

(p.s : sorry if my english is so-so...I'm a french speaker from Montreal, Canada and my english is, well, incapacitated in many ways!!)

Brilliant song. This and P.S. - best on album?

It's about the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

Pretty sure this one's about Jesus or the story of Jesus.

Nice to compare this one with "Live a Love of Life"

This is a great song, questioning Jesus. Maybe that makes me appreciate it more as I'm an atheist...

I agree with both commenters above. And like cmj_ab, I'm no believer myself -- I, too, "need proof before belief."

One thing I've wondered about regarding the song is whether the "three" are to refer to Christianity's Holy Trinity, or to Jesus and the two thieves crucified with him. It certainly could allude to both -- and of course it might be neither, but these are the two interpretations that have occurred to me thus far.

I always assumed this song is about a gay man trying to reconcile the religion he was brought up under with his lifestyle.

"Oh, well, I guess you're not to blame for what they Done in your name, in your name"

He empathizes with Jesus because he feels persecuted in his own life, but at the same time, his persecution is done by the followers of Jesus.

But then, some reason, I also always just assumed the members of the band James were gay for...

LOL SergeantP. I give you an A for effort. This song is clearly about questioning Christianity. The best line is "Send forth your lamb to the slaughter..."

The whole notion of the trinity is ludicrous just like Christianity is. I never understood how one can have blind faith in something with no historical context.

As others have written, seems to be a song to Christ, lamenting what has happened in His name, acknowledging his good intentions, but that he let fate envelope him.