Lyric discussion by gerryharp 

Cover art for Three-Way lyrics by Magnetic Fields, The

I'm surprised at the variety of interpretations for three-way.

I thought first of a sexual encounter, but this doesn't seem to fit. I'm sure the band was aware of this alternate meaning when they chose the title, though.

Note that we hear the same piece three times but with variations. I have a hunch that "three-way" is a hint about the musical progression, similar to Dave Brubek's famous "Take Five" song, where the title refers to the 5-beat timing.

Song Meaning