The Pierces - Three Wishes

The song 'Three Wishes' by The Pierces, featured in the TV series 'Gossip Girl,' delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The opening lines suggest a longing for invulnerability, imagining a world where people are made of metal, iron, and steel. This metaphor highlights the fragility of human emotions and the pain that often accompanies love and relationships. The idea of building an army of 'tender bodies' questions whether, even with physical strength, we could overcome emotional vulnerabilities and truly connect with one another without the fear of getting hurt.

The recurring theme of 'three wishes' serves as a poignant metaphor for the desires and dreams we hold in our hearts. The wishes to 'fly the heavens' and 'swim like fishes' symbolize a yearning for freedom and transcendence, while the third wish, saved for a 'rainy day,' represents a safety net for emotional security. This wish is particularly significant, as it reflects the fear of losing love and the need for a backup plan to cope with potential heartbreak.

The song also explores the idea of trying to 'fix' a lover, with the hope of undoing their past damage and making them 'new again.' However, it warns that such attempts may lead to losing the essence of the person and their emotions, ultimately resulting in failure. The lyrics emphasize the desire for a perfect, unblemished love—'never bitter and all delicious,' 'a clean conscience,' and 'one true lover with a thousand kisses.' Yet, the underlying message is that love, with all its imperfections and challenges, is inherently fragile and cannot be controlled or perfected.