Set The Fire To The Third Bar

In 'Set The Fire To The Third Bar,' Melanie Martinez explores the profound sense of longing and emotional distance between two lovers. The song opens with the imagery of a map, symbolizing the physical separation between the narrator and their beloved. The act of drawing a straight line over rivers, farms, and state lines signifies the simplicity of their desire to be together, despite the complex reality of their separation. The narrator's fingers tracing the map reflect a yearning to bridge the gap, touching the place where their lover's face would be, emphasizing the emotional void created by the distance.

The setting shifts to a bar, where the narrator hangs up their coat, symbolizing a temporary pause in their journey. The bar, filled with laughter and drunken conversations, contrasts sharply with the narrator's inner silence and solitude. The mention of 'drunken men find flaws in science' suggests a world that is chaotic and irrational, further highlighting the narrator's sense of disconnection. The voices around them are mere noises, while the words of their lover resonate deeply, likened to music that brings comfort and solace.

The chorus captures the essence of the narrator's longing, as they lay down on the cold ground, praying to be transported into the warm embrace of their lover. The imagery of setting the fire to the third bar symbolizes a moment of reunion and warmth, where the lovers can share an intimate space, akin to an island of their own. The song beautifully conveys the emotional journey of longing, hope, and the desire for closeness, culminating in a dreamlike state where the lovers can continue their connection, even if only in their dreams.