THIRD EYE BLIND SEMI-CHARMED LIFE (THE DARK STORY)

[@rnrtruestories]

Is everyone else’s downtown in their city full of people using this drug?

[@jedahn]

Yeah, meth is everywhere and pretty much everyone is on it.

[@RockNRollTrueStories2]

@@jedahnyeah it’s terrifying

[@msjsq1966]

I was addicted to it many moons ago. Don't miss it.

[@gregoryporch8395]

They're all over Denver and Boulder

[@redghettosun9785]

Breaking Bad was very popular for a reason.

[@Matt-yj1lz]

That third eye blind album is the most 90s album ever and i love it for it.

[@KrisBryant99]

The 2nd is to but often gets overlooked.

[@ChairmanPaulieD]

@@KrisBryant99 I loved the “Blue” album 🤘🏽 songs I loved the MOST off that album were (10 Days Late, 1000 July’s, Anything and An Ode To Maybe) but the debut album I can just listen to that album from Track 1 “Losing A Whole Year” to Track 14 “God Of Wine” 🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@brandonproctor3639]

Absolutely! Awesome album

[@Crackle-Crackle]

Seen them about 2 years ago with my daughter and they put on an amazing show still. We had the best night. One of the best bands I have ever seen!

[@matthewalexanderlemma8000]

I remember this song being everywhere in the fall of 1997 and, yeah, it being about drugs initially went completely over everyone’s head. I was in 6th grade at the time and recall seeing a group of my full of 6th graders dancing to it at a Halloween party in another classroom. 11 and 12-year-olds dance to a drug song, good heavens!

[@ChairmanPaulieD]

Sheesh 😆😅 a song about drugs & sex went right over their heads godd**n

[@701delbronx8]

How do you dance to this song

[@ChairmanPaulieD]

@@701delbronx8 Hehe YEAH IKR 😆😅😂🤣

[@JamesCraigWhoop]

I've hung out with tweekers, no amount of catchy tune can really make it a positive experience

[@rnrtruestories]

Yes where I live downtown is full of tweakers. They’ve taken over public transit sadly

[@AmericanPatriot4-19-95]

Well said. Bad element with meth ....the people are a sketchy as crackheads 😮

[@BathBombTheRussians]

I know an attorney that “casually” does meth around one weekend a month and is super functional outside of that weekend a month. Everyone else that I have known that got close to the drug lost decades of their lives to it.

[@kenterminateddq5311]

James, Flagpole Sitta (I'm not sick but I'm not well) is a good example.

[@screamdreamer9085]

But were you using it with them? Two very different experiences. One doesn’t last long. The other last too long and ends very badly, but extremely fun in the beginning

[@Employee00765]

Glad you mentioned the Primus connection. Linda Perry and the rest of 4 Non Blondes were big Primus fans and stated once that they started the band just to play with Primus. Also, Fungo Mungo was friends with Primus and played together a lot.

[@InAtlasAtLast]

Heck yeah, primus is awesome

[@christikirk7265]

I was a young adult when this came out....I knew what it was about...so upbeat...I still love it!!

[@Alfador_]

"Doing Crystal Meth will lift you up until you break" Yes, it's about drugs.

[@aubreyaubrey5193]

Like duh, right?

[@mitchyyy18]

No way?! 😂

[@lLushKitty]

OMG!
Are you serious?!

[@angelaa7388]

Lmao. "I took the hit that I was given and I bumped again."

[@ChairmanPaulieD]

@@angelaa7388 Jenkins bumped again again even after firing Cadogan he bumped again LOL 😆😅😂🤣

[@ratmachine87]

These guys were massive in the late nineties.

[@BradyIsAfagInHeat]

Must have blocked that part of the 90s out from.my.memory.
Just this one song was enough for me to not want to listen which sucks cause they seem like solid people and probably have some cool tunes but that foggy single that was out, wasn't for me man.

[@kerryknight1903]

I love all your videos but this is exceptionally done. What a deep dive I loved every minute

[@rnrtruestories]

Thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@visualonestudio]

I've made many friends over the years just from the shared love of Third Eye Blind.

[@dudeabides1532]

Really loved this album back in the day. Especially “God of Wine”.

[@darla29]

Stephen Jenkins seems like a major meanie, but wow was he a looker back in the day. 🔥🔥

[@jonnya3425]

From stealing from his roomates to stealing from his bandmates. Semi charmed life sounds about right.

[@geneeverett7855]

He didn’t steal shit. Bro u just believe anything u hear eh?

[@jb-yi4di]

​​@@geneeverett7855 But in his own words he "lived on Ramen noodles and coffee, financed by stealing from my roommates".
Edit. At least according to this clip

[@guiramos3733]

As some have mentioned down here in the comments, Jenkins’ ego was the downfall of this band. Had he been smarter to notice that once Kevin was gone they would never again recapture their unique melodic identity, and reconcile with him, 3EB would’ve remained relevant to this day.
In my humble opinion a band’s identity is composed of 3 core pillars: Lyrics + Melody + Attitude
Removing any of them will lead the band to either slowly or quickly collapse.

[@spindillio]

You're missing out if you haven't dug into their last several albums.

[@guiramos3733]

@@spindillio I never said their work post Kevin is not good, it just lost the melodic identity that was key to their huge success early on. Even Salazar admitted this as mentioned in the video. Kevin brought a kind of magic that defined 3EB.

[@spindillio]

@@guiramos3733I really liked what Kevin brought to the band. No question. He had a special brand. But I do truly love what the band has done since then as well.

[@geneeverett7855]

They’ve put out a lot of material post the first run of 3 scums 97-03 .. ur missing out

[@guiramos3733]

@@geneeverett7855 Im not, I enjoy and have enjoyed some of their post Kevin work. Now, if you think that is the same, you are out of your mind and that is the intent of my comment.

[@raulvito6246]

One of my favorite songs ever and the fact that those sick lyrics never even cross people’s minds is just perfect

[@sitindogmas]

I don't care what anyone says, it's a great fuckin song and always will be, they got several good tunes.

[@JackPeloquin]

Whole debut is fucking great. Took me ages to bother.

[@WhatIsMatter101]

When I play Semi-Charmed Life, the playlist has to start with Losing A Whole Year and end with God of Wine. The debut CD was so good.

[@AndI0td763]

Yeah the debut is just a great album all around. I remember the second album not being as good, too overproduced in my opinion, though still has some good songs, but I don’t think anything they’ve done since stands up to the first album.

[@Audioman45]

I remember most people not really paying attention to the lyrics. Even when people caught the drug references, I think most people didn't think much about it. Our local pop station played the version with some words censored out of it, but the alternative station played it uncensored.

[@MrBobbit666]

that song was huuuge!!! here in australia and still gets a lot of air time very catchy song

[@rockstar450]

Kevin got screwed by Steven's greed. No two ways around it

[@Woozy.0]

200% Kevin Cadogan is a phenomenal guitarist, of the Steve Vai bloodline. He even uses the Cream Dreamer pedal!

[@geneeverett7855]

Didn’t realize u knew them bro

[@stornkolson]

How's it gonna be is one of my favorite songs ever

[@rnrtruestories]

It’s a great song

[@slayerdearly]

I remember hearing this song in 1998 when I was in middle school kids my age, listening to this song back then good God

[@kalandarkclaw8892]

Semi charmed life was a good song despite its topic
But so many songs on the 1st album.
One of my favorites is God of Wine also really like background. Wasn't a big fan of jumper but it wasn't a bad song

[@rnrtruestories]

Agreed wasn’t a huge jumper fan

[@jesterr7133]

We have seen it time and time again with bands like Live and Third Eye Blind, but a band is a group of people working together to create a song. The credits cannot go to a single band member. That will tear a band apart, particularly if they are extremely successful. When band members are putting in equal amounts of work, but one member is making significantly more money than the others, the band will not survive. Having worked in the music business myself, I can tell you from experience that this type of setup will never work. A band must be an equal partnership.

[@MedalionDS9]

I still rock out to Semi-Charmed Life even though I know the song is not exactly a lyrical brightspot... it's just the fuckin vibes of the music and reminds me of simpler times

[@nightrage4752]

Easily one of my favorites songs ever. Still goes hard to this day!!!

[@efficiencygaming3494]

This song is a lesson in how to make a dark song sound catchy and happy. I still enjoy it even after knowing what the lyrics are about.
That debut album with all its hit singles is about as good an example as any of late-'90s nostalgia music.

[@jmason61]

Best drug song QOTSA - Feel Good Hit of the Summer

[@darla29]

Tell us about the face down on the mattress lyric….😮

[@ThirstyKnife]

Jenkins is known as an industry weasel. It’s no secret. Self-serving, self-centered.

[@MAX_BRENDO]

I don't care what anyone says. It's a great album. They had a couple greats. I saw them in the 90s

[@rnrtruestories]

Agreed love that first record

[@WhatIsMatter101]

Back in the 90s there was always this crap being thrown around about sophomore jinx on a band's second effort.
Good thing Blue delivered. Not as big as the debut, but there was definitely progression and evolution.

[@skipast75]

I never gave this band a chance when they were at their peak on the charts. Then, in the early 2000s, my friend told me they were so much better than their songs on the radio would lead you to believe. I borrowed his CD and was happy I gave them a chance. The last 3 songs, The Background, Motorcycle Drive By and especially God of Wine are absolute masterpieces.

[@ChrisLahay]

TEB's first album remains one of my favourites of all time. Motorcyle Driveby and God Of Wine are probably my two favourite tracks in the album. Saw them live several times over the years as well.

[@mattday2656]

the Linda Perry part blows my mind she is one of my favourite singers.

[@thedonofthsht76-58]

Dirty work rules!!! Rip norm

[@rnrtruestories]

Agreed

[@cMaxwell_House]

True Fact. At 7 years old my Dad bought the CD and I heard this song for the first time and moments later, the second time I heard I said "Those little red panties they pass the test Side up around the belly Face down on the mattress. One. My dad looked at me and said "how the fuck do you know the words already? You're crazy". Ever since that day. This band has been my #1. Even though Jenkins is an ASS. He still made music that will forever be woven into my soul. All my bad thought go away when I think about that moment and this song. So thank you for this content and would love more :)

[@spindillio]

Love that story bro!!!!

[@winstonsmith6999]

Fantastic album thru and thru. Where's Kmart now? Haha. Great episode! Ty.

[@LRM5195]

This is hands down one of the best late 90’s songs ever. It’s so unique in its rhythm and melody. Very unconventional yet still a pop hit. Kinda like how One Weak is by Barenaked Ladies. Anyways, late 90’s early 00’s had the best pop rock hits. No era did it better and more consistent.

[@alisterfolson]

Once I really listened to the lyrics yeah...I was blown away. Great song, anyway

[@TracyLynn75]

Love their first album!

[@rcknrllfreak]

"Dirty Work" is one of my favorite movies as well

[@thedonofthsht76-58]

Norm and artie. Can't beat that

[@geneeverett7855]

Classic

[@markweiss1934]

Herman Anthony “Zen” Chunn wrote “Doot Doot Doot”; he and Steve were a duo Puck and Natty, or Puck and Zen. Right before signing w Sylvia Rhône and Electra, Steve paid Zen $10k for the song. When it went #1, they renegotiated.

[@heartbeatbillionaire]

Love a story for the band muse!!

[@rnrtruestories]

Yes, have you seen the story I previously did on them?

[@heartbeatbillionaire]

@@rnrtruestories oh no, I'll need to check it out. Thanks!

[@billjordan3952]

I loved that album I borrowed it from a girl at my job at the time and didn't give it back to her LOL the 90s was the best for music...

[@rnrtruestories]

Love their first record

[@OfficialEvermore]

I wish I uploaded as fast as this channel haha 😂
Interesting title! Excited to watch though 😁

[@noozles9686]

Bizarrely met them when they supported The Seahorses on their UK tour. They did their set, I went to get a drink with my mate and ended up in a completely empty bar, walked up, ordered drinks and 3EB appeared next to us, had a brief chat, they seemed nice enough and pretty happy with how the gig had gone. Pretty sure this was a few months before Semi Charmed Life took off which must have changed everything.

[@RogueVinyl]

Love that album. Narcolepsy is a jam

[@Chris-CLU-Utterback]

I loved it and still do

[@davidantone4593]

I was in kindergarten when this song came out. It was the first ever rock related song I ever liked in my life. Probably set the tone of the music I would love from that point on

[@nothingiswritten1]

The guy goes from stealing from his roommates to stealing from his bandmates. Not that complicated. Hell of a song though.

[@marcohavokkhaos]

Semi Charmed Life is the OG
Pumped Up Kicks.
I love Dirty Work, great movie

[@mwatkins0420]

Fantastic video my friend

[@rnrtruestories]

Thank you very much!

[@jonathonh1060]

This was a killer album, yet I think they shined so bright at first glimpse, they did nothing but slowly fade after. Sad to find out he took all the credit, when it sounds like he had a lot of help!

[@RavenBlaze420]

seems to me Jenkins wanted the whole pie smh

[@marqryan5218]

I always thought the song was sort of annoying, and the lyrics were somewhat indecipherable. So it always struck me as odd that they incited any controversy. Cool to know they lifted from Lou though.

[@Lebowski_Sports_Cards]

This album was huge in the late 90s, every song on it was excellent. With that being said, I saw 3eb in Bethlehem PA at the Steel Stacks almost 10 years ago. Great concert, but one thing stood out to me. I remember everytime Stephan Jenkins switched guitars, he’d have the roadie place the strap directly around his head and neck as opposed to Jenkins grabbing the guitar directly from the roadie and putting the strap around his own head and neck. Just seemed like a douche move IMO.

[@daveme3582]

Great album start to finish

[@matthewsommerville88]

Their debut album is a classic pop rock record. Great 90s album

[@gwts1171]

I was just happy to see Eric Valentine pop up in this video - that dude is a legend!

[@gitboxrox]

Their song "Slow Motion" is WAY darker than this...😳

[@evanpatten4101]

That album was in everyone's home that I knew. Third Eye Bkind eas huge in the kate 90's

[@timevans5909]

Hows it going to be, in my opinion, was their greatest tune!!!

[@rnrtruestories]

Loved that song and graduate

[@aethrya]

This is one of my go-to karaoke songs!

[@IVElmendorf]

YESS Dirty Work! One of the greatest films of all time! I literally used to write the script by memory in high school to pretend I was taking notes. "Hand over the milk money Weaver." "I'm afraid I can't do that Derek. I'm just not sure you'll spend it on milk.".....my favorite line into the tape recorder. "Note to self, remember no matter how bad life gets there is always beer." RIP Norm

[@IVElmendorf]

and RIP Bob Saget

[@rnrtruestories]

So good!

[@TheCrabbyJohn]

I think you summed it up perfectly.

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks

[@wfarmer1000]

Jenkins basically played everyone including his band mates. Sucks that great bands most times have horrible people in them.

[@bushleague3472]

Is it just me or did a longer version if this song once exist? I was so sure of that for many years, but being unable to find it I'm starting to wonder if my mind is tricking me.

[@OkinInc]

Yes. It has an extra verse/bridge from the radio edit.

[@bushleague3472]

@@OkinInc Thanks, found it. Loses alot of context IMO. Radio edit is just another 90's song about drugs. Original is the storyline from trying meth and thinking its great, getting worse, then waking up to the fact that you and your new friends are hopelessly lost.

[@steelcurtain187]

Not for nothing but that first TEB album is amazing. Every track is memorable and has aged very well

[@mind4lease554]

Semi-Charmed DID NOT appear in American Pie, but the 3eb song "New Girl" was released on that soundtrack and NOWHERE else. The song did appear in an Alicia Silverstone movie about her being some rich girl that tried to kidnap herself then ended up ACTUALLY getting kidnapped.

[@buickcityfilms]

Have you ever done a story on the song “losing a whole year” rumors are it’s about Charlize Theron

[@skincarver462]

Jenkins comes across as a total douche glad he isnt in the spotlight today

[@rnrtruestories]

Oh man the amount of people who’ve had a beef with him is hilarious

[@aethrya]

"It's Not Living (If It's Not With You)" by The 1975 is such an amazing and happy sounding song about heroin.

[@mokiewhite4338]

Yes it is and I've never done drugs plus I'm melinated I love this song I'm a Cali chic so Identify !! And I was born in Ohio so I love Mayilyn Manson too he's from Ohio.

[@StigmataMarty]

If drugs are so dark imagine how evil the users are

[@darksu6947]

I've done mountains of drugs. I am not evil but perhaps you are.

[@allanvanuga9196]

Great video.

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks

[@brandonproctor3639]

It’s so catchy and up beat, most people probably don’t even hear the lyrics. But, once you know them.. you can’t forget 😂

[@RonnieStanley-tc6vi]

I like that drug companies use this song as a jingle to their newest whatever drug. It reminds me of a commercial I saw advertising diapers and using ZZ Top's I Thank You in it.

[@MrNeilphipps]

Great song

[@chrisconny2285]

Hell yeah Fungo Mungo my brothers 🍻

[@CptMunta]

Take care ❤️

[@JoshuaCaldwell-sy6sr]

0:35 I thought that was sean william scott for a sec.

[@paulosicne8498]

This song always reminds me of the last decade of great music: the 90s, and the 1998 movie "Can't Hardly Wait". It's a shame that Stephan Jenkins was screwing his bandmates out of song-writing credits and royalties though. That's pretty low.

[@geneeverett7855]

He wrote the songs, he owns writing and should. A lot of the lawsuits were trash.

[@snomad2248]

what about one on "Not a second time" which is pretty much the best Beatles song - but they thought it was basically a filler song.

[@ruination775]

Another great Video. Could you please do a Video on KERBDOG. Please...

[@ruination775]

Absolutely love tour Videos.

[@All7777Fever]

Can you do a deep dive into Fu Manchu?

[@rebellyanmagic6409]

I remember seeing a trailer for The Tigger movie that used this song. You'd think Mouse Inc would have more care with picking songs to use to advertise Winnie the Pooh.

[@chrisconny2285]

What do you think Master if Puppet is about ? Shit was bad in the Bay Area in the 80s and 90s

[@myoptik3x103]

“Chop your breakfast on a mirror!”

[@jafl2183]

That part about bumped again and i bumped again.. damn.. grateful for being free from meth

[@vicarious4231]

The song is about meth

[@BorDer-sz8dc]

So sad such talent had so many problems!

[@garageink74]

I never cared for semi-charmed. I still rock Jumper and how’s it gonna be though.

[@mastermindmartialarts]

3EB is one of my all time favorite bands and always will be. Seen them live 3 times and each time was better than the one before. Their first two albums are part of my DNA , I've listened to them so much. I wish Jenkins wasn't such an ass, their trajectory would have been different. But they can easily still sell out a venue.

[@averagecarpentryskills7148]

I miss that era of unpretentious pop rock music. It showed that regular people had as much depth as pseudo poetic artistes putting on a persona like the last several eras of rock music that came before.

[@BudFuddlacker]

4:16 subtle voiceover patch there lol

[@KROMO50]

Good story

[@DSTEWGOD]

I used to despise this song just because of how inescapable it was when it first came out. It was played on every radio station. I was in grade school then, so never knew why radio stations would censor the words crystal meth until years later.

[@BorDer-sz8dc]

Its about looking for Fulfillment in life - not necessarily about drugs

[@poindextertunes]

Pretty sure this is the first cd i bought with my own money 😅

[@Whitehorse_crimefighter]

Its about meth but a lot of music from the 90s that came out of the bay area was about meth 🤣🤣 greendays insomniac album was entirely about methamphetamine

[@poindextertunes]

“My mouth is dry, My face is numb
Fxcked up and spun out in my room”
My homie and I used to play that in middle school during band practice. The teacher had no idea 😂