3 Libras is a song by alternative rock band A Perfect Circle. The song was the second single from their debut album Mer de Noms.
The song was well received both critically and commercially, with it peaking at number 12 on both the US Billboard Modern Rock and Mainstream Rock charts in 2000. As with all of the Mer de Noms album, 3 Libras music was written by guitarist Billy Howerdel, while the lyrics were written by vocalist Maynard James Keenan.
Two official remixed versions of the song have been made; the Feel My Ice Dub Mix by band member Danny Lohner, and the All Main Courses Mix by Robert 3D Del Naja of Massive Attack. They were compiled in 2004 on the band’s remix album Amotion.
While much of Mer de Noms‘ sound is identified with a conventional hard rock aesthetic, 3 Libras sound is primarily driven by acoustic guitar and violin. Majority of the song consists of melodic, clean guitar tones, and a violin melody played over, composed by band bassist and violinist Paz Lenchantin.
Drummer Josh Freese plays the rim of the drum kit on every eighth note, with the song being performed in 6/8. The song finishes with a full-band performance and distorted electric guitars in the song’s outro, ending on a dark guitar chord.
Tracklist:
- 3 Libras
- 3 Libras (All Main Courses Remix)
- Judith (Live In Phoenix)
- 3 Libras
3 Libras by A Perfect Circle Lyrics
Threw you the obvious
And you flew with it on your back
A name in your recollection
Down among a million same
Difficult not to feel a little bit
Disappointed and passed over
When I look right through
To see you naked but oblivious
And you don’t see me
But I threw you the obvious
Just to see if there’s more behind
The eyes of a fallen angel
Eyes of a tragedy
Here I am expecting
Just a little bit too much from the wounded
but I see, see through it all
See through, see you
‘Cause I threw you the obvious
to see what occurs behind
the Eyes of a fallen angel
Eyes of a tragedy
Oh well, oh well
Apparently nothing
Apparently nothing at all
You don’t, you don’t, you don’t see me
You don’t, you don’t, you don’t see me
You don’t, you don’t, you don’t see me
You don’t, you don’t, you don’t see me
You don’t see me
You don’t, you don’t
You don’t see me at all
Songwriters: Billy Howerdel, Maynard Keenan.
A Perfect Circle
Maynard James Keenan: vocals
Billy Howerdel: guitar
Josh Freese: drums
Paz Lenchantin: violin
Troy Van Leeuwen: lead guitar parts at end of song