The song "Wisemen" by James Blunt tells the story of three wise men who encounter a manipulative and judgmental woman. The lyrics depict the woman's power over these wise men and their subsequent regret for getting involved with her. The song begins with the woman asking the narrator to be cautious with her. She then wonders what advice the wise men received when they descended from heaven and indulged in excessive behavior, symbolized by smoking until dawn and engaging in different vices. Despite their efforts, the wise men couldn't escape the clutches of this woman and couldn't be free from her influence. As the song progresses, it unveils her manipulative nature and the way she judges and impresses others. The phrase "pernickety little bastards in your fancy dress" suggests that she is critical of others and their appearances. In the chorus, the lyrics question where this woman is now and ask the audience to contemplate her current whereabouts. The repetition of this chorus highlights the importance of introspection and self-analysis. Towards the end of the song, the wise men express remorse for getting entangled with the woman. They acknowledge that they were simply trying to have fun but were ultimately trapped by her influence. The phrase "those three wise men, they've got a semi by the sea" implies that these men have become stuck or stagnant in their lives, symbolized by having a semi-detached house near the sea. The song ends with the repeated questioning of the woman's whereabouts, urging listeners to ponder the consequences of their actions and decisions. Overall, "Wisemen" carries a cautionary tale about the allure of a manipulative and judgmental person and the consequences that may arise from getting involved with them. It encourages self-reflection and awareness of the impact one's choices can have on their own lives.
