I Turn My Arm
Gazelle Twin Lyrics

The lyrics to Gazelle Twin's "I Turn My Arm" seem to depict a person observing themselves in a mirror, preparing themselves for something that requires a certain amount of tactile sensitivity. The singer notes that they are seeing themselves move all of their fingers and hold up their hand in the "faltering strip light" - a phrase that suggests either the light is flickering or the mirror itself is shuddering. When the singer says they are turning their arm and feeling the cold air, it's unclear if they are describing a physical action or simply imagining it. However, the idea of touching everything they want to hold suggests that this is a preparation for intimacy of some kind.

The second verse seems to be focusing more on the sensations being felt as the person touches their own skin. The black clothing on their skin is described as sheer and cold, and the sensation of pins all over their thumb is evoked. The reference to the twenty-seven bones in the arm could be interpreted as a reminder of the complicated structures that allow for such fine motor skills. The repetition of the phrase "touch the cold air, turn my arm" gives the poem a sense of incantation - something repeated to build up power or summon a certain mood.

Overall, the lyrics to "I Turn My Arm" seem to be about the sensory experiences of preparing oneself for intimacy or connection, and the ways in which physical movements and sensations can arouse certain feelings.