Juliana currently plays with her band Five Day Drive.
Rattlesnake
Juliana Finch Lyrics
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You have my fingers in your mouth
You have your reasons for trusting me
But I have my reasons for wanting out
Cause I I never meant, I never meant, I never meant to take it
Cause I never meant, I never meant, I never meant to take it
And this is the kind of person I am
Take that wolf who thinks she's a little lamb
But I promise you ill cry that day
Cause I never meant it, I never meant, I never meant to take it
I never meant, I never meant, I never meant to take it
I never meant, I never meant, I never meant to take it
I never meant, I never meant to break it
So don't let me roll you around my mouth
If it tastes too good I don't want to spit it out
"Rattlesnake" by Juliana Finch is a song that explores the duality of a toxic relationship, where one person has control over the other but wants out. The opening lines of "I have your heart between my teeth, you have my fingers in your mouth" sets a tense and uncomfortable tone. The use of animalistic imagery such as wolf and lamb adds to the predatory nature of the relationship. The singer acknowledges that the other person trusts them, but they are looking for a way out because they took something they didn't mean to take. The repeated lines of "I never meant to take it" and "I never meant to break it" shows that the singer is aware of the harm they've caused and regrets it.
But despite the regret, the singer continues to take control of the situation, threatening to take the other person's breath away. This line is particularly striking because it shows the power imbalance between the two characters. The singer can take away life while the other person is left powerless. The line "If it tastes too good, I don't want to spit it out" adds a layer of complexity to the relationship. It suggests that despite wanting out, the singer is still drawn to the destructive nature of the relationship.
Overall, "Rattlesnake" is a dark and intense song that explores the complexities of a toxic relationship. The use of animal imagery and the internal conflict of the singer adds to the depth of the song. The repeated lines of "I never meant to take it" shows the remorse of the singer but the threat of taking the other person's breath away reveals the power dynamic between the two characters.
Line by Line Meaning
I have your heart between my teeth
I have control over your emotions and feelings.
You have my fingers in your mouth
You have the power to silence me or restrict my actions.
You have your reasons for trusting me
You have faith and confidence in me, despite any doubts.
But I have my reasons for wanting out
I have personal motives for breaking the trust and severing the relationship.
Cause I I never meant, I never meant, I never meant to take it
I did not plan or intend to take advantage of your trust and affection.
And this is the kind of person I am
I am someone who struggles with inner conflicts and destructive tendencies.
Take that wolf who thinks she's a little lamb
Compare me to a predator who disguises herself as prey, trying to deceive and manipulate others.
And I will take your breath away
I will leave you gasping for air or struggling to recover from the damage I caused.
But I promise you ill cry that day
I will feel remorseful or regretful for my actions and the pain I caused you.
Cause I never meant it, I never meant, I never meant to take it
I did not have malicious intent or premeditated plans to harm you emotionally or psychologically.
I never meant, I never meant, I never meant to take it
I emphasize that I did not intend to hurt or betray you, despite the consequences.
I never meant, I never meant, I never meant to take it
I repeat my denial to reinforce my innocence or ignorance of the situation.
I never meant, I never meant to break it
I admit fault for damaging or ruining something that was valuable or important to you.
So don't let me roll you around my mouth
Do not allow me to manipulate or control you like a piece of candy.
If it tastes too good I don't want to spit it out
If the experience is too enjoyable or addictive, I do not want to give it up, even if it harms you or our relationship.
Writer(s): juliana finch
Contributed by Abigail Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.