Crossfire
Kasey Chambers Lyrics
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I took my baby to the 10 step platform
I tied a reef knot on twice with the blindfold
I whisper 20 steps and point direction
Crossfire doesn't burn you
It only hurts when it gets you in the heart
If you don't hate me, you'll learn to
I don't have a heart
I call my baby just to hang up on the phone
I take a rain check and I never ever check the rain
I leave the carton out for hours on summer days
I took a course on how to break the most hearts
Crossfire doesn't burn you
It only hurts when it gets you in the heart
If you don't hate me, you'll learn to
I thought I had it clear from the start
I don't have a heart
I found the answer but I never liked it
I took my baby to the 10 step platform
I tied a reef knot on twice with the blindfold
I whisper 20 steps and point direction
Crossfire doesn't burn you
It only hurts when it gets you in the heart
If you don't hate me, you'll learn to
I thought I had it clear from the start
I don't have a heart
I don't have a heart
I don't have a heart
The lyrics to Kasey Chambers's song Crossfire might seem cryptic on first listen, but on closer inspection, they reveal a story of heartbreak and emotional unavailability. The first verse sets the stage for the rest of the song, with the singer admitting to having found the answer, but not liking it. This suggests that the truth about their emotional state is something they would rather avoid. The second line is particularly poignant, as the 10 step platform is likely a reference to a gallows, hinting at the self-destructive tendencies of the singer. The blindfolded reef knot and whispered directions suggest a level of detachment from their actions, as if they are going through the motions but not truly engaged.
The lyrics "Crossfire doesn't burn you/ It only hurts when it gets you in the heart" serve as a metaphor for the way emotional pain can feel like being caught in the middle of a battle. The singer seems to acknowledge that they are the one causing the hurt, but also implies that they are numb to it themselves. They go on to say they thought they had it all worked out from the start, indicating a sense of premeditation or control over their emotional state. But the final line, "I don't have a heart," suggests that this supposed control is just a defense mechanism, and that the true underlying issue is a lack of emotional depth or capability.
Overall, Crossfire is a haunting exploration of emotional unavailability and the destructive behaviors that can stem from it. The lyrics evoke a sense of detachment and numbness, but also hint at the depth of pain underlying the singer's actions.
Line by Line Meaning
I found the answer but I never liked it
I discovered the solution to my problem, but I wasn't satisfied with it.
I took my baby to the 10 step platform
I brought my significant other to a high place with a series of steps.
I tied a reef knot on twice with the blindfold
I made a knot with two loops while blindfolded.
I whisper 20 steps and point direction
I quietly instructed my partner to take 20 steps in a specific direction.
Crossfire doesn't burn you
Being caught in the middle of a conflict doesn't physically harm you.
It only hurts when it gets you in the heart
The emotional pain of being involved in a conflict only truly affects you when it reaches your heart or feelings.
If you don't hate me, you'll learn to
If you don't currently dislike me, you will eventually because of my actions.
I thought I had it clear from the start
I believed that I had a good plan or solution from the beginning.
I don't have a heart
I lack the capacity for empathy or emotional connection.
I call my baby just to hang up on the phone
I make phone calls to my partner, only to immediately end the call without saying anything.
I take a rain check and I never ever check the rain
I request to postpone a planned activity and then never follow up to reschedule.
I leave the carton out for hours on summer days
I neglect to properly refrigerate perishables, potentially making them unsafe to consume.
I took a course on how to break the most hearts
I have actively sought out education or advice on how to cause the most emotional pain to others.
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: KASEY CHAMBERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind