Crossfire
Stivie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble Lyrics

The lyrics to "Crossfire" by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble touch on themes of feeling trapped and overwhelmed by the fast-paced, demanding nature of life. The opening lines describe a restless existence, where individuals are constantly moving from one task to another, blinded by the bright city lights and lacking enough time to truly justify their actions. The repetition of "hurry here, hustlin' there" emphasizes the frantic and unforgiving nature of this lifestyle.

The mentioning of money being tight and the plea for someone to come and rescue implies a sense of desperation and longing for help to escape this suffocating situation. The metaphor of being "stranded" in the crossfire reflects the feeling of being caught in the middle of a chaotic and potentially dangerous environment, where one's well-being and sanity are at stake.

The second paragraph introduces a moral dilemma, where the only way to survive is to sacrifice one's principles. The phrase "tooth for tooth, eye for an eye" suggests a ruthless mindset, where individuals are willing to compromise their values to gain material possessions or success. This is further emphasized by the line "sell your soul just to buy, buy, buy," highlighting the exhausting cycle of constantly seeking more and more. The singer begs for money, resorting to stealing if necessary, highlighting their desperation.

The need for kindness and sympathy is expressed, a plea for understanding and compassion in a harsh and unforgiving world. The repetition of "We're stranded, caught in the crossfire" implies that this feeling of being trapped is not exclusive to the singer alone, but shared by many others in similar situations. The mention of the golden rule, which promotes empathy and treating others as you would want to be treated, serves as a lament for the dwindling values of trust and compassion in modern society.

Overall, "Crossfire" speaks to the feeling of being overwhelmed and trapped in a fast-paced, ruthless world where individual well-being often takes a backseat. It calls for empathy, kindness, and a return to the values of trust and compassion in order to alleviate the desperation and isolation experienced by individuals caught in the crossfire of a demanding society.