Tongues & Teeth
The Crane Wives Lyrics
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I've grown a mouth so sharp and cruel
it's all that I can give to you my dear
and when you come in quick to steal a kiss
my teeth will only cut your lips my dear
I know that you mean so well
but I am not a vessel for your good intent
I will only break your pretty things
and if you're fine with that
you can be mine like that
...
abandon all your stupid dreams about the girl I could've been my dear
cause in the night I know you burn with feelings I can not return my dear
oh my dear
you've gotta know that this won't last
desperation will erase the fact I'm keeping all
of the answers in my cigarette box
The Crane Wives’ “Tongues & Teeth” explores the bittersweet concept of a love that is doomed from the start. The song is a conversation between two people, one of whom is warning the other about how cruel and sharp they have become. The singer of the song has developed a mouth so sharp and cruel that it's all they can give to their partner, and they warn their partner that their teeth will only cut their lips if they try to steal a kiss.
The lyrics take a darker turn as the singer confesses that they are not a vessel for their partner’s good intent, and they will only break their partner’s pretty things and ring them dry of everything. The singer makes it clear that if their partner is fine with this, then they can be together, demonstrating a sense of resigned acceptance that they are not capable of giving or receiving love in the way that is typically portrayed in popular culture. As the song progresses, the singer asks their partner to abandon any hopes or dreams they might have had about who they could have been together, as their desperation will erase any chance of a future together.
Overall, “Tongues & Teeth” is a haunting depiction of two people caught in a cycle of toxic love that is bound to end in heartbreak. Through their lyrics, The Crane Wives illustrate the harsh realities of humans’ inability to control their nature, even when it comes to love.
Line by Line Meaning
I've grown a mouth so sharp and cruel
My words have become sharp and cruel through my experiences.
it's all that I can give to you my dear
I have nothing else to give to you but my sharp and cruel words.
and when you come in quick to steal a kiss
When you try to kiss me, I'll be quick to defend myself.
my teeth will only cut your lips my dear
My sharp and cruel words will hurt you deeply, even if you mean well.
I know that you mean so well
I understand that you have good intentions, but I cannot accept them.
but I am not a vessel for your good intent
I am not someone who can benefit from your good intentions.
I will only break your pretty things
I will destroy the things you cherish, intentionally or not.
I will only ring you dry of everything
I will drain you of all your emotions and leave you empty.
and if you're fine with that
If you're okay with being hurt by me, we can be together.
you can be mine like that
You can be with me, even though I'll hurt you.
abandon all your stupid dreams about the girl I could've been my dear
Forget about the ideal version of me you had in your mind, it's not real.
cause in the night I know you burn with feelings I can not return my dear
I know you have strong feelings for me, but I can't reciprocate them.
oh my dear
An affectionate address to the person being spoken to.
you've gotta know that this won't last
Our relationship won't last due to my hurtful behavior.
desperation will erase the fact I'm keeping all
Your desperation to be with me will make you ignore the truth about me.
of the answers in my cigarette box
I'm keeping secrets from you that will harm you, and I hide them in my cigarette box.
Contributed by Christian T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Gryffin
on Canary in a Coal Mine
help you, keep you safe
me
on Metaphor
i can't believe how creative this is wow--