Written by Jason Ankeny
2 Fingers Cross'd
White Hassle Lyrics
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One thin girl & two three wind chimes
Chapped lips alone & unkissed
She was too easily dismissed
There were times i do recall
Those lips did cause me to fall
Late night rain comes trickling down
You can feel that yearning now
But i don't know if i'll respond in kind
Please understand if you cannot see
I might not be what you want me to be
Still i leave when you might be lost
One light on and 2 fingers cross'd
Hear me now and walk tenderly
Judge not thyself nor me viciously
The song "2 Fingers Cross'd" by White Hassle highlights the emotions involved in a summer romance that took place during a time of uncertainty. The song reflects on the memory of a thin girl and the sound of wind chimes playing in the background. The singer recalls the feeling of chapped lips but the inability to be kissed by the girl who was all too easily dismissed. The singer continues to ruminate on those moments and the complete effect those lips had on him.
As the song unfolds, there is a reminiscence of the early morning rain when yearning was at its strongest. Even after the storm has passed, the yearning still remains. The singer implores the girl to call him anytime despite the fact that he may not respond positively. He warns her that he may not be what she expects him to be. Even when she is lost or uncertain, he doesn't stay around but leaves after signaling his intent with the two fingers of his crossed hand. The song's lyrics hint toward memories, flashes of emotions, and sights that had a profound impact on the singer.
Overall, the song's lyrics suggest that the singer is haunted by the brief summer romance, and even though he cannot be what the girl wants him to be, he still holds on to the memory and creates an aura of mysticism and mystery, which is suggested by the two-finger crossed gesture.
Line by Line Meaning
One summer ago in uncertain times
The story begins during a summer of uncertainty, suggesting that things were not stable or settled at that time.
One thin girl & two three wind chimes
The setting is further established with the introduction of a thin girl and three wind chimes, implying a quiet and possibly isolated location.
Chapped lips alone & unkissed
The girl is portrayed as lonely and neglected, with chapped lips as a physical symbol of her isolation.
She was too easily dismissed
Her loneliness is compounded by the implication that she is not valued or respected by others.
There were times i do recall
The artist shifts into reminiscence mode, highlighting that he has a past with this girl.
Those lips did cause me to fall
The singer is admitting that he was physically attracted to the girl's chapped lips, which might suggest a deeper interest in her as a person as well.
Late night rain comes trickling down
The setting is expanded with the introduction of rain, which could connote sadness, cleansing, or new beginnings.
You can feel that yearning now
The rain contributes to a growing sense of longing--either for the past, or for something that has not yet been realized.
So call me any old time
The artist is inviting the girl to contact him at any point, implying that he is interested in reconnecting with her.
But i don't know if i'll respond in kind
However, he also admits that he might not respond to her in the way that she hopes or expects.
Please understand if you cannot see
The singer requests understanding, suggesting that there may be more to his story that the girl is not aware of yet.
I might not be what you want me to be
He also cautions the girl that he might not be able to fulfill her expectations, either due to his own limitations or hers.
Still i leave when you might be lost
Despite these reservations, the singer is willing to take a risk and offer help or support to the girl in her time of need.
One light on and 2 fingers cross'd
The imagery of one light on and two fingers crossed serves as a symbol of hope and faith, suggesting that the singer is hoping for the best when it comes to the girl's situation and their potential relationship.
Hear me now and walk tenderly
The singer reiterates his request for understanding, and suggests that the girl should tread lightly when it comes to their interactions.
Judge not thyself nor me viciously
Finally, he calls for a lack of harsh judgement between them, suggesting that both parties should approach the situation with empathy and compassion.
Contributed by Scarlett B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.