Ringfinger

Album:Pretty Hate Machine

Length:5:40

Tempo:{{{BPM}}} BPM

Versions:Ringfinger
Twist
Twist (Demo)

Live:Pre-Hate (1988) - Hate Tour (1990)
Retired

About

"Ringfinger" is the tenth and final track on Pretty Hate Machine, telling about a man who is devoted to a woman who refuses to commit to him and his outrage at her using him, even though he does truly desire her. The demo version of this song was called Twist, composing of the same basic music but different lyrics and a slightly more victimizing subject matter.

Appearances

Versions

Ringfinger
Twist
Twist (Demo)

Song Credits

Production: Trent Reznor, John Fryer
Engineering: John Fryer
Mix: John Fryer, Trent Reznor

Lyrics

    Well you’ve got me working so hard lately
    Working my hands until they bleed
    If I was twice the man I could be
    I’d still be half of what you need
    Still you lead me and I follow
    Anything you ask you know I’ll do
    But this one act of consecration is what I ask of you
    
    Ringfinger
    Promise carved in stone
    Deeper than the sea
    Ringfinger
    Sever flash and bone
    And offer it to me
    
    You just leave me nailed here
    Hanging like Jesus on this cross
    I’ll be dying for your sins
    And aiding to the cause
    
    Ringfinger
    Promise carved in stone
    Deeper than the sea
    Ringfinger
    Sever flash and bone
    And offer it to me
    
    Wrap my eyes in bandages
    Confessions I see through
    I get everything I want
    When I get part of you
    
    Ringfinger
    Promise carved in stone
    Deeper than the sea
    Ringfinger
    Sever flash and bone
    And offer it to me
    Ringfinger
    Promise carved in stone
    Deeper than the sea
    Ringfinger
    Devil’s flesh and bone
    Do something for me
    
    I’m so tired I can’t get to sleep
    And the squeaking of the bed is right in time with the song that’s repeating in my head
    I just want you to know
    
    “When I do it, I only think of you”