Ringfinger
"Ringfinger" is the tenth and final track on the 1989 release 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.
Contents
Song Credits
- Production: Trent Reznor, John Fryer
- Engineering: John Fryer
- Mix: John Fryer, Trent Reznor
Appearances
Versions
Ringfinger
This is the final album version. Opening with a thumping beat and a synth melody, Reznor's reverberating vocals come dominate the verses. A different beat is introduced during the second verse, while vocal harmonies and a synth pad enter during the choruses. During the break, there is a short distorted guitar riff before the final verse and choruses. The end of the track comes in after the final chorus with a funky guitar riff playing over a panned drum beat. This is followed by a scream sampled from the beginning of Jane's Addiction's "Had a Dad," which leads into an entirely different beat, accompanied by a synth that sounds very similar to the one used in "That's What I Get" and vinyl scratching.
Twist
Found on the Purest Feeling bootleg, it uses different lyrics.
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 All of your back up to your chin Over to the tip of your switchblade As you pull it out as you stick it in (Twist twist twist) it can go a little deeper (Twist twist twist) I'm wearing these chains (Twist twist twist) you make it hurt real good (Twist twist twist) I love the pain Well you just leave me nailed here Hanging like Jesus from this cross I'm just dying for your sin And aiding to the cause (Twist twist twist) it can go a little deeper (Twist twist twist) I'm wearing these chains (Twist twist twist) you make it hurt real good (Twist twist twist) I love the pain Wrap my soul in bandages I'm tired of this war Go ahead and cut me I can't feel it anymore (Twist twist twist) it can go a little deeper (Twist twist twist) I'm wearing these chains (Twist twist twist) you make it hurt real good (Twist twist twist) I love the pain (Twist twist twist) it can go a little deeper (Twist twist twist) I'm wearing these chains (Twist twist twist) make it hurt, make it hurt (Twist twist twist) I love the pain (Twist twist twist)
Live
Very similar in structure to the studio version, the live version adds only a few changes. The song acquires a harder, darker sound, with the drums becoming more prominent and a more noticeable guitar riff added from the second verse onwards. It was played often on the Pretty Hate Machine, Hate, and Sin tours, but was dropped from the 1991 Lollapalooza Tour onward and has not been played since.
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 flesh and bone
And offer it to me
You just leave me nailed here
Hanging like Jesus on this cross
I'm just dying for your sins
And aiding to the cause
Ringfinger
Promise carved in stone
Deeper than the sea
Ringfinger
Sever flesh 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 flesh 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"
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