Fingers Crossed

Melanie Martinez's song 'Fingers Crossed' delves into the complexities of unspoken love and forbidden desires. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone standing at the precipice of confessing their feelings but holding back due to the complications involved. The opening lines, 'Damn, standing at your front door / Wish I rang the bell,' set the tone for a narrative filled with longing and hesitation. The protagonist is caught in a web of emotions, feeling anxious and overwhelmed by the depth of their feelings, which they keep hidden from the object of their affection.

The chorus reveals the internal conflict and the risky nature of their desires. The lines 'I'm trying to get myself into trouble / I know you came with someone else' highlight the forbidden aspect of their love. Despite knowing the potential consequences, the protagonist is tempted to reach out, symbolized by the act of 'reaching for your hand right under the table.' The phrase 'Fingers crossed' serves as a metaphor for hope and uncertainty, capturing the essence of wishing for a different reality where their love could flourish without obstacles.

As the song progresses, the theme of unspoken love becomes more poignant. The protagonist writes a letter in blood, a dramatic expression of their intense feelings, but never sends it, indicating the depth of their secrecy. The recurring motif of calling when alone and waiting until others are gone underscores the clandestine nature of their relationship. The song concludes with a sense of resigned longing, as the protagonist continues to wait for the 'right time,' acknowledging that it may never come. Martinez's haunting vocals and evocative lyrics create a powerful narrative of love, secrecy, and the painful beauty of unfulfilled desires.