Song meaning of Cross Your Fingers by Laura Marling

The lyrics of "Cross Your Fingers" by Laura Marling convey a message of facing inevitable destruction and finding strength in vulnerability and rebirth. The opening verse describes a person looking down at their own accomplishments, symbolized by the barley they have grown. However, they are surrounded by mountains that do not belong to them, representing the external pressures and obstacles in their life. The imagery of light squares and bodies suggests a sense of detachment and desolation since a breakdown occurred.

The chorus then introduces the idea of sacrificing oneself for another, metaphorically "jumping into your grave and dying." The narrator believes that by doing so, the other person will give up their entire life for them, undergoing a transformation that leads to growth and resilience, even as they become less alive emotionally.

In the second verse, the phrase "cross your fingers, hold your toes" reveals a sense of desperation and an acknowledgment of impending doom. The crumbling building symbolizes the person's deteriorating circumstances, and the house they were born in represents their identity, gradually succumbing to decay. The mention of sagging skin and feet of crows further emphasizes the theme of mortality and the transitory nature of life.

Overall, the lyrics suggest that in the face of inevitable destruction and loss, there is a potential for transformation and renewal. By embracing vulnerability and sacrifice, one can find strength and resilience, even in the midst of destruction and decay.