Songs & Lyrics
Ringfinger
“Ringfinger” appears on Pretty Hate Machine (1989) and was performed from the Pretty Hate Machine tour through the Lollapalooza tour.
- Record type
- Lyrics available
- Classification
- Official NIN composition
- First record
- Halo 02 · Pretty Hate Machine
- Known versions
- 3
Song details
About This Song
Three titled versions are documented.
- Classification
- Official NIN composition
- First documented release
- Halo 02 · Pretty Hate Machine
- Release date
- October 20, 1989
- Track position
- 10
- Running time
- 5:40
- Tempo
- 113 BPM
- Known versions
- 3
Track Credits
- Production
- Trent Reznor, John Fryer
- Engineering
- John Fryer
- Mix
- John Fryer, Trent Reznor
Live History
- Performance span
- Pretty Hate Machine Tour through Lollapalooza Tour
Versions
- Ringfinger
- Twist (Demo)
- Twist (Purest Feeling)
Sources: NIN Wiki — Ringfinger, revision 67450 (reviewed September 28, 2026). NIN Wiki song record
Words
Lyrics
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"
Lyrics reproduced with permission for non-profit educational use.
Where it appears