Skin and Bones

David Kushner's 'Skin and Bones' delves into the complex interplay of temptation, desire, and the struggle between spiritual and carnal needs. The song opens with the protagonist fantasizing about a deep connection, likening it to a bullet, suggesting an intense, possibly destructive desire. The mention of 'all your layers' implies a yearning to know someone beyond the surface, but there's a sense of forbidden fruit as 'the Heavens won't condone it,' indicating a moral or spiritual conflict.

The lyrics paint the object of desire as a 'deceivin', wayward woman,' using religious imagery to describe her allure and the protagonist's internal battle. References to a 'false prophet at the pulpit' and the 'condition of your soul is erodin'' suggest that the protagonist is aware of the potential moral decay in giving in to this temptation. The chorus, 'Wrap me in your skin and bones,' is a plea for intimacy, with 'electrical' symbolizing the irresistible pull of physical attraction, despite the knowledge that it may lead to a loss of control.

The song continues to explore this tension, with the protagonist acknowledging the need for spiritual redemption ('my flesh needs to die') while being seduced by 'lips red as cherry wine.' The struggle culminates in a decision to pursue the truth behind the attraction, questioning whether it's genuine love or 'the spirit of deceit.' The repeated chorus emphasizes the ongoing battle between surrendering to temptation and seeking salvation, a theme that resonates with the universal human experience of grappling with desire and conscience.