Only Skin

Joanna Newsom's 'Only Skin' is a sprawling, poetic exploration of love, loss, and the human condition. The song's lyrics are rich with vivid imagery and metaphors, creating a tapestry of emotions and experiences that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. The opening lines set a haunting scene with 'booming above you' and 'black airplanes,' evoking a sense of foreboding and chaos. This imagery of war and destruction contrasts with the intimate moments of vulnerability and tenderness that follow, highlighting the duality of human experience.

Throughout the song, Newsom weaves together themes of nature and the passage of time, using the natural world as a backdrop for the emotional journey of the narrator. The recurring motifs of water, fire, and the changing seasons serve as metaphors for the cycles of life and love. For instance, the lines 'the river was twisting and braiding' and 'the fire moves away' suggest the constant flux and impermanence of life, while also hinting at the possibility of renewal and transformation.

The song also delves into the complexities of identity and self-discovery. The narrator grapples with their sense of self, as seen in lines like 'what is this craziness?' and 'being a woman.' These moments of introspection are interspersed with interactions with others, reflecting the interconnectedness of our personal journeys with those around us. The poignant imagery of a bird being nursed back to health and then set free serves as a powerful metaphor for healing and letting go, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of love and loss.

Ultimately, 'Only Skin' is a meditation on the beauty and pain of existence, capturing the fleeting moments of joy and sorrow that define our lives. Newsom's intricate lyrics and evocative storytelling invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences and find meaning in the ebb and flow of life.