Snakeskin

Rina Sawayama's song 'Snakeskin' delves into the complex interplay between vulnerability, transformation, and the commodification of pain. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone seeking forgiveness but encountering madness instead, suggesting a tumultuous relationship where emotional turmoil is a constant. The metaphor of 'snakeskin' is central to the song, symbolizing the shedding of old layers and the painful process of personal transformation. This imagery is reinforced by the repeated lines 'I'm shedding my snakeskin,' indicating a continuous cycle of renewal and vulnerability.

The song also explores themes of exploitation and emotional manipulation. The lines 'Buy my expensive, exclusive, pain wear' and 'My fine couture is your branded repayment' suggest that the protagonist's pain and suffering are being commodified and used by someone else for their gain. This could be interpreted as a critique of how personal struggles and vulnerabilities are often exploited in relationships or even in broader societal contexts. The idea of tearing one's soul into two so that another can 'pretend despair' further emphasizes the emotional toll and the sense of being used.

Musically, 'Snakeskin' combines elements of pop and electronic music, creating a soundscape that is both haunting and captivating. Rina Sawayama is known for her genre-blending style, and this song is no exception. The repetitive, almost hypnotic chorus, with its 'rip rip' and 'strip strip' refrains, adds to the sense of being trapped in a cycle of pain and renewal. The song's structure and lyrical content work together to create a powerful narrative about the complexities of emotional transformation and the darker aspects of human relationships.