My Enemy

Skid Row's 'My Enemy' delves into the complexities of betrayal and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship marred by deceit and shifting loyalties. The opening lines, 'Play the fence, one way you're gonna fall / Sometimes I don't know who you are at all,' suggest a sense of confusion and mistrust. The protagonist grapples with the duality of the other person's nature, unable to discern their true intentions. This theme of uncertainty is further emphasized by the line, 'Your opinion is something that you've got inside / But I see the loyalty has up and died,' indicating a loss of trust and faith in the relationship.

The recurring mention of 'skeletons' and 'genocide' serves as a metaphor for the hidden secrets and destructive behaviors that plague the relationship. These lines, 'Your skeletons / My skeletons / Life is only getting shorter,' highlight the inevitability of time running out and the futility of holding onto grudges. The protagonist's resignation is evident in the chorus, 'You can be my enemy and I don't care / Keep throwin' stones at yourself,' suggesting a sense of detachment and acceptance of the other person's antagonistic behavior.

The song also explores the cyclical nature of conflict, as seen in the lines, 'Stories run in circles that have no end / I hit on luck, then you bum me out again.' This repetition underscores the persistent and unresolved nature of their issues. The imagery of a 'knife in your hand' when the protagonist's back is turned further illustrates the theme of betrayal and the constant threat of being hurt by someone close. Ultimately, 'My Enemy' captures the raw emotions of betrayal, mistrust, and the struggle to find peace in a tumultuous relationship.