Closer To The Bone

Tom Leonard's 'Closer To The Bone' is a haunting exploration of dark obsession and primal desires. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a character consumed by a violent and possessive love. The imagery of fragility and violence is stark, with lines like 'She's fragile as a fingernail' and 'I'll tear her limb from limb' juxtaposing vulnerability with brutality. This contrast sets the tone for a narrative that delves into the depths of a disturbed mind, where love and violence are intertwined.

The recurring metaphor of 'closest to the bone, sweeter is the meat' suggests a deeper, almost cannibalistic desire. This phrase implies that the more intimate and raw the connection, the more satisfying it is. The reference to 'Texas ham' adds a cultural layer, evoking a sense of Southern gothic horror. The character's obsession with his 'slender but sweet' lover reveals a twisted perception of beauty and worth, where physical frailty is seen as desirable and ripe for consumption.

Leonard's use of violent imagery and metaphors of consumption and revenge creates a chilling atmosphere. The lines 'I'll peel away your innocence' and 'I'll eat you all alive' suggest a complete domination and destruction of the other, driven by a need for control and retribution. The song's climax, with the character laughing as his victim lays dying, underscores the bitter satisfaction derived from this dark act. 'Closer To The Bone' is a disturbing yet compelling exploration of the darker aspects of human desire and the lengths one might go to satisfy them.