Skin

XXXTENTACION's song 'Skin' delves into the harrowing themes of emotional and physical pain, self-destruction, and the cyclical nature of violence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who has endured significant trauma, symbolized by the scars on her skin. These scars replace the affection she once received, indicating a profound sense of loss and regret. The woman has learned to be passive, accepting defeat as a way to cope with her suffering. This passivity, however, is juxtaposed with the narrator's violent tendencies, creating a stark contrast between submission and aggression.

The repeated lines 'Offense or defense, passive or violent' highlight the internal conflict faced by the narrator. This duality suggests a struggle between choosing to fight back or remain passive in the face of pain. The imagery of cutting wrists and the silence of a heartbeat underscores the depth of despair and the desire for an end to suffering. The use of a 'shell' and 'pump' as metaphors for weapons further emphasizes the violent undertones of the song, suggesting that the narrator feels equipped to inflict pain as a means of coping with their own.

The song's climax reveals a disturbing resolution: the narrator believes that eliminating the source of their pain will bring relief. This is depicted through the graphic imagery of 'shots in her body until she is a stump' and 'gut the fucker then eat like a pig.' These lines convey a sense of finality and a twisted sense of justice, where the narrator seeks to eradicate their tormentor to find peace. The closing line, 'I am the heart marksman,' signifies the narrator's role in targeting and ultimately destroying the source of their emotional anguish. 'Skin' is a raw and unfiltered exploration of the darkest corners of the human psyche, reflecting the intense emotional struggles that XXXTENTACION often addressed in his music.