Shaking Skin House
Andy Partridge/XTC Lyrics

The lyrics of Andy Partridge/XTC's song Shaking Skin House are both ambiguous and intriguing at the same time. The opening lines, "Zap, pow pow zap, Zap, pap, pap, pap zap, Da da da da, Zap, pap pap zap, Pop, pop pop pop," appear to be an onomatopoeia, imitating musical sounds or instruments. It is a musical tease, creating an anticipation for a song that is about to unfold in the listener's ears. The following lines, "There's something coming, Maybe a song or two, Can't stop from strumming, Can you feel it too?" indicates a creative restlessness that the songwriter is experiencing. There's a strong desire to produce new music, and it is so powerful that he can't stop himself from playing or creating it. He is asking the listener if they can feel the same restlessness, the same urge to create something new.

The refrain repeats, "I'm merely a man, and I want Nothing but love from you. I'm merely a man, and I want Nothing more than to do What I want in the souls Of the order. Love [in a write-up], [from anything] daughter." The interpretation of this part of the song is up to individual conjecture. It might indicate a desire for love, support, or validation from the listener or his loved ones in his creativity. The throwaway lines "Love [in a write-up], [from anything] daughter" are curious, and again, their meaning is open to interpretation. It may suggest a creative project related to a female subject or person.