1. Arco are a British ba… Read Full Bio ↴There are three groups by the name of Arco:
1. Arco are a British band noted for unusually slow, quiet, poetic music: a gig review in national newspaper The Guardian suggested "an hour in arco's company is the aural equivalent of a day in a flotation tank". Similarly, a review in Q, a UK monthly music magazine, described first album Coming To Terms as "the aural equivalent of a human being pausing for thought as the world speeds on around".
2. Arco (Antonio Arco) is the former singer from the Spanish band "El Puchero del Hortelano". Starting his solo career in 2016 with the release of his album "Uno", he's been doing music on his own until this day with other albums such as "Abril" (2018) and "100 Veces" (2020).
3. Formed in 2008 by Neil Luck, ARCO is a group of composers, artists and (mainly) string players from a range of musical and artistic disciplines and backgrounds. The group explores experimental approaches to non-standard notation and live performance practice as a starting point for creating bespoke, collaborative music theatre events characterised by an uncompromisingly avant-garde aesthetic, and radical mix of influences from contemporary classical music, magick rituals, concrete poetry, free improvisation, slapstick comedy, Kabuki theatre and Broadway show tunes
Second Skin
Arco Lyrics
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always this - taken given
and never thought of change
still the song remains
if i'm gonna shed the second skin
i've always worn
think it's gonna be the strangest thing
but holding on - to some past present
is holding back - and future isn't
made for those who wait
better never than late
if i'm gonna shed the second skin
i've always worn
think it's gonna be the hardest thing
i've ever done
and still the shame to come restrains
hold me in these gentle arms until
this chance has gone
The lyrics to Arco's song Second Skin talk about the struggle of breaking out of one's comfort zone and shedding one's second skin. The first verse talks about how some things remain constant while others change. The song goes on to suggest that holding on to the past prevents moving forward, and that shedding the second skin is necessary for growth. The singer of the song recognizes that shedding a second skin, which they have always worn, will be a strange and difficult experience but it needs to be done. The fear of failure holds them back, and they seek comfort in the arms of a loved one until they feel secure enough to take the leap of faith.
The song's message is about taking risks and facing one's fears to move forward in life. Sometimes people hold onto things, situations, or behaviors that may feel safe and familiar, but these things can become a prison that prevents growth and self-improvement. The song suggests that breaking free and shedding the second skin may be scary and challenging, but it's necessary to move on and flourish. The singer is acknowledging their fear and seeking comfort in a loved one, but ultimately they must face their fear and take control of their own life.
Line by Line Meaning
always this - same and different
Despite things being both the same and different, they continue to exist.
always this - taken given
There are always things being given and taken in life.
and never thought of change
Change is never really considered or thought about.
still the song remains
Despite everything else, the song continues to play in the background.
if i'm gonna shed the second skin
i've always worn
To move forward in life, it may require shedding the old ways of doing things.
think it's gonna be the strangest thing
i've ever done
Letting go of old habits may be uncomfortable and feel strange.
but holding on - to some past present
is holding back - and future isn't
made for those who wait
better never than late
Holding onto the past doesn't allow for growth and progress, action is necessary.
if i'm gonna shed the second skin
i've always worn
Once again, it's emphasized that letting go of old habits is a necessary step for change.
think it's gonna be the hardest thing
i've ever done
It's recognized that letting go can be difficult and challenging.
and still the shame to come restrains
hold me in these gentle arms until
this chance has gone
The fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, but it's important to push through it and take the chance for change.
Writer(s): Marco Fabels, Marcel Morsink, Arnoudt Pieters, Simone Holsbeek Copyright: Bike Music
Contributed by Molly J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.