Skeleton Key
Citizen King Lyrics


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tight shoes stepping light bending over to go under find your seat on the kitchen floor at first

glance 20/20 take your chance maybe not with a spruce goose on patrol from the shackle to the

snap pop crackle on the out on the inside space to fill silly rabbit just don't have it playing tricks

for the fix and the green tea over the hill curiosity getting over like fat cat in the hole coming five
days late with a secret hand shake and the dog's reaching for the bone sweet tooth in candyland

or the worst case scenario who needs a skeleton key superpower on the hunt take your box

brady bunch check the cap see if you're a winner 'cause it's a parachute drop coming down

when it's over to the same old swanson dinner coming in through the back 'cause i never had the

knack with that hole in my back pocket silver dragon golden road but that fortune cookie never





told it never told you nothing

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Citizen King's song 'Skeleton Key' describe a person who is cautious and careful in their movements, perhaps feeling a bit restricted or trapped by their circumstances. They are "stepping light" and wearing "tight shoes," implying a sense of discomfort or unease. But despite this, they are also able to find a place to sit and observe their surroundings, taking in all the details and making calculated decisions. The next lines suggest an air of adventure and risk-taking, with references to a "spruce goose" (a massive airplane) and crackling on the "out on the inside" (perhaps meaning something exciting is happening internally despite appearing calm on the outside). There is also a sense of playfulness and trickery, with the "silly rabbit" and "secret handshake," though it's unclear if these are harmless games or something more sinister. The chorus introduces the titular "skeleton key," which could be seen as a symbol of unlocking hidden truths or possibilities. The verses that follow detail various scenarios where this key might come in handy, from exploring Candyland to uncovering dark secrets.


Overall, the song seems to be about the thrill of discovery and the power of imagination. The singer is eager to explore new places and ideas, but also aware of the risks and downsides that come with this curiosity. They are looking for a way to access forbidden or hidden knowledge, but also wary of the consequences that might come with using a "skeleton key." There is a sense of playfulness and mischief throughout, but also a hint of danger and unpredictability.


Line by Line Meaning

tight shoes stepping light bending over to go under find your seat on the kitchen floor at first glance 20/20 take your chance
Despite obstacles, keep moving forward and don't overlook opportunities that may arise.


maybe not with a spruce goose on patrol from the shackle to the snap pop crackle on the out on the inside
Perhaps success won't come easily, and obstacles must be overcome to achieve it.


space to fill silly rabbit just don't have it playing tricks for the fix and the green tea over the hill
There may be a sense of inadequacy or confusion, but don't rely on distractions to solve problems.


curiosity getting over like fat cat in the hole coming five days late with a secret hand shake and the dog's reaching for the bone
Be persistent in seeking answers and opportunities, even if it means taking a different path or arriving late to the scene.


sweet tooth in candyland or the worst case scenario who needs a skeleton key
Sometimes the greatest challenge is knowing what to desire or how to achieve it.


superpower on the hunt take your box brady bunch check the cap see if you're a winner 'cause it's a parachute drop coming down
Stay vigilant and pay attention to opportunities that may present themselves unexpectedly.


when it's over to the same old swanson dinner coming in through the back 'cause i never had the knack with that hole in my back pocket
Despite challenges and missed opportunities, life continues and may not always be glamorous or exciting.


silver dragon golden road but that fortune cookie never told it never told you nothing
The future may be uncertain and unpredictable, and even attempts to find guidance may not always be helpful.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID J. COOLEY, MATTHEW JOHN SIMS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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