Skin Game
DIIV Lyrics

One afterthought on a skin game
A reflection on being involved in a shady business deal

I took it as prescribed
I followed the rules, even though they were questionable

Vow do no harm, buy the cure
I am trying to do the right thing by buying the cure

But first you'll buy the disease
Unfortunately, I had to become a part of the problem before I could try to fix it

I can see you've had some struggles lately
I understand that you've been going through a difficult time

Hey man, I've had mine too
But don't worry, I've faced my own struggles as well

Fighting to get through the door
Struggling to make progress and achieve success

But I can't live like this anymore
Despite my efforts, I have reached my limit and cannot continue this way

They gave us wings to fly
They gave us the means to succeed and achieve great things

But then they took away the sky
But they also took away the freedom and opportunity we once had

Well, what you want?
What do you need from me?

"Serve me"
I want you to do what I say

Sell me to the spoon
Exploiting me for money or drugs

I'm cashing in, falling out
I may be profiting in the short-term, but it's taking a toll on me

Tear me down, hang me up
I am being used and discarded by those around me

Strung out to please the king
I am addicted and dependent on satisfying others' demands

In metropolitan's sackler wing
A reference to the scandal around the Sackler family's involvement in the opioid crisis

I wanna be your doll
I want to be used and controlled by you

But I won't be your dog anymore
But I am not going to be controlled and manipulated like an animal

You gave us wings to fly
You offered us freedom and opportunity

But then you took away the sky
But you also took away our ability to make meaningful choices and decisions

Sunken ceiling and a sideways grin
Feeling trapped and inadequate, despite a facade of happiness

We live to use and we use to live
Our existence is defined by exploitation and dependency

Crack a window
Let some fresh air and new perspectives into our lives

Get some life in you
Try to find a way to live meaningfully, despite the challenges we face

Holding in coughs, hiding my head
Trying to conceal the pain and damage caused by our actions

Everybody respects the dead
People only appreciate our value and contributions once we are gone