There is an unofficial website with more information about his work and life:
http://www.ephraimlewis.com/
Skin
Ephraim Lewis Lyrics
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of so much pain
sometimes to hurt is better than nothing
Let's live again
You wanna get close enough to touch
Weave your lies 'cos I can't hide
Never touch my soul, I need that much
Is my skin just a veil I'm wearing
Protect me from the world
(repeat)
So with this armour to cover me
From tortured skies
I'll burn the body - breathe poisoned wine
Only laughter and forgetting
keeps my mind from the devil inside
Like a circle there is no resolve
A little peace is better than none
Immortal
The colour of night is bound to find you
When last we breathe the temple starts to crumble
It's only dirt and dust
to fade
The song "Skin" by Ephraim Lewis is a poignant reflection on the many layers of pain, protection, and vulnerability that make up the human experience. The song begins with a searching, almost desperate tone as the singer seeks a way out of the pain that haunts them. They acknowledge that sometimes, even when it hurts, feeling something is better than feeling nothing at all. In the face of this hurt, the singer longs to live again.
Despite being a public figure, the singer reveals that they have a private life that they fiercely guard. The listener is invited to get close enough to touch, but warned that the singer weaves lies to protect the core of their being. Even though they wear a protective skin like armor, the singer fears that this might only be a veil that hides them from the world. They need this skin, or mask, to shield their vulnerable soul.
Throughout the song, there is a powerful sense of tension between the desire for protection and the longing for true intimacy. The singer acknowledges that a little peace is better than none, but also suggests that true resolution may be impossible. In the end, the only certainty is that someday, the temple of the body will crumble and fade away.
Overall, "Skin" is a powerful exploration of the fragile nature of human existence, and the many ways we protect ourselves from the world around us while still longing for authentic connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Searching for a way out
Looking for a way to escape the distress and agony.
of so much pain
From the suffering that's too much to bear.
sometimes to hurt is better than nothing
At times, feeling pain is better than feeling nothing at all.
Let's live again
We should revive and relive.
I'm a public face with a private life
My life is an open book but with hidden secrets.
You wanna get close enough to touch
You want to come closer to me.
Weave your lies 'cos I can't hide
Fabricate stories because I cannot conceal myself.
Never touch my soul, I need that much
Avoid hurting me deeply on a spiritual level.
Is my skin just a veil I'm wearing
Wondering if the skin I have is just a cover-up.
Protect me from the world
Shield me from the outside world.
So with this armour to cover me
With this armor to protect me.
From tortured skies
From the tormented skies above.
I'll burn the body - breathe poisoned wine
I will destroy the outer form but have toxic thoughts.
Only laughter and forgetting
Only by laughing and letting go.
keeps my mind from the devil inside
Keeps my mind from sinking deep into evil.
Like a circle there is no resolve
Like a circle, there is no resolution.
A little peace is better than none
A little peace is better than having no peace at all.
Immortal
Living forever.
The colour of night is bound to find you
The darkness of the night will always catch up with you.
When last we breathe the temple starts to crumble
As we take our last breath, our body begins to fall apart.
It's only dirt and dust
All that remains is dry soil and dust particles.
to fade
To disappear slowly.
Contributed by Alexander O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dianepeace469
I love his music. I was speechless to learn he died so long ago as I used to listen to him on NYC CD 101.9 before there was the Internet and the wireless world. News travelled slower then. We lost a very talented musician. :(
@amysorel12
There's a group about him on Facebook.
@Merwoman17
I love this song. I heard it on our local radio station the night before my youngest son died. I managed to track down who played it and I played it at his funeral. I thought the song was talking about him.
@JaimeGonzalez-wx1gw
May your son R.I.P
@ripnecco5477
Wow..... 💗💗💗
Reading the manga “Love My Life” brought me here in 2019
@adropzone4451
The first time I heard this gifted artist (years ago) I was in the company of this beautiful woman of whom I had the pleasure of dating. Lewis had just hit the music scene. My friend has great taste in music. Lots of her favorites became mine. Listing to Ephram Lewis is like listing to poetry set to music. He’s thought provoking… My friend and I had a falling huge falling out some time back; I think I’ll reach out to her… Thank you Ephram may you rest in peace in the Heavens
@MsSondavid
He was so special, he can touch my soul like no other artist. I will NEVER forget him!
@steinarmogen3166
The «world» might have Forgotten him. But somewhere in Norway someone still loves his Music. For instance. A great singer with atmospheric Music. He had lots of talent to deliver. Such a shame it ended like it did. I remember I often liked to hear his Music after late Night parties. Such a Nice relaxing way to end it all ❤️🎶🎤
@TheHeywoodkenobi
Such talent, it's hard to believe we were robbed of the bright future this man had...
@JoseLopez-iv7pq
The dude was 1 bad ass cat! His voice was wickedly sultry with an energy that grabs u in haunting way that ur ears will never forget may u rest n peace my brother. U we're truly blessed.