The band has been cited as a major influence by higher-profile hardcore punk acts such as Hot Water Music and Dillinger Four. Jack Rabid, music critic and publisher of the music magazine Big Takeover, once listed Leatherface's 1992 release Mush as one of the fifty greatest punk albums of all time.
Their ninth full length release ‘The Stormy Petrel’ was released to critical acclaim in February 2010 on their own record label Big Ugly Fish Recordings.
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Skin Deep
Leatherface Lyrics
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Jesus you were frowning before I was born
And you don't have to say a word chaffing in your cocoon
Well I want to know what's inside you
False face you won't be remembered as anything else
It's a bare place and you're more than skin deep
Beauty is poetry poetry is lonely simplicity it is beauty
Beauty is more than skin deep
No indeed show me something that I can see
And show yourself something that resembles self resembles self
Skin deep beauty is poetry poetry is lonely simplicity is beauty
Beauty is more than skin deep and you don't have to say a word
Well I want to know what's inside you and you don't have to say a word
And show me something I can see well you don't have to say a word
Well you don't have to say a word
At the heart of Leatherface's song "Skin Deep" is a powerful message that deals with the importance of inner beauty over external appearance. The opening line of the song, "Speak now or forever hold your frown," sets the tone for the exploration of the human psyche, particularly the insecurity that causes individuals to hide their true selves. The song also alludes to religious themes, with the line "Jesus you were frowning before I was born," suggesting that there is a higher power that sees beyond the surface level.
The chorus boldly declares that "beauty is more than skin deep," encapsulating the idea that true beauty comes from the inside out. Leatherface goes on to state that "the tragedy of the tragic is they can never be majestic," which speaks to the struggle of those who are consumed by external appearance and fail to nurture their inner selves. The song concludes with a plea for individuals to "show themselves something that resembles self," to find their unique identity and to let that inner beauty shine through.
Line by Line Meaning
Speak now or forever hold your frown
If you have something to say, say it now or keep it to yourself and remain unhappy
Jesus you were frowning before I was born
You've been unhappy for a long time, even before I was alive
And you don't have to say a word chaffing in your cocoon
You're going through something difficult and don't feel like talking about it, but it's still affecting you
Well I want to know what's inside you
I'm curious about what's going on with you internally
False face you won't be remembered as anything else
If you're not true to yourself, people will only remember you as a fake or phony
It's a bare place and you're more than skin deep
The world can be harsh and superficial, but you have more to offer than just your appearance
Beauty is poetry poetry is lonely simplicity it is beauty
Beauty is found in simplicity, and it often speaks to us emotionally like poetry
Beauty is more than skin deep
True beauty comes from within and cannot be judged solely on appearances
The tragedy of the tragic is they can never be majestic
Those who are constantly struggling cannot reach their full potential or achieve greatness
No indeed show me something that I can see
I want you to be authentic and show me your true self
And show yourself something that resembles self resembles self
Find your true identity and reflect it in your actions and behavior
Skin deep beauty is poetry poetry is lonely simplicity is beauty
Again, beauty is found in simplicity, even in the most emotional and lonely experiences
And you don't have to say a word
You don't need to explain your emotions or feelings to anyone
Well I want to know what's inside you and you don't have to say a word
Even though you don't have to say anything, I'm still curious about what's happening internally
And show me something I can see well you don't have to say a word
You don't need to talk about it, but let me see your true self through your actions and behavior
Well you don't have to say a word
Once again, it's not necessary to speak about your struggles, but let it show in your personal expression
Contributed by Henry D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.