Skinned Alive
Mantra Lyrics

The lyrics of Mantra's song "Skinned Alive" portray a sense of frustration and self-loathing. The opening lines suggest that the singer is dissatisfied with how their life has turned out and lacks confidence. They feel the need to establish new rules for themselves, emphasizing that despite seemingly being loved by everyone, they only have themselves as a true friend.

The repetition of the line "Leave it up to you, what else can I do?" implies a sense of powerlessness and resignation. The singer seems to be placing the responsibility for their situation onto someone else, possibly indicating a relationship dynamic where they feel dominated or controlled. The following line, "Keep it all inside your gut," suggests that they are suppressing their emotions, possibly out of fear or a desire to conform.

The lyrics then take a harsh turn, reflecting a toxic and self-deprecating mindset. The lines "I'd give everything to have some more, You're a total slut and I'm a fucking whore" display a deep-seated self-hatred and a negative perception of both oneself and others. It showcases a toxic relationship where derogatory labels are used to demean and devalue both parties involved.

The final lines in the song express the singer's desire for acceptance and reassurance. The line "If you want me to leave just say, I know you checked but is the car ok?" suggests that the singer feels insecure and seeks validation. They are questioning their worth and desperately seeking confirmation or concern, even over trivial matters like the condition of a car.

In summary, "Skinned Alive" by Mantra delves into themes of self-doubt, negative self-perception, and the challenges of toxic relationships. The lyrics depict a troubled individual who feels trapped and unable to change their circumstances. It echoes the inner battle between self-loathing and the desire for acceptance and validation from others.