Now signed to AudioFile Records, 2009 sees the re-release of debut album ‘Outside Looking In’ and the brand new 'Rag & Bone EP'.
Ward has gained regular radio play, both local and national, including interviews and live sessions on BBC Radio Wales & 6Music. Along with Rob Griffiths (drums), Chris Bastian (guitar) & Robbie Jenkins (bass), Nick Ward is fast becoming the one to watch.
Skin
Nick Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never really living
Trying to stay afloat
But we keep sinking
I almost fell asleep while the car was moving
You've seen a lot of shit – got the scars to prove it
Look into your big eyes, babe you've got me tongue-tied
Always wanna leave when you say goodbye
Why's a boy like him in a place like this?
Cos he's not a man – he's the antonym
Heard he hates his skin, cos it doesn't fit
(Oh no it never fit)
Why's a boy like him in a place like this?
Cos he's not a man – he's the antonym
Heard he hates his skin, cos it doesn't fit
(Oh no it never fit)
Emotions always hidden
They love you when you fit in
Holding backing the swimming pool that sits behind your eyelids
I want you more than anything
You know I'd give up everything
Hanging out the sunroof
Speed up and I'm see-through
It's hard to fall in love when it's someone who isn't you
You don't know me, I don't know myself
You don't know me, I don't know myself
You don't know me, I don't know myself
You don't know me, I don't know myself
Every day I wanna be somebody else
You don't know me, I don't know myself
Who are you to tell me how to love myself?
Why's a boy like him in a place like this?
Cos he's not a man – he's the antonym
Heard he hates his skin, cos it doesn't fit
(Oh no it never fit)
Why's a boy like him in a place like this?
Cos he's not a man – he's the antonym
Heard he hates his skin, cos it doesn't fit
(Oh no it never fit)
The song "Skin" by Nick Ward depicts the struggle of feeling like an outsider and the dissatisfaction that comes with trying to fit into a societal mold. The song starts off with the artist confessing to always overthinking and never truly living, implying that he feels stuck in his own head and is unable to enjoy life to the fullest. He describes the feeling of sinking, as if nothing he does can keep him afloat.
The second half of the chorus is especially jarring, with the repetition of the line "Why's a boy like him in a place like this? Cos he's not a man - he's the antonym, Heard he hates his skin, cos it doesn't fit." This suggests that the artist feels like he doesn't belong where he is, and that he doesn't identify with the societal expectations placed upon him. The metaphor of hating his own skin represents a feeling of discomfort and unease with his own identity.
The second verse touches on the same feeling of hiding who he truly is in order to fit in. The line "emotions always hidden, they love you when you fit in" highlights the pressure to conform to societal norms in order to be accepted. However, Ward expresses a desire to be himself, saying "every day I wanna be somebody else." The bridge is especially poignant in its repetition, as if the artist is trying to convince himself that he doesn't need to conform to anyone else's expectations, saying "You don't know me, I don't know myself, Who are you to tell me how to love myself?"
Overall, the song "Skin" by Nick Ward is an emotional exploration of feeling like an outsider and the struggle to find one's own identity in a world that often expects conformity.
Line by Line Meaning
I was always overthinking
I used to spend too much time worrying and analyzing things.
Never really living
I wasn't fully experiencing life or taking risks.
Trying to stay afloat
I was struggling to keep from sinking or failing.
But we keep sinking
Despite my efforts, we are continuing to fail or struggle.
I almost fell asleep while the car was moving
I was so exhausted and overwhelmed that I almost fell asleep on the go.
You've seen a lot of shit – got the scars to prove it
You have experienced many difficult and painful things, which have left their marks on you.
Look into your big eyes, babe you've got me tongue-tied
When I look at your beautiful, expressive eyes, I am unable to communicate or express myself properly.
Always wanna leave when you say goodbye
Every time you leave, I feel a strong urge to run away or also leave.
I want somebody who likes sleeping in my t-shirt
I desire a person who is comfortable and intimate enough with me to sleep in my t-shirt.
Why's a boy like him in a place like this?
What is a guy like him doing in a location or situation like this?
Cos he's not a man – he's the antonym
He is not a mature, capable adult – he is the opposite or inverse of one.
Heard he hates his skin, cos it doesn't fit
I've heard he dislikes or feels uncomfortable in his own skin, because it doesn't match who he wants to be.
Emotions always hidden
My feelings and emotions are constantly kept secret or concealed.
They love you when you fit in
People admire or appreciate you more when you conform or adapt to their ideals and expectations.
Holding backing the swimming pool that sits behind your eyelids
You are holding back many tears or emotions that are waiting to come out.
I want you more than anything
I desire or crave you more than anything else in this world.
You know I'd give up everything
You are aware that I would sacrifice or let go of everything I have for you.
Hanging out the sunroof
I'm having fun and enjoying the moment by standing out of the car's sunroof.
Speed up and I'm see-through
As the car goes faster, I become less visible or solid.
It's hard to fall in love when it's someone who isn't you
When I am not with you, it is difficult for me to find romance or affection in anyone else.
You don't know me, I don't know myself
You have not yet fully understood or discovered my true self or identity.
Who are you to tell me how to love myself?
You do not have the right to dictate how I should feel or think about myself.
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NICHOLAS WARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind