Stiltskin is a Scottish rock band that gained prominence in the mid-1990s. … Read Full Bio ↴Stiltskin is a Scottish rock band that gained prominence in the mid-1990s. Led by frontman Ray Wilson, who has been the sole consistent member, the band is best recognized for their 1994 UK chart-topping single "Inside".

Formation and Early Success
Founded in 1994 by multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Peter Lawlor to showcase music he composed for the British Levi's television advertisement "Creek," Stiltskin rose to fame with their hit single "Inside," which reached the top of the UK Singles Chart. Despite this initial success, subsequent releases like "Footsteps" achieved moderate chart positions, with the band's original lineup releasing their debut album, "The Mind's Eye," which attained a silver record in the UK and garnered attention in the US music scene.

Changes and Continued Pursuits
Following the disbandment of the original lineup in 1996 during the recording of their unfinished second album, members pursued other projects. Lawlor continued his work in music production and composition, contributing to various high-profile projects and also delving into economics. Other former members, such as McFarlane and Wilson, ventured into different musical endeavors, with Wilson notably joining Genesis and later launching a solo career.

Revival and Recent Activities
In 2005, Wilson assembled a new lineup under the Stiltskin moniker and released the album "She" in 2006. The band toured extensively in Europe, culminating in the release of a live album in 2007. Subsequent albums followed, including "Unfulfillment" in 2011. Over the years, there have been lineup changes, with drummer Ashley Macmillan departing the band in 2015.

Discography
The Mind's Eye (1994)
She (2006)
Unfulfillment (2011)

Horse
Stiltskin Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

See me shed in my mind as I leave to find the circles
With the gilded tongue of the eldest son I ask her
And I inch a smile as I take a mile from their longings
And they from a chain in the fleeting rain as I leave them
I don't want to be responsible
Look at me now in my real skin
Made a vow my real skin
Shed it now keep coming in

Here for now in my real skin
I saw a picture frame tied to a horse
I saw the crystal night out on the concourse
And the ancient trees of the bended knees will fracture
And we double take an empty wake and leave them
I don't want to be responsible
Chorus:
'round and round and round and round
Round and round and round and round'
I don't want to be responsible
I don't want to be respoonsible
Look at me now

Look at me now
Chorus

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Stiltskin's song Horse are open to many interpretations. On one level, it appears to be about shedding one's false persona and letting one's true self shine through. The opening lines "See me shed in my mind as I leave to find the circles" suggest a desire to break free from constraints and explore new possibilities. The singer seeks guidance from someone with more experience, represented by "the gilded tongue of the eldest son," and takes what he needs, leaving behind those who are chained to their desires.

The verses then transition into a declaration of self-acceptance and commitment to living authentically. "I don't want to be responsible" can be read as rejecting societal expectations and the pressure to conform. The repetition of "Look at me now in my real skin" emphasizes this idea of shedding pretense and embracing one's true nature. In the final verse, the imagery of a picture frame tied to a horse and the ancient trees that "will fracture" have a sense of inevitability, suggesting that change is coming whether we're ready for it or not.

Line by Line Meaning

See me shed in my mind as I leave to find the circles
I am looking for a way out of my current situation by exploring my mind and searching for new paths

With the gilded tongue of the eldest son I ask her
Using my charm and persuasive language, I am trying to attain something from a woman

And I inch a smile as I take a mile from their longings
I am pleased with myself for taking advantage of their desires and obtaining what I want

And they from a chain in the fleeting rain as I leave them
As I depart from them, they feel trapped and helpless like they are bound by a chain in the pouring rain

I don't want to be responsible
I don't want to take on the responsibility or consequences of my actions

Look at me now in my real skin
I am now showing my true self and not hiding behind any masks or facades

Made a vow my real skin
I made a promise to be true to myself and embrace who I really am

Shed it now keep coming in
I am shedding the layers that were holding me back and now I can keep moving forward

Here for now in my real skin
I am present and grounded in my true self

I saw a picture frame tied to a horse
I observed an unusual or unexpected combination of objects or symbols

I saw the crystal night out on the concourse
I saw the beauty and clarity of the night sky while in a public space

And the ancient trees of the bended knees will fracture
The old beliefs or established structures that were once flexible and adaptable will break under pressure

And we double take an empty wake and leave them
We pause and reflect on the aftermath of our actions before moving on and leaving them behind

Chorus: 'round and round and round and round Round and round and round and round'
The repetition of this line emphasizes the endless cycle of irresponsibility and avoidance

I don't want to be responsible
I don't want to take on the responsibility or consequences of my actions

Look at me now
I want others to see how I have transformed and grown

Chorus
Repeating the chorus again further emphasizes the theme of irresponsibility and avoidance

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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