The lyrics of "Skinned" by Blind Melon depict a disturbing and macabre obsession with mutilating and repurposing human skin and body parts. The narrator discusses making a shoe horn out of someone's shin, a lamp shade out of their skin, and carving out their navel. They express a desire for more body parts to create a plant stand and coffee tables. The narrator questions when they will realize that the skin they inhabit is not truly theirs and when the thrill of killing and dismembering will become too much to bear. They acknowledge their inability to hide from their distorted desires and the shape they are in.

Meaning of "Skinned" by Blind Melon

The meaning behind "Skinned" delves into themes of self-identity, detachment, and a disturbing fascination with the human body. The lyrics suggest a disconnect between the narrator and their physical form, as they question the ownership of their own skin. This detachment is further emphasized by the obsession with deconstructing and repurposing body parts, turning them into objects of utility or decoration. The lyrics reflect a dark and twisted desire for control and transformation, as the narrator seeks to reshape and manipulate the human body to fit their own desires. It can be interpreted as a metaphor for the struggle to find a sense of self and the lengths people may go to alter their appearance or identity. Additionally, the lyrics hint at a psychological struggle, with the narrator desperately trying to hide their unsettling desires but ultimately acknowledging their inability to do so. "Skinned" serves as a disturbing exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, illustrating the potential for obsession, detachment, and the blurred lines between self and the external world.