Meaning of "Backyard Skulls" by Frightened Rabbit

The lyrics of "Backyard Skulls" delve into the concept of secrets and their eventual revelation. The opening lines express how secrets are concealed beneath the surface, hidden like buried objects underneath paving stones. Some secrets remain undiscovered, while others are inevitably brought to light, much like long-lost souls or skulls unearthed from the ground.

The repetition of "backyard skulls" throughout the song reinforces the idea that these secrets are not deeply buried and are destined to be discovered. The metaphor implies that no matter how well we believe we've hidden our secrets, they are not truly hidden. They linger, waiting to be found, just like skulls buried beneath the ground. The line "Here lies the first time that I was wrong" acknowledges a personal secret or mistake that cannot be erased or forgotten. It serves as a reminder that even our past mistakes, represented by "exes," still have a presence in our lives.

The lyrics mention "ancient encounters" that have almost completely perished, but the memory of them remains. These encounters are marked by fallen skin, suggesting they were intimate and personal in nature. The line "But you can't erase the grin from those" suggests that even though these encounters may be in the past, the memory and impact of them persist, much like the presence of a skull.

The song also touches upon the idea of suburban hypocrisy and the secrets that lie beneath the façade of normality. The imagery of "patio doors" and "century upon century of skulls untold" portrays a hidden history, a collective of secrets kept behind closed doors. The reference to "hushed suburban adultery" hints at the notion that even in seemingly idyllic suburban settings, there are secrets and hidden desires.

The lyrics conclude by highlighting the irony and hypocrisy of society. Beneath our homes and lawns, there are "white silent skulls" that symbolize the hypocrisy and deceit that exist within society. These skulls are "smiling," suggesting a profound awareness of the irony and falsehood that prevails despite attempts to maintain a pristine image.

Overall, "Backyard Skulls" reflects on the inevitability of secrets being discovered, the lasting impact of past mistakes, and the deceptive nature of societal norms. The song urges listeners to confront the hidden truths and acknowledge the flaws and contradictions that underlie the surface of our lives.