Meaning of "Satellite Skin" by Modest Mouse

The lyrics of "Satellite Skin" delve into the complexity of navigating societal expectations and the desire to maintain individuality. The moth wing feelings represent delicate and fragile emotions, easily crushed by the harsh realities of conformity. The mention of praying and kneeling suggests that these feelings and beliefs are not simply personal, but deeply rooted in society's expectations. The chorus emphasizes the struggle of trying to resist conformity while simultaneously desiring to be accepted. The satellite skin refers to the outer layer that people put on to present themselves to the world, adopting the thoughts and opinions of others instead of staying true to themselves. The line "Just like being my own solar system" indicates a desire to have independence and autonomy, but the following line about eclipsing the good things suggests a self-destructive tendency. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of questioning and doubt, as seen in the lines "Asking for a question, was it easier said than was actually done" and "Do you even believe that there's a race to be won." These lines allude to the difficulty of living up to the expectations placed upon oneself and the constant questioning of whether it is worth the effort. The final lines about not being able to see through the "unhappy, happy accidents" imply a lack of clarity and understanding in navigating the complexities of life and personal identity.