Meaning of "Skeletons" by Real Friends

"Skeletons" by Real Friends delves into the theme of nostalgia and the bittersweet process of growing up. The speaker reminisces about a simpler time in their youth when fears were superficial, represented by monsters in the closet. However, as they have matured, these childhood fears have been replaced by more complex emotional struggles, symbolized by skeletons. The imagery of the passing seasons, falling leaves, and the sunburn on their shoulders evokes the inevitability of time moving forward and the changes that come with it. The juxtaposition of carefree memories against the harsher realities of adulthood underscores the loss of innocence and the burden of growing up. The lyrics also touch on the fleeting nature of happiness and the realization that things are not always as idyllic as they once seemed. Overall, the song captures the wistful and sometimes painful process of maturing and looking back on the past with a mix of longing and acceptance.