The narrator reflects on their past decisions, admitting to prioritizing their own desires and ignoring the well-being of others. They regret not listening to advice and now feel haunted by the consequences of their actions as represented by skeletons.

Meaning of "Skeletons" by XTC

The lyrics of "Skeletons" by XTC delve into themes of ego, regret, and reflection on past choices. The narrator's arrogance and belief that they always knew best led them to prioritize personal ambitions over their relationships with others. As a result, they left behind a trail of broken connections and regrets, symbolized by the skeletons that come back to haunt them. The desire for fame and success blinded them to the impact of their actions on those around them, and now they are faced with the reality that skeletons of the past do not bring freedom but instead serve as reminders of their mistakes. The song serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of selfishness and the importance of valuing human connections over personal glory.