Song meaning of Skeleton Key by Margot & the Nuclear So and So's

The lyrics of "Skeleton Key" by Margot & the Nuclear So and So's express a sense of guilt, self-destruction, and manipulation in a toxic relationship. In the first verse, the narrator admits to doing something terrible to their love, reflecting on their disloyalty and how it consumed their partner. Despite their actions, the partner continues to care for and attend to them, serving as a metaphorical "skeleton key" that can unlock the narrator's damaged emotions and vulnerabilities.

In the second verse, the narrator warns their partner not to claim love because it is not truthful. They acknowledge that their own dire affliction is a result of the relationship, and their partner is now free to twist and turn like a skeleton key. Here, the skeleton key symbolizes the partner's ability to navigate the narrator's innermost secrets and emotions.

The chorus emphasizes the need for communication and understanding between the couple, possibly indicating a plea for honesty and clarity in the relationship.

In the third verse, the narrator acknowledges the horrible actions they have committed against their partner, confessing to breeding their own misery and drowning it in their partner. Despite being aware of the pain in their partner's eyes, they were too focused on their own high.

In the fourth verse, the narrator seems to have distanced themselves from their guilt and remorse, gradually becoming less attached to their partner every day. They use the stream of whisky as a coping mechanism to wash away the memories, suggesting a dependence on substance abuse to numb the pain. The narrator concludes by devaluing their partner, stating that they are nothing special but merely a skeleton key.

Overall, the lyrics of "Skeleton Key" delve into themes of guilt, manipulation, and the self-destructive nature of a toxic relationship. It highlights the consequences of one's actions and the detrimental effects it can have on both individuals involved.