Skeleton Key Lyrics - Bishop Allen

Song Facts:

• Genre: Indie Rock


• Featured on the soundtrack for the TV series "Lousy Carter"

Annotations and Meaning:

"Skeleton Key" by Bishop Allen is rich in metaphorical and allegoric content, usually resorting to historical and symbolic elements in order to reveal themes of liberation, betrayal, and potential. The song further puts forth the motif of the skeleton key as a symbol for having access to opportunity, like having the power to unlock or free oneself from oppressing situations.
The lyrics identify the character as "the first in the ranks of the pharaoh's army" but go on to say that this character is not one to have sympathy for the oppressor. This introduction sets the stage for a narrative about internal conflict and dissent within the ranks of power. The skeleton key would afford one not just literal access through doors within a grand estate but metaphorically, it would open a way to new possibilities or freedoms from oppressive rule.

The song turns even darker when he introduces "the first in the line of the devil's sentries," subverting further from within the reign, most likely by espionage or secret resistance. ("And you will copy all their secrets for me, / And you will leave them in the hollow of the sycamore tree.") The use of the sycamore tree is often used in the representation of strength, protection, and eternity. The character of the acts emphasizes the effect and permanence of the acts performed by the particular character.

More so, this character comes out to be that of a revolutionary zeal, with an intention to "turn and tear the palaces down" and throw "in the crown" during fiery rebellions. That is strong imagery, elaborating the dramatic strife and change implied quite well by the skeleton key as a metaphor for the power to raze and rebuild systems.

Repeating the sum-up with the assurance that "every door was gonna open" simply further adds thematic weight to a song dominated with themes of hope and potential. It hammers home a promise of change and new beginning, probably to remain only such, mirroring common human sentiment about the gap between aspiration and reality.