8 Best Songs About Skeleton
Skeletons. The body’s structural framework, and a symbol of the spooky season. For as long as humans have made music, they’ve been a source of fascination, fear, fun, and a whole lotta funk.
So, let’s get right into some iconic tunes about skeleton!
1. “Spooky Scary Skeletons” – Andrew Gold
Originally a track from Gold’s Halloween album, it gained wild popularity decades later, becoming a meme and TikTok sensation.
Released in 1996, the song initially wasn’t a massive hit. Fast forward to the digital age, and its catchy chorus found its way into remixes, Vines, and viral dance challenges.
2. “Them Bones” – Alice In Chains
“Them Bones” is a dark, grungy track dripping with existential dread. The song touches on themes of mortality and the inevitability of death.
Lead vocalist Layne Staley was inspired by feelings of despair.
The repetitive count “1, 2, 3” in the song is symbolic of life’s fleeting nature. Paired with haunting harmonies, this song truly gets under your skin!
3. “Skeleton Song” – Kate Nash
Kate Nash, known for her witty lyrics and sharp storytelling, delivers a song that’s both delicate and defiant. “Skeleton Song” is a narrative of holding oneself together, even when falling apart seems so much easier.
The track uses the skeleton metaphor to talk about vulnerability and resilience.
The line “I’ll glue you back together” stands out, highlighting the idea of self-repair and growth. It’s a beautiful blend of fragility and strength, much like the skeletal system itself.
4. “Bone Machine” – Pixies
With a raw sound and surreal lyrics, “Bone Machine” stands as a testament to the Pixies‘ brilliance. It’s gritty, it’s weird, and it’s utterly captivating.
While the song has many interpretations, there’s a clear theme of deception and betrayal.
The line “You’re so pretty when you’re unfaithful to me” is especially telling. The skeletal references only amplify the song’s eerie and unsettling tone.
5. “Skullcrusher Mountain” – Jonathan Coulton
Jonathan Coulton, known for his geek anthems, delivers a song that’s part love ballad, part mad scientist monologue.
At its core, “Skullcrusher Mountain” is about a villainous genius with a crush.
The song is laden with quirky lines and showcases Coulton’s trademark humor. While skeletons aren’t the primary focus, the track’s name and vibe make it a fit for our bony roundup.
6. “Skeletons” – Brothers Osborne
Brothers Osborne infuse “Skeletons” with a touch of country twang, embellished with an edge of rock.
The song is a reminder that everyone has their secrets, or ‘skeletons in the closet,’ if you will.
The catchy hooks combined with the powerful lyrics make it resonate, urging listeners to confront their hidden truths and embrace them.
7. “Skeletons In The Closet” – Alice Cooper
With “Skeletons In The Closet,” Alice Cooper delivers what he’s known best for – dark, eerie, and theatric rock music.
Alice delves into the metaphorical closets we all have, filled with secrets and past mistakes.
This track is a hallmark of classic rock with a haunting essence, encapsulating the spirit of confronting one’s past with a combination of humor and seriousness.
8. “Ballad of The Skeletons” – Allen Ginsberg with Paul McCartney
Teaming up with none other than Paul McCartney, Allen Ginsberg’s “Ballad of The Skeletons” is less about the literal skeletons and more a metaphorical take on society’s issues.
Ginsberg’s spoken word style combined with McCartney’s musical touch results in a poetic journey that’s both raw and compelling.
The song touches on various societal “skeletons,” pointing out hypocrisies and calling for change.