Here's a breakdown of the song's meaning:
1. Desire for Emotional Connection:
- The song opens with the lines "Come on skinny love, just last the year..." which expresses a yearning for a deep and intimate emotional connection in a relationship. The phrase "skinny love" suggests something fragile, imperfect, and delicate, reflecting the vulnerability and challenges within the relationship.
2. Lost Love and Regret:
- The lyrics explore the pain and sorrow of a love that has been lost. The singer feels a sense of regret and acknowledges that things have gone wrong. Lines such as "I told you to be patient/And I'll do my best" and "I told you to be patient/And I will fix it all" convey a sense of accountability and responsibility for the relationship's failure.
3. Intimacy and Loneliness:
- Despite the love and intimacy shared in the relationship, there's a lingering feeling of loneliness. The lyrics depict moments of physical closeness but also suggest emotional distance and a lack of true understanding between the partners.
4. Addiction and Escapism:
- The song makes references to addiction and the use of substances as a means of escape. Lines such as "And I told you to be patient/And I'll do my best/And I'm doing my best just to stay in this world" suggest a struggle to maintain a connection with reality or find solace from the pain.
5. Yearning for Redemption:
- Throughout the song, there's a yearning for redemption and healing. The singer expresses a desire to change and improve, perhaps to find a way to restore the lost love. The repeated phrase "I will do my best" signifies a commitment to personal growth and transformation.
6. Acceptance and Letting Go:
- The song ends with the lines "For me, it's just the price I pay/Destiny is calling me/Home" which suggests a sense of acceptance and letting go. It conveys the idea that the singer has come to terms with the relationship's end and is moving forward, despite the pain and heartbreak.
Overall, "Skinny Love" is a poignant exploration of the intricacies of love, loss, and the human desire for connection. The song delves into the pain and regret of a failed relationship, while also capturing the longing for redemption and the strength to move forward.