The song "Lion Skin" by Hands Like Houses explores the theme of sleeplessness, daydreaming, and the struggles of being lost in one's thoughts. The lyrics depict a narrator lying awake at night, questioning if it is possible to daydream during the darkness. The person is unable to sleep and finds solace in their vivid imagination, using it as a hiding place from reality. The phrase "Watching picture shows in the shadows, dance for the crowd tonight" suggests that the narrator finds comfort and entertainment in their own mind, creating imaginary scenarios and stories. They feel as though they are performing for an audience, even in the solitude of their thoughts. The mention of "silent homes" and walking through familiar halls while the lights are out indicates a feeling of displacement and disconnection. The narrator feels like a ghost, wandering aimlessly through life. They promise not to disturb or wake others, symbolizing their desire to keep their inner struggles hidden. They want their presence to be light and unnoticeable, and they hope to be heard by those who are close to them. The imagery of rats in the roof, termites in the ceiling, and spiders crawling from the corners of the eyes represents the invasive and overwhelming nature of negative thoughts and worries. The narrator longs to escape from these burdensome thoughts and find peaceful sleep. They hope that by counting the wolves instead of the sheep, they can finally rest. The lyrics also touch on feeling lost in unfamiliar places and the desire to find familiarity and comfort. The line "I'm at home, a ghost that has left behind his sheets" suggests feeling out of place and disconnected even in familiar surroundings. The narrator feels unrequited and unsettled until they wake up somewhere completely unknown. In the end, the song conveys the hope that sleep will eventually come and bring respite from the restless mind. The stars watching over the person symbolize a sense of protection and guidance in the darkness. The repeated line "Walk these halls" emphasizes the recurring cycle of sleeplessness and the narrator's struggle to find peace within themselves. Overall, "Lion Skin" portrays the challenges and complexities of the narrator's mental and emotional state while highlighting the power of imagination and the longing for restful sleep.
