"Skeletons" is a song by Joe Budden featuring Joell Ortiz and Crooked I. The song explores the concept of hiding one's secrets and past mistakes, or "skeletons," locked away in the closet. Each verse from the three artists delves into their personal experiences and struggles with their own skeletons. In the first verse, Joell Ortiz reflects on his troubled past and the consequences of his actions. He mentions a specific incident where he shot someone and feels the weight of guilt and remorse for his past sins. He also discusses the hardships he faced growing up, including poverty and being involved in illegal activities. Crooked I takes the second verse and speaks about his own hidden secrets and insecurities. He paints a picture of his troubled childhood, dealing with poverty and resorting to stealing to fit in with others. He acknowledges the negative impact these experiences have had on his mental health and highlights the importance of addressing and confronting one's demons. Joe Budden concludes the song with the third verse, expressing a sense of acceptance and understanding of his own flaws and mistakes. He mentions the strained relationship with his father and how it has affected him emotionally. Budden discusses the idea of owning up to one's past and not feeling shame or remorse for it. He also emphasizes the need to address and deal with one's demons instead of hiding them away. Overall, "Skeletons" is a introspective song that delves into the concept of hiding one's past mistakes and the importance of confronting and learning from them. It explores themes of guilt, remorse, and self-acceptance.