Sarah Beth is scared to death
To hear what the doctor will say
She hasn't been well
Since the day that she fell
And the bruise, it just won't go away
So she sits and she waits, with her mother and dad
And flips through an old magazine
Till a nurse with a smile
Stands at the door
And says, 'Will you please come with me?'
Sarah Beth is scared to death
'Cause the doctor just told her the news
Between the red cells and white
Something's not right
But we're gonna take care of you
Six chances in ten, it won't come back again
With the therapy we're gonna try
It's just been approved
It's the strongest there is
I think we caught it in time
Sarah Beth closes her eyes
She dreams she's dancing
Around and around, without any cares
And her very first love is holding her close
And the soft wind is blowing her hair
Sarah Beth is scared to death
As she sits, holding her mom
Says it would be a mistake
For someone to take
A girl with no hair to the prom
For just this morning, right there on her pillow
Was the cruelest of any surprise
And she cried when she gathered it all in her hands
The proof that she couldn't deny
Sarah Beth closes her eyes
She dreams she's dancing
Around and around, without any cares
And her very first love is holding her close
And the soft wind is blowing her hair
It's quarter to seven, that boy is at the door
Her Daddy ushers him in
When he takes off his cap, they all start to cry
'Cause this morning where his hair had been
Softly, she touches just skin
They go dancing
Around and around, without any cares
And her very first, true love is holding her close
And for a moment, she isn't scared
Skin
Skin Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on December 11, 2010, Rascal Flatts' song "Skin" tells a poignant story centered around a young girl named Sarah Beth navigating a serious illness. The narrative opens with her apprehension as she awaits medical news following a fall, revealing a persistent bruise that signals deeper health concerns. The initial verses effectively capture the tension and uncertainty of a doctor's visit, emphasizing her fear and the eventual diagnosis, framed within the doctor's reassuring promise of care and hope for recovery through treatment.
As the story progresses, the emotional toll of the therapy becomes evident, particularly the devastating side effect of hair loss. Sarah Beth's deep-seated fear focuses on her appearance changing and the social anxieties associated with it, specifically the prospect of attending her prom. The lyrics beautifully contrast her waking fears with her dreams, where she is free, dancing without worry, held by her first love, symbolizing her longing for normalcy and joy amidst her struggle. This recurring dream sequence highlights her inner spirit and her desire to escape the harsh realities she faces.
The song reaches its powerful and moving climax on the night of the prom. The boy, her date, arrives at the door, and in a profound act of solidarity and love, he reveals that he has shaved his own head. This gesture transcends words, demonstrating unwavering acceptance and support, looking past the physical changes Sarah Beth has experienced. The shared moment of vulnerability and connection underscores the theme that true love and acceptance run deeper than physical appearance, residing instead in courage, empathy, and connection.
Through Sarah Beth's journey and the boy's remarkable act, "Skin" delivers a powerful message of hope, courage, and unconditional love. It speaks to the beauty found in resilience and the strength derived from genuine connection and acceptance. The song inspires listeners by illustrating how facing adversity together, with empathy and solidarity, can transform fear into moments of profound beauty and acceptance, showing that what truly matters is the support and love shared between people, looking beyond the surface to connect on a deeper, human level.
