Demi Lovato [1] wasn't kidding when they suggested their upcoming album, "Holy Fvck," [2] would usher in a new phase of their career. The singer debuted "Skin of My Teeth," the first single from the album, on the June 10 episode of "The Tonight Show," and it's a rock anthem unlike anything they've ever done before. It also happens to be a deeply personal song inspired by Lovato's history of drug addiction [3] as well as their mental health struggles [4].
The song is being released just months after Lovato left rehab in January, as reported by Entertainment Tonight [5], and they told "The Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon [6] that they're proud to say this album was written while they were completely sober. "I've definitely been through a ton. That's no secret to the world," they said.
"After going through even more stuff last year, I came out of treatment again, and I realized I really want to do this for myself, and I want to make the best album possible," Lovato continued. "Something that really represents who I am, and I think the best way to do that — and the easiest way to do that, and the most authentic — is to do it clean and sober. I made this album, you know, clean and sober. I can't say that about my last album, but this one I'm really proud about."
Right from the start of their new single, Lovato makes it clear they're drawing on real-life experiences for "Skin of My Teeth." At the start of the song, they sing: "Demi leaves rehab again / When is this sh*t gonna end? / Sounds like the voice in my head / I can't believe I'm not dead / I'm alive by the skin of my teeth / I survived, but it got harder to breathe / Askin' why doesn't make it easier / Go easier on me."
In addition to performing "Skin of My Teeth" on "The Tonight Show," Lovato also released a haunting music video for the single. In the video, the singer is stalked by a demon — as well as what appears to be the paparazzi. The dark punk-rock vibes prove to be fitting for the subject matter.
"Holy Fvck" is set to be released on Aug. 19.
