“Skeletons” is about bringing to light the lies and deceit of those who hide behind a facade of integrity, honor, and respectability, particularly corrupt politicians. Stevie released this song when the Iran-Contra hearings were in full swing, and he takes aim at all those involved. The song’s extended 12-inch version features short sound bites from Col. Oliver North and President Ronald Reagan, two major players in the Iran-Contra scandal.
“Skeletons” was written and produced by Stevie. It was the lead single from his 21st studio album Characters, released in late 1987 on Motown. It topped Billboard’s R&B singles chart and peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100. And it climbed to #20 on the US dance chart. The song earned Stevie two Grammy nominations–Best R&B Song and Best R&B Male Vocal Performance.
Here’s the song’s full personnel: Stevie Wonder (lead vocals, synthesizers, drums, percussion), Robert Arbittier (synthesizer programming), and backing vocals were provided by Alexis England, Darryl Phinnessee, Dorian Holley, Keith John, Kevin Dorsey, Lynne Fiddmont, Melody McCully, Shirley Brewer.
"Skeletons” was sampled on Big Daddy Kane’s “Mister Cee’s Master Plan” and The Fila Fresh Crew’s “Dunk the Funk.” The song was featured prominently in the classic action thriller Die Hard (1988). It was also featured in the second trailer and soundtrack for the popular action-adventure video game Grand Theft Auto V (2013). Additionally, it was featured in an episode of the highly-viewed TV sitcom A Different World, season 1, episode 4, 1987.
The song’s video explores an idyllic white-picket-fence American neighborhood and uncovers the dark secrets its residents keep concealed behind their upstanding public facades. Directed by Greg Gold, it features Stevie Wonder, John Travolta, and actress Karen Black (The Great Gatsby, Nashville, Five Easy Pieces).
To date, “Skeletons” was Stevie’s last song to make the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, he’s had several top-10 hits on Billboard’s R&B singles charts since then.