Shadows
Burning Image Lyrics


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I can't decide for myself
No one gave me courage when I tried
I don't see a reason for my life
Who will know the difference when I die?

I don't have to worry, of things I heard today
I don't really have the time
And no one seems to care
Ah ah
Right, tonight

Can you see the shadows in their eyes?
Can you see the trouble in their lives?
Help me find the words I have to say
Either way, they're laughing in my face

I don't have to worry, of things I heard today
I don't really have the time
And no one seems to care




Ah ah
Right, tonight

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Burning Image's song "Shadows" delve deep into the psyche of an individual who is struggling to find purpose and meaning in their life. The opening lines reveal a sense of helplessness and indecisiveness, as the singer laments their inability to make decisions for themselves. They feel as though they haven't been given the courage to forge their own path, leaving them feeling trapped and directionless. They question the significance of their existence, wondering if anyone will really notice or care when they eventually pass away.


The verse progresses with a sense of detachment, as the singer reveals that they don't have the energy or desire to worry about the rumors and gossip that surround them. They feel isolated and disconnected from the people around them, with no one seeming to care about their struggles. This sense of apathy is further emphasized by the repeated refrain of "Ah ah / Right, tonight," which suggests a resignation to their circumstances.


The chorus of the song takes on a more urgent tone, as the singer implores the listener to "see the shadows in their eyes" and "help [them] find the words [they] have to say." They are clearly struggling to communicate their inner turmoil to those around them, and are met with derision and mockery by those who don't understand. The lines "Either way, they're laughing in my face" reveal the heartbreaking reality that people are quick to dismiss mental health struggles and treat them as a joke.


Overall, "Shadows" is a powerful and poignant exploration of the difficulties that many people face when struggling with mental health issues. The lyrics express a sense of hopelessness and despair, but also a yearning for connection and understanding that is deeply relatable.


Line by Line Meaning

I can't decide for myself
I struggle to make decisions for myself, possibly because nobody has encouraged me or shown me how to do it.


No one gave me courage when I tried
I have tried to be brave before, but nobody supported me, leaving me without the strength to do what I needed to do.


I don't see a reason for my life
I feel like there's no purpose for me being alive, and I'm unsure of what I'm supposed to do about it.


Who will know the difference when I die?
I'm questioning whether it really matters that I'm alive, and wondering if anyone will even notice when I'm gone.


Can you see the shadows in their eyes?
Do you notice the darkness that seems to be in the eyes of those around you?


Can you see the trouble in their lives?
Are you aware of the difficulties people are going through, even if they don't show it?


Help me find the words I have to say
I need help finding the right words to express my emotions and what's going on inside of me.


Either way, they're laughing in my face
Regardless of what I do, people aren't taking me seriously and are finding joy in my struggles.


I don't have to worry, of things I heard today
I shouldn't be bothered by the rumors or gossip I heard because they're not worth my time or energy.


I don't really have the time
I have more important things to focus on and don't want to waste my time on meaningless drama.


And no one seems to care
I feel like nobody else cares about what's going on with me, despite my struggles and pain.


Ah ah
This represents an emotional cry or outburst, showing that the artist is overwhelmed and at a loss for words.


Right, tonight
Despite all the pain and uncertainty, the singer is trying to be present and live in the moment, coping with things as they come.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

Alfie Whitnell

Big fan of burning image, from London, UK here! Love finding unknown goth bands that SHOULD of made it big... What a great song from them!

thereal80s

This CD came out in 2004 but most of the songs were recorded pre- 1987. This band is from Bakersfield, Ca.

Wog242

Classics! Thanks for sharing!

Pmmrfan

I just talked to Moe last week, I grew up in Bakersfield. He said that they are in the studio right now , doing new album......I can't wait to hear it:)

Jason Knight

Thrasymachus Monk Paul still plays with them. Joe was living in San Francisco the last time I was in contact with him, but that was a long time ago.

Gabriel Mar GK ⚽🧤

beaultiful lyric

Jake Kussmaul

Sounds like a band that would be on Cultivation '92, since this band is from Bakersfield and has an alternative/new wave-ish sound

starclaps

Wow fantastic

MVasq966

awesome

Russell Cortez

Its Gothic Rock Why Does Society Keep Failing Me

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