Shadow
SOJA Lyrics


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I'm not a shadow
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
'Cause I'm not a shadow
When you look down, you wont see me
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, 'cause I'm not a shadow

Here's to you don't settle, and never separate
And never be quiet 'cause the words you say
You never go back on and never turn around
Never judge another 'cause as stupid it sounds
'Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when
So why try to please everyone?
When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love, and out and get love back
Is to show some faith and get respect
Just look at the world then, you look at the problems
And look at the hatred, and we still cant solve it
So look inside and you'll find step one
Forget a diamond I'm shinin' like the sun

'Cause I'm not a shadow
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
'Cause I'm not a shadow
When you look down, you wont see me
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, 'cause I'm not a shadow

Here's to you on your own, the innocent criminal
You never fit the mold, you never go sit down
You never go get approval no matter how you prove
That love is the motive in everything you do
And revolution is you and you're against the machine
You know who you are and you know what I mean
And when this record stops you would never slow down
When the video is over you want your turn now so
You make the truth and move straight ahead
While the followers behind you get left for dead
For the imminent brainwash follow the dumb rules
Created by individuals who unlike you
Don't care for the world or, care for the people
They love it their way, and they love unequal
And they love when they feel above someone
I don't follow the leader when they're all wrong

'Cause I'm not a shadow
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
'Cause I'm not a shadow
When you look down, you wont see me




I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, 'cause I'm not a shadow, oh, no no

Overall Meaning

SOJA's "Shadow" is a powerful anthem about standing up for oneself and never compromising on one's values. The song begins by asserting the singer's individuality and refusing to be relegated to the role of a mere shadow - someone who follows in the footsteps of others and lacks agency. The chorus repeats the phrase "I'm not a shadow", reaffirming the singer's determination to be seen and heard.


The second verse of the song is a call to action for listeners to never settle for less than they deserve and to always speak up for what they believe in. SOJA encourages listeners to be confident in their own identity and to reject conformity: "You never fit the mold, you never go sit down / You never go get approval no matter how you prove / That love is the motive in everything you do". The phrase "revolution is you and you're against the machine" is particularly striking, as it encapsulates the song's underlying message of using one's personal power to effect change in the world.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm not a shadow
I'm not a follower. I'm not going to blend into the background.


I'm not the ground beneath your feet
I will not be stepped on or taken for granted.


'Cause I'm not a shadow
I'm an individual with my own thoughts and beliefs.


When you look down, you wont see me
I don't belong in the shadows, hiding or being ignored.


I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I am confident and independent, and I won't let anyone tell me what to do or think.


Here's to you don't settle, and never separate
Be true to yourself, and don't let anyone make you compromise your values.


And never be quiet 'cause the words you say
Speak out for what you believe in, and don't let anyone silence you.


You never go back on and never turn around
Stick to your convictions and don't let anyone make you second-guess yourself.


Never judge another 'cause as stupid it sounds
Don't judge someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes.


'Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers
Recognize that at our core, we're all human beings who deserve love and respect.


Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture
See past our differences and recognize that we're all part of the same human family.


If they're not with you, then they're against
If someone isn't supporting you, they're actively working against you.


And were here now when they are way back when
Remember the people who were there for you when others weren't.


So why try to please everyone?
You can't make everyone happy, so be true to yourself.


When it seems that all the people really want
People want love and respect, but we often make it more complicated than it needs to be.


Is to show love, and out and get love back
If you want love, you have to give love.


Is to show some faith and get respect
If you want respect, you have to be true to your values and beliefs.


Just look at the world then, you look at the problems
The world is full of problems, but we can't solve them if we don't confront them head-on.


And look at the hatred, and we still cant solve it
Hatred is a complex issue that we need to address as a society.


So look inside and you'll find step one
Real change starts within ourselves.


Forget a diamond I'm shinin' like the sun
I am confident and bright, and I won't let anyone dim my shine.


Here's to you on your own, the innocent criminal
To those who stand up for what's right, even if it means going against social norms.


You never fit the mold, you never go sit down
You don't conform to expectations, and you won't stand for being told to sit down and be quiet.


You never go get approval no matter how you prove
You don't seek validation from others, because you know your worth.


That love is the motive in everything you do
You act out of love and compassion, rather than self-interest or personal gain.


And revolution is you and you're against the machine
You are an agent of change and you won't be part of the broken systems in our society.


You know who you are and you know what I mean
You're confident in your identity and your values.


And when this record stops you would never slow down
You won't stop fighting for what's right, even when others give up or lose interest.


When the video is over you want your turn now so
You want to be an active participant in creating change, not just a spectator.


You make the truth and move straight ahead
You speak truth to power and forge ahead, even in the face of adversity.


While the followers behind you get left for dead
You won't let others distract you from your mission, even if they don't understand or support you.


For the imminent brainwash follow the dumb rules
You won't succumb to the pressures of conformity or groupthink.


Created by individuals who unlike you
The rules were made by people who don't share your values or perspectives.


Don't care for the world or, care for the people
Those in power often prioritize their own interests over the needs and wellbeing of others.


They love it their way, and they love unequal
Those in power like the status quo because it benefits them, even if it harms others.


And they love when they feel above someone
Those in power like to feel superior to others, and they'll do what it takes to maintain that feeling.


I don't follow the leader when they're all wrong
You won't blindly follow someone just because they're the leader, especially if they're making harmful decisions.


Oh, no no
Reinforcing the idea that you won't be a shadow, bland or going unnoticed.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MITCHUM CHIN, DWAYNE CHIN-QUEE, JACOB HEMPHILL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@thesoso

just look into the lyrics and see where you fit...

Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds
Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers,
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture,
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when

SO WHY TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE?

When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love out, and to get love back


It isn't about being reggae. If you think it is move on to the next band because you are confused.



@thesoso

Clueless haters just look into the lyrics and see what crowd you fit into...

Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds
Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers,
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture,
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when

SO WHY TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE?

When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love out, and to get love back



@thesoso

talking about music theory is great. lots of people on here are not speaking about music theory but more criticizing the band because it isn't to their personal preference. BIG DIFFERENCE.

just look into the lyrics and find where you fit...

Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds
Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers,
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture,
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when

SO WHY TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE?

When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love out, and to get love back



@thesoso

Clueless haters just look into the lyrics and see what crowd you fit into...

Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds
Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers,
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture,
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when

SO WHY TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE?

When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love out, and to get love back



@dwillgreatest

Paul E good, lol. Stay away! I will continue to support Soja, and when you write a song, and make it sound better than this "crap" than maybe I will support you too:) but until then, maybe not be so quick to judge harsh my friend... And do you think they need YOUR money? No, you have it all mixed up, but I give you some free advise:
You’re not a scholar
You’re a waste of a teacher
Preach the dollars
You’re a waste of a preacher

Love
Come on, that’s what we need
More love
That’s what we need to succeed
Not dollars
Nah, not what we need
Let’s give em love so SOJA can achieve



@thesoso

just look into the lyrics and see where you fit...

Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds
Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers,
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture,
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when

SO WHY TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE?

When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love out, and to get love back



All comments from YouTube:

@NSXchris

I wasn't a big fan of this song at first.. But if you listen to words, this song speaks to my soul and inspires me to be a better person. Much respect Soja

@justincbryant

SAME! First time hearing it live it got thru to me

@davidterry8179

I stand up and I stand tall, I don't follow anyone. Everything changes, But Soja's message will always remain the same... and that's love. To spread love amongst everyone with no judgement, including music style. <3

@trevorkovacs7821

What I think is so ironic is all the people hating on it care sooo much about the different vibe they have, but listen to the lyrics. They are still pushing love and peace and vibe and so what, they did something different, dont be those "fans" that wont let bands change for themselves.

@liquidlife3551

Damn all these Original fans hating on the new sound not rolling with em. That's Sad.

@molitau04

Changing is apart of life !

@Dilmowais23

Man, I came here to listen and enjoy SOJA's new music then I read the comments. Not everybody is going to like it so DEAL WITH IT!!!

@blackfrost9074

Love this song soo much! "I stand up and I stand tall" =))

@hellloca4462

Luv this song so much and love SOJA so much 2! I remember when U guys sign my shirt in Montreal I was a blast concert with MatisYahu, I will never forget that day! U and your music is such an inspiration to me! Thanks for all the love guys!

@toddlerfriend3261

Smile sing brought me hear. Awesome song btw. Stick in my head all day.

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