Shadow of a Doubt
Sonic Youth Lyrics

"Shadow of a Doubt" is a haunting song by Sonic Youth that is shrouded in ambiguity and darkness. The lyrics paint a picture of a seemingly chance encounter on a train with a stranger that turns into a surreal and twisted dream. The singer swears that they didn't intend to bump into the stranger, but there's a sense of unease in the way they describe the encounter. The stranger then proposes a disturbing arrangement where they both kill someone, and the singer is torn between desire and guilt. The phrase "shadow of a doubt" implies that there's something sinister and uncertain about the whole situation, and the singer seems to be grappling with their conscience throughout the song.

The lyrics are permeated by a dreamlike quality, where everything feels hazy and uncertain. The repetition of "I swear I didn't mean it" and "it's just a dream" creates a sense of unreliability that adds to the unsettling atmosphere of the song. The chorus, with its plea to be kissed in the shadow of a doubt, is both tantalizing and ominous, like a forbidden desire that the singer can't resist. The song is an enigma, leaving the listener to decide what it all means: is it a metaphor for a toxic relationship or a twisted fantasy? Either way, it's a haunting and unforgettable song that stays with you long after it's ended.