The Shadow Knows
The Coaster Lyrics

You can hide down in the alley
You may think you're hidden from view by going to dark, secluded places.

With your hat pulled over your eye
You might try to cover your face with a hat to hide your identity.

You can wear a wig or moustache
You may try to alter your features with a disguise like a moustache or wig.

Or any old disguise
You might use any method to hide your identity and blend in with the crowd.

Well, you can change your name and your address
You may go to great lengths to change your personal information to avoid detection.

Even change your style of clothes
You may try to change your fashion sense to avoid standing out or being recognized.

But the Shadow knows
Despite your efforts, there is still someone who knows your true identity and intentions.

Now, you thought you had me baffled (the shadow knows)
You believed you had successfully tricked someone, but that person was aware of your true identity all along.

You thought I didn't know, hee-hee (the shadow knows)
You underestimated others' perception and thought someone had fallen for your ploy when they had not.

But I know where you goin', baby (the shadow knows)
Someone knows your destination even before you reach it.

Long before you go
The motives and plans of a person are known by others at early stages.

You can't even snap your fingers
The smallest action or gesture can be a giveaway of your true identity and intentions.

Hee, or wiggle you toes, without the-
You cannot fidget or move even the slightest without the suspicion of others.

Shadow knows
The person watching you is always aware of your actions.

The Shadow knows, the Shadow knows
There is a sense of foreboding about being watched constantly by someone beyond your knowledge.

Ba-ba-ba-ba
Vocalizations laced with suspense and unease, conveying the feeling of surveillance.

Ba-ba-ba-ba
Echoing the previous sentiment, the shadow's presence is everywhere at all times.

Ba-ba-ba-ba
The idea of someone always watching is repeated once more to solidify the song's meaning.

Ba-ba-the Shadow knows
In closing, the repetitious beat brings the song full circle back to the omnipresent shadow, always watching.

I say, "Baby, stop your jiving
A blunt warning to the other person to stop with the attempts at deception and to be transparent.

And your messing round"
An additional plea for the other person to take things seriously and stop messing around.

'Cause I know what you're putting, baby, long before you put it down
A confident statement that they know exactly what the other person is planning to do and has known for a while now.

You better mind your Ps and Qs
A final piece of advice- that the person should be more cautious with their actions and watch their behavior.

And your Ms and Ns and Os
There is extra emphasis on the importance of keeeping behavior in check by listing specific letters.

Because the Shadow knows
The song ends as it began- with the idea of a shadowy figure watching over all aspects of their life.