bad guy
The Shadowboxers Lyrics


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You made me a bad guy
Help me a little bit
Show me just a little bit
A little bit
You made me a bad guy
Help me a little bit
Show me just a little bit
A little bit

There′s a place I used to go
During the heart of the storm
Until the worst of it was over
Tucked me into bed
Better than you ever could
And I wished that I was older
Well I guess I got my wish
Even though I'm the only one
Who didn′t notice it was colder
The rustle and the rain
Behind the hickories
If I could only show her

You made me a bad guy
Help me a little bit
Show me just a little bit
A little bit
You made me a bad guy
Help me a little bit
Show me just a little bit
A little bit

Time and time again
When I would lie and pretend
My heart would beat a little faster
But carving out a place
With the loving gods above
They wouldn't break you from your slumber
You look the other way
As I hum a tune
You didn't notice I was talking
I guess that′s the part I′ll play
In this little game
We gonna see if it'll cost me

You made me a bad guy
Help me a little bit
Show me just a little bit
A little bit
You made me a bad guy
Help me a little bit
Show me just a little bit
A little bit

I don′t care what my name is
If I'm a fighter or a fool yeah
You can put me where you want to
Well if you love something ain′t gonna give it up
If you love something ain't gonna give it up

You made me a bad guy
Help me a little bit
Show me just a little bit
A little bit
You made me a bad guy
Help me a little bit




Show me just a little bit
A little bit

Overall Meaning

The Shadowboxers' song 'Bad Guy' is a poignant melody that speaks to the complexity of human relationships. The repeated line "You made me a bad guy, help me a little bit, show me just a little bit" reveals the singer's desperation to be seen and understood by their significant other. Through the lyrics, it's clear that the singer feels alienated and unappreciated, especially as they have attempted to carve out a space for themselves in the relationship.


The reference to a place the singer goes during storms highlights their need for comfort and protection, which they are not receiving within the relationship. Despite their efforts to connect and bring positivity with "humming a tune," the singer is met with indifference. The line "If I could only show her" reflects the singer's desire to share their feelings and be vulnerable with their partner. However, the fear of rejection or further isolation stops them from doing so.


Overall, 'Bad Guy' explores the idea of how communication and empathy can be essential components in any relationship. Without these elements, individuals can be left feeling alone and unappreciated even if they have the best intentions. The song's emphasis on vulnerability and emotional honesty shows that it takes both partners' effort to create a healthy and fulfilling relationship.


Line by Line Meaning

You made me a bad guy
I used to be a good person, but because of your actions, I became a bad guy.


Help me a little bit
I need your help to become a better person and overcome the negative impact you had on me.


Show me just a little bit
It would be great if you could demonstrate just a small amount of kindness or understanding towards me.


A little bit
Even the tiniest amount of help or support from you would make a difference in my life.


There's a place I used to go
I have a special place I used to retreat to during difficult times.


During the heart of the storm
I would go to this place when I was in the midst of a challenging situation or feeling overwhelmed.


Until the worst of it was over
I would stay there until the most difficult part of the situation had passed.


Tucked me into bed
This place provided comfort and a sense of security, like being tucked into bed.


Better than you ever could
This place provided a level of comfort and security that you were never able to provide me.


And I wished that I was older
I longed for the wisdom and experience of an older person to help me navigate difficult situations.


Well I guess I got my wish
I have grown older and gained more life experience, but it hasn't necessarily made things easier for me.


Even though I'm the only one
Despite my growth and experience, I still feel alone in my struggles.


Who didn't notice it was colder
I didn't realize how much my situation had deteriorated until it was too late.


The rustle and the rain
These natural elements represent the adversity and challenges I have faced in my life.


Behind the hickories
This could be a reference to a hiding place, further emphasizing the idea of finding comfort and security during difficult times.


If I could only show her
If only I could express to this person the depth of my struggles and how much I need their help and support.


Time and time again
Repeatedly, I have found myself in difficult situations and sought refuge in my special place.


When I would lie and pretend
In order to cope, I have sometimes pretended that everything was okay when it really wasn't.


My heart would beat a little faster
My anxiety and fear would increase when I was pretending that everything was fine.


But carving out a place
Despite the difficulties I have faced, I have tried to create a safe space and cultivate a sense of peace and security for myself.


With the loving gods above
This could be a reference to a higher power or spirituality that has helped me create my safe space.


They wouldn't break you from your slumber
Despite my efforts, you have remained indifferent to my struggles and haven't offered to help me.


You look the other way
You have chosen to ignore my problems and not offer any support or assistance.


As I hum a tune
Even when I try to express myself or ask for help in small ways, you still ignore me.


You didn't notice I was talking
You are so largely indifferent to my struggles that you don't even notice when I am trying to communicate my needs to you.


I guess that's the part I'll play
I have come to accept that I cannot rely on you for help and support, and that I must try to get through things on my own.


In this little game
Our relationship has become like a game, where you are indifferent to my struggles and I am left to cope on my own.


We gonna see if it'll cost me
I have to wonder what the ultimate cost will be for me, mentally and emotionally, if I continue to try to get through things on my own.


I don't care what my name is
In the grand scheme of things, my identity does not matter to me if I am not able to get the help and support I need.


If I'm a fighter or a fool yeah
Whether I am seen as strong or weak by others does not matter if I am not getting the help and support I need.


You can put me where you want to
You have control over my situation and my ability to get help, but are choosing not to help me.


Well if you love something ain't gonna give it up
Despite the difficulties I am facing and your lack of help, I am still determined to try to get through things on my own.


If you love something ain't gonna give it up
I am willing to fight for what I love and believe in, even if it means facing significant challenges and obstacles.




Writer(s): Matt Lipkins, James Berk, Adam Hoffman, Scott Schwartz

Contributed by Adam B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Tamara Anderson

Ahhhh so good!! Didn't think I could possibly like this song more than I already did, but you guys killed it!

John Simoson

Even before clicking play you just know it's going to be great.

Michelle Herr

You can hear every little detail with headphones on. So good.

June Delfin

This is so good! You guys are so amazing!

Samurai OG Butch

I love this! Sounds so awesome.

Kendall

This is so good ❤️

heyitsneel

Damn that falsetto and coordination is crazy! Love this 🔥🔥🔥

стремительный манул

oh this is wonderful. you sound so tender. thank you for this, gonna listen the heck out of it :>

WonderWes

Holy shit this is amazing. Simply stunning.

Karina Juarez

When the bass was added I got chills 🥰

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