Meaning of "Shadow" by Austin Mahone

"Shadow" explores the emotions and complexities of unrequited love. The lyrics depict a person who is deeply infatuated with someone, but that admiration is not reciprocated or acknowledged by the other person. The singer is captivated by the presence of the person, describing them as "perfect but unaware." This suggests that the person is oblivious to the impact they have on the singer, making them stop and stare every time they enter the room. The offer to "fix" the person and show them a different world implies a desire to rescue them from their pain and make them feel loved and special.

However, the singer realizes that they need to respect the other person's autonomy and give them the freedom to explore their own life and make their own choices. They are willing to wait, even if it means waiting for an extended period of time. This demonstrates a selfless and patient love, where the singer is willing to sacrifice their own desires and happiness for the sake of the other person's journey. The repeated line "only my shadow knows" suggests that the singer's feelings and longing are hidden and known only to themselves. They remain in the background, quietly observing and admiring from a distance.

The lyrics also touch on the fear of rejection and the pain it can cause. The singer wants to express their feelings, but upon seeing the pain in the person's eyes, they feel compelled to keep their emotions to themselves. This could also imply a fear of losing the person's friendship or bringing complications into their relationship. The phrase "it sealed my lips" highlights the singer's inability to vocalize their emotions and the internal struggle they face in remaining silent.

Overall, "Shadow" portrays the bittersweet nature of unrequited love, emphasizing the sacrifices and unexpressed feelings that often accompany it. It explores themes of longing, selflessness, patience, and the pain of unreciprocated affection.