Meaning of "Shadow" by Bleachers

"Shadow" by Bleachers explores the theme of love and its detrimental effects on individuals. The song opens by acknowledging that there are people, both girls and boys, who take pleasure in causing harm and heartbreak. However, the persona distances themselves from this destructive behavior, expressing their unwillingness to venture into the dark realm where love dies. Instead, they offer support to the person they care about, symbolically represented as loving their shadow. The persona recognizes the pain that the person they love has experienced, understanding that the love they received was cheapened and used. Despite the challenges and hardships, the persona remains committed to loving this person even when they feel broken and abandoned. The lyrics convey a sense of resilience and empathy, highlighting the importance of compassion and unconditional love, even in the face of adversity.