Shadow Boxing

Parkway Drive's song "Shadow Boxing" delves deep into themes of self-identity, defiance, and the struggle against internal and external adversaries. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who has undergone significant transformation, becoming a 'beast' that leaves a mark on everything they touch. This transformation is not just physical but also emotional and psychological, indicating a profound change in the individual's nature and outlook on life. The repeated question, "Do you see me? Do you see what I've become?" suggests a yearning for recognition and understanding from others, while also challenging their preconceived notions and judgments.

The song's narrative is one of rebellion against societal expectations and constraints. The protagonist has been told to conform and not to challenge the status quo, but they refuse to be caged or tamed. This defiance is encapsulated in the lines, "I can't sit still and I won't be tame / When the lights go out / Better know your enemy." The imagery of shadowboxing with death and dancing with the devil underscores the constant battle against fear, darkness, and the inevitability of mortality. It speaks to the resilience and determination to keep fighting, even when faced with insurmountable odds.

Moreover, the song touches on the theme of self-reliance and the rejection of external control. The protagonist asserts their independence and strength, declaring that they cannot be owned or controlled. The lyrics, "You don't know me, you cannot own me / The path I'm on don't fit the old me," highlight the journey of self-discovery and the shedding of past identities. The song also emphasizes the importance of inner strength and the ability to reshape fear into a weapon of resilience. The closing lines, "I try / To keep my cool and not let this hate win / I find / This mask I wear can't keep the darkness in," reveal the ongoing struggle to maintain composure and not succumb to negative emotions, while acknowledging the ever-present darkness within.