Shadows

Ruth B.'s song 'Shadows' delves into the dark corners of human emotion and the coping mechanisms people use to deal with their inner turmoil. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is struggling with their own demons, using substances and fleeting relationships as a way to escape their pain. The opening lines, 'Pour yourself another drink / Light a cigarette and let the smoke hide you,' set the tone for a narrative of self-medication and avoidance. This person is trying to numb their pain and hide from their problems, but the shadows of their issues continue to follow them.

The recurring question, 'Why you gotta hide? / Why you gotta run?' suggests a deep sense of frustration and confusion, both from the perspective of the person experiencing the pain and perhaps from an outside observer. The lyrics 'Everybody knows / Your shadows / You're gone when the light goes' imply that the person's struggles are not as hidden as they might think. Their attempts to mask their pain are transparent, and their true self is only visible in the darkness, away from the light of day and the scrutiny of others.

Ruth B. uses the metaphor of shadows to represent the parts of ourselves that we try to keep hidden. These shadows are ever-present, lurking just out of sight, and they become more pronounced when we try to escape or ignore them. The song's haunting melody and poignant lyrics create a powerful commentary on the human condition, highlighting the universal struggle of facing one's inner demons and the often futile attempts to hide from them. 'Shadows' serves as a reminder that true healing comes from confronting our pain, not running from it.