Shadows

Sabrina Carpenter's song "Shadows" delves into the universal human experience of grappling with our inner fears and insecurities. The lyrics open with the acknowledgment that everyone has nightmares and dreams, symbolizing the internal struggles and aspirations that shape our lives. Carpenter emphasizes the need for someone to believe in us, to guide us through the dangers of the world, and to make things feel okay. This sets the stage for a message of acceptance and understanding, both of oneself and others.

The chorus of the song is particularly poignant, as Carpenter reassures her listener that she doesn't mind their shadows—their flaws and fears—because they disappear in the light and resemble her own. This metaphor of shadows and light serves to illustrate the idea that our imperfections are not only natural but also shared. By bringing these shadows into the light, they lose their power over us. Carpenter's empathetic approach encourages self-acceptance and mutual support, suggesting that understanding and compassion can help us overcome our fears.

Throughout the song, Carpenter addresses the societal pressures to conform to certain ideals, as depicted in the lines about pictures in our heads of what we're supposed to be. She questions where the love is in a world that often leaves us wondering and feeling inadequate. By the end of the song, Carpenter's message is clear: it's okay to be afraid, and it's okay to have shadows. What matters is that we walk through life knowing we're not alone, and that our shadows are a part of us that can be embraced and understood rather than feared.