I don't need no rising moon
I don't need no ball and chain
I don't need anything but you
Such a shame, shame, shame
Shame, shame, shame
Shame is the shadow of love

You changed my life
We were as green as grass
And I was hypnotized
From the first 'til the last
Kiss of shame, shame, shame
Shame is the shadow of love

I'd jump for you into the fire
I'd jump for you into the flame
Tried to go forward with my life
I just feel shame, shame, shame
Shame, shame, shame
Shame is the shadow of love

If you tell a lie
I still would take the blame
If you pass me by
It’s such a shame, shame, shame


Lyrics submitted by Maraja

Shame song meanings
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6 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    This is one of the most amazing songs about love ever. Shame is the shadow of love - has got to be one of the best lines ever. Have you ever loved someone, trusted someone and then been f'd over by them and felt shame for loving someone who could do that to you, and shame on them for going so low, and shame on the love that could have been. Shame shame shame indeed. And I agree that I can almost hear her crying as she sings. This song makes me cry sometimes...

    kittyhawk1on March 27, 2015   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I don't think shame is the shadow of love. I'm not sure. I think true love will always be worth doing, always be laudable.

    _ellieon May 03, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I don't think it means true love will always lead to shame. I think it means shame comes from loving someone you really shouldn't love.

    TerroristCakeson January 10, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Sometimes you give everything you have to the person you love, and that person just doesn't mind. So, it's a shame to spend all the time regretting, but it's unavoidable.

    God, she sounds as if she was crying while she sings. It's amazing.

    patreznoron March 13, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    she honours a man. that is a shame, it's not a shame to love anybody.

    cocinelleon May 27, 2008   Link
  • -1
    General Comment

    I wish she only knew this is how I feel about her. PJ - Remember me from Moscow 2004? One of her best songs of all time! Play this song 10 times in a row at high volume and you might begin to understand that shame is the shadow of love...sigh...

    driftsighton July 27, 2005   Link

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