The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Patience, shadow. While you're sick, there's no sight to see.
Little shadow, little shadow.
To the night, will you follow me?
Pardon, shadow, hold on tight to your darkened key.
Little shadow, little shadow.
To the night, will you follow me?
Closer, shadow, volume strikes, still we're cut free
of this song, little shadow
To the night, will you follow me?
Hey, shadow, stars, break of dawn, take a turn for stars, to my fantasy
Little shadow, to the night, will you follow me?
Little shadow, to the night, will you follow me?
Little shadow, little shadow.
To the night, will you follow me?
Pardon, shadow, hold on tight to your darkened key.
Little shadow, little shadow.
To the night, will you follow me?
Closer, shadow, volume strikes, still we're cut free
of this song, little shadow
To the night, will you follow me?
Hey, shadow, stars, break of dawn, take a turn for stars, to my fantasy
Little shadow, to the night, will you follow me?
Little shadow, to the night, will you follow me?
Lyrics submitted by laurentertaining, edited by melmana53, jacobfe, mzgnjs
Little Shadow Lyrics as written by Karen Lee Orzolek Brian Chase
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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I like that it's about a cat. My cat recently passed away at only six years old. We had to merge houses with a family friend due to financial issues, and this friend had a dog. Our cat, according to the vet, had a latent blood disease that was triggered by the stress of moving and the new animal. He died only 2 days after moving in.
I've lived through the death of my grandparents, and I can honestly say that this cat's death hurt just as much. I'll never forget him <3
If he had been very old, I could have understood...and if we had been there to put him to sleep, it wouldn't be as bad, because we'd have closure. But we had to leave him at the vets while they tried to save him. They called us and said he was stable, that they were gonna try to feed him, and only one hour later they called and said he was gone. I know it's mean...but I will always feel the vets screwed it up. They probably tried to force feed him, scaring him all over again.