This may be one of those songs that's so personal that no one could ever interpret the intended meaning, but I agree with spiralled - I think it has to do with depression, specifically with trying to keep that aspect of oneself a secret (hidden in the shadows). "I will lie and say I'm fine" and "I'll pretend to see the light" support that. The shadowman is not only the secret but also the dark side of the singer, telling him that the sun will cease to shine. The singer is attempting to be happy and find love, but all he sees is the shadowman inside. "You came to me anew or was it me who came to you" could be read as questioning whether the depression is a disease and therefore separate from the singer or an integral part of him. Just some thoughts. Regardless of what the song is actually about, the words and music are incredibly powerful.
This may be one of those songs that's so personal that no one could ever interpret the intended meaning, but I agree with spiralled - I think it has to do with depression, specifically with trying to keep that aspect of oneself a secret (hidden in the shadows). "I will lie and say I'm fine" and "I'll pretend to see the light" support that. The shadowman is not only the secret but also the dark side of the singer, telling him that the sun will cease to shine. The singer is attempting to be happy and find love, but all he sees is the shadowman inside. "You came to me anew or was it me who came to you" could be read as questioning whether the depression is a disease and therefore separate from the singer or an integral part of him. Just some thoughts. Regardless of what the song is actually about, the words and music are incredibly powerful.