Shadow

Chromatics' song 'Shadow' is a hauntingly beautiful track that delves into themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and the pain of letting go, as the speaker repeatedly mentions doing something 'for the last time,' suggesting an end to a significant chapter in their life. The imagery of being separated by water, with one person in it and the other on the shore, symbolizes emotional distance and the inability to reconnect with a loved one who has become distant or perhaps has passed away.

The song's narrative continues with the speaker driving in a car at night, a metaphor for moving through life and time, while pretending to escape their current reality. The fading street lights could represent the dimming memories or the loss of hope. The act of removing someone's picture from a frame signifies the difficult acceptance of change and the realization that the person they once knew has transformed into someone unrecognizable. The shadow in the song title and lyrics can be interpreted as the lingering presence or memory of the person, which, like a shadow, is an intangible and distorted representation of the original.

Chromatics, known for their synth-heavy sound and ethereal vocals, create an atmosphere that perfectly complements the song's themes. The repetition of lines and the dreamy, melancholic melody contribute to the feeling of being stuck in a moment of reflection, unable to fully move on from the past. 'Shadow' resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of memories and the struggle to find closure.