Meaning and Lyrics of INTROLUDE by Shadow
Song Lyrics meaning of INTROLUDE by Shadow
About Shadow
Shadow, better known as DJ Shadow, is a pioneering figure in instrumental hip-hop and electronic music. Born Josh Davis in 1972, he emerged from the Bay Area’s turntablist scene in the early 1990s.
His groundbreaking 1996 debut album, “Endtroducing…..”, is widely regarded as a masterpiece of sample-based composition. The track “INTROLUDE” serves as a haunting opening to this seminal work, setting the stage for Shadow’s innovative soundscapes.
DJ Shadow’s career spans over three decades, marked by his genre-defying approach to music production. He’s known for his meticulous sampling techniques, often digging through obscure vinyl records to create rich, layered compositions.
His influence extends beyond hip-hop, impacting electronic, rock, and experimental music. Shadow has collaborated with diverse artists, from Thom Yorke to Run The Jewels, cementing his status as a versatile and respected producer in the music industry.
His groundbreaking 1996 debut album, “Endtroducing…..”, is widely regarded as a masterpiece of sample-based composition. The track “INTROLUDE” serves as a haunting opening to this seminal work, setting the stage for Shadow’s innovative soundscapes.
DJ Shadow’s career spans over three decades, marked by his genre-defying approach to music production. He’s known for his meticulous sampling techniques, often digging through obscure vinyl records to create rich, layered compositions.
His influence extends beyond hip-hop, impacting electronic, rock, and experimental music. Shadow has collaborated with diverse artists, from Thom Yorke to Run The Jewels, cementing his status as a versatile and respected producer in the music industry.
Meaning of INTROLUDE by Shadow
“INTRO:LUDE” by Shadow, performed by SUGA, delves deep into the internal struggles and complexities of reaching for success and the fear and loneliness that can come with it.
The song’s bold and ambitious tone is emphasized from the beginning as SUGA expresses his desire to be a rap star, to be at the top, to be a rockstar, and to have it all. These aspirations echo the universal drive for achievement and recognition that many individuals strive for.
The lyrics in the first verse highlight SUGA’s realization that the journey to success is not always smooth-sailing. He acknowledges the growing shadow of self-doubt and the fear of the unknown that come with reaching new heights. The metaphor of the shadow represents the insecurities and anxieties that can overshadow one’s accomplishments.
In the pre-chorus, SUGA describes the contrasting feelings of awe and fear when faced with success. The dazzling light of achievement is juxtaposed with the dark shadow of uncertainty and self-doubt, creating a complex emotional landscape for the artist.
The chorus reveals SUGA’s vulnerability and fear of the consequences of his success. The fear of losing oneself in the spotlight, of facing one’s lowest moments even amidst the highest success, demonstrates the internal conflict that can arise when one’s dreams become reality.
In the second verse, SUGA addresses the pressure and expectations that come with success. Despite achieving everything he once desired, he questions whether it was truly worth it. The inner conflict between enjoying the fruits of success and the fear of losing oneself in the process is evident in his contemplative lyrics.
The bridge and break echo the repeated desire for success and wealth, underscoring the ongoing struggle between ambition and the fear of losing oneself in the pursuit of greatness.
The final verses and outro emphasize the interconnectedness of success and self-identity. SUGA acknowledges the duality of the self and the inevitability of inner conflicts and struggles. The recognition that success and failure are intertwined, and that true self-awareness comes from embracing both, provides a poignant conclusion to the introspective journey of the song.
Overall, “INTRO:LUDE” by Shadow showcases a raw and introspective exploration of the complexities of ambition, success, and self-identity, resonating with listeners who may relate to the internal struggles that come with pursuing one’s dreams.
The song’s bold and ambitious tone is emphasized from the beginning as SUGA expresses his desire to be a rap star, to be at the top, to be a rockstar, and to have it all. These aspirations echo the universal drive for achievement and recognition that many individuals strive for.
The lyrics in the first verse highlight SUGA’s realization that the journey to success is not always smooth-sailing. He acknowledges the growing shadow of self-doubt and the fear of the unknown that come with reaching new heights. The metaphor of the shadow represents the insecurities and anxieties that can overshadow one’s accomplishments.
In the pre-chorus, SUGA describes the contrasting feelings of awe and fear when faced with success. The dazzling light of achievement is juxtaposed with the dark shadow of uncertainty and self-doubt, creating a complex emotional landscape for the artist.
The chorus reveals SUGA’s vulnerability and fear of the consequences of his success. The fear of losing oneself in the spotlight, of facing one’s lowest moments even amidst the highest success, demonstrates the internal conflict that can arise when one’s dreams become reality.
In the second verse, SUGA addresses the pressure and expectations that come with success. Despite achieving everything he once desired, he questions whether it was truly worth it. The inner conflict between enjoying the fruits of success and the fear of losing oneself in the process is evident in his contemplative lyrics.
The bridge and break echo the repeated desire for success and wealth, underscoring the ongoing struggle between ambition and the fear of losing oneself in the pursuit of greatness.
The final verses and outro emphasize the interconnectedness of success and self-identity. SUGA acknowledges the duality of the self and the inevitability of inner conflicts and struggles. The recognition that success and failure are intertwined, and that true self-awareness comes from embracing both, provides a poignant conclusion to the introspective journey of the song.
Overall, “INTRO:LUDE” by Shadow showcases a raw and introspective exploration of the complexities of ambition, success, and self-identity, resonating with listeners who may relate to the internal struggles that come with pursuing one’s dreams.
Lyrics of INTROLUDE by Shadow
Intro: SUGA
I wanna be a rap star
I wanna be the top
I wanna be a rockstar
I want it all mine
I wanna be rich
I wanna be the king
I wanna go win
I wanna be
I wanna be a rap star
I wanna be the top
I wanna be a rockstar
I want it all mine
I wanna be rich
I wanna be the king
I wanna be me
I want a big thing
Oh boy let me see
I got a big dream yeah
Verse 1: SUGA
Ooh, I wondered everyday how far I'd go
I came to my senses and I find myself here
Yeah, hmm, shadow at my feet
Look down, it's gotten even bigger
I run but the shadow follows, as dark as the light's intense
I'm afraid, flying high is terrifying
No one told me how lonely it is up here
I can leap in the air but also plunge, now I know
Running away could be an option too, pause
Pre-Chorus: SUGA
People say, there's splendor in that bright light
But my growing shadow swallows me and becomes a monster
Up high, high, and higher, higher
I only go higher and vertigo overtakes me
I rise, rise, I hate it
I pray, I pray, hoping to be okay
Chorus: SUGA
The moment I'm flying high as I wished
My shadow grows in that blasting stark light
Please don't let me shine
Don't let me down, don't let me fly
Now I'm afraid
The moment I face myself brought lowest
It so happens that I'm flying the highest
Please don't let me shine
Don't let me down, don't let me fly
Now I'm scared
Don't let me shine
Verse 2: SUGA
Try smiling, what are you hesitating for?
Wasn't this the kind of thing you were hoping for?
Or cry instead, what are you scared of?
Wasn't this the kind of thing you'd been wanting?
The life you hoped for, the life you wanted
The life you chose, you achieved everything without regrets
And on top of that, you have a big house, big cars, big rings
All the things you wanted, you've got it all
So what's the problem? Just enjoy it
Or just let it go, no? Then run, or stop
Don't whine, just choose one or the other
Pre-Chorus: SUGA
You're saying I never told you that? (Yeah, yeah)
You're asking me if I really didn't know? (Oh no)
I'll simply take just as much as you own, whatever it is
That at times, your rest becomes your fall
Do you finally get it? That giving it your best effort every time is what it means to do your best
Chorus: SUGA
The moment I'm flying high as I wished
My shadow grows in that blasting stark light
Please don't let me shine
Don't let me down, don't let me fly
Now I'm afraid
The moment I face myself brought lowest
It so happens that I'm flying the highest
Please don't let me shine
Don't let me down, don't let me fly
Now I'm scared
Don't let me shine
Bridge: SUGA
I wanna be a rap star
I wanna be the top
I wanna be a rockstar
I want it all mine
I wanna be rich
I wanna be the king
I wanna go win
I wanna be
Break: SUGA
I wanna be a rap star
I wanna be the top
I wanna be a rockstar
I want it all mine
I wanna be rich
I wanna be the king
I wanna be me
I wanna be …
Verse 3: SUGA
Yeah I'm you, you are me, now do you know
Yeah you are me, I'm you, now you do know
We are one body, sometimes we will clash
You can never break me off, this you must know
Yeah yeah can't break me off, whatever you do
Yeah you'll be at ease if you admit it too
Yeah succeed or fail, whichever way you flow
Yeah you can't escape, wherever you go
Outro: SUGA
I am you, you are me, now you do know
You are me, I am you, now do you know
We are one body and we are gonna clash
We are you, we are me, this do you know
I wanna be a rap star
I wanna be the top
I wanna be a rockstar
I want it all mine
I wanna be rich
I wanna be the king
I wanna go win
I wanna be
I wanna be a rap star
I wanna be the top
I wanna be a rockstar
I want it all mine
I wanna be rich
I wanna be the king
I wanna be me
I want a big thing
Oh boy let me see
I got a big dream yeah
Verse 1: SUGA
Ooh, I wondered everyday how far I'd go
I came to my senses and I find myself here
Yeah, hmm, shadow at my feet
Look down, it's gotten even bigger
I run but the shadow follows, as dark as the light's intense
I'm afraid, flying high is terrifying
No one told me how lonely it is up here
I can leap in the air but also plunge, now I know
Running away could be an option too, pause
Pre-Chorus: SUGA
People say, there's splendor in that bright light
But my growing shadow swallows me and becomes a monster
Up high, high, and higher, higher
I only go higher and vertigo overtakes me
I rise, rise, I hate it
I pray, I pray, hoping to be okay
Chorus: SUGA
The moment I'm flying high as I wished
My shadow grows in that blasting stark light
Please don't let me shine
Don't let me down, don't let me fly
Now I'm afraid
The moment I face myself brought lowest
It so happens that I'm flying the highest
Please don't let me shine
Don't let me down, don't let me fly
Now I'm scared
Don't let me shine
Verse 2: SUGA
Try smiling, what are you hesitating for?
Wasn't this the kind of thing you were hoping for?
Or cry instead, what are you scared of?
Wasn't this the kind of thing you'd been wanting?
The life you hoped for, the life you wanted
The life you chose, you achieved everything without regrets
And on top of that, you have a big house, big cars, big rings
All the things you wanted, you've got it all
So what's the problem? Just enjoy it
Or just let it go, no? Then run, or stop
Don't whine, just choose one or the other
Pre-Chorus: SUGA
You're saying I never told you that? (Yeah, yeah)
You're asking me if I really didn't know? (Oh no)
I'll simply take just as much as you own, whatever it is
That at times, your rest becomes your fall
Do you finally get it? That giving it your best effort every time is what it means to do your best
Chorus: SUGA
The moment I'm flying high as I wished
My shadow grows in that blasting stark light
Please don't let me shine
Don't let me down, don't let me fly
Now I'm afraid
The moment I face myself brought lowest
It so happens that I'm flying the highest
Please don't let me shine
Don't let me down, don't let me fly
Now I'm scared
Don't let me shine
Bridge: SUGA
I wanna be a rap star
I wanna be the top
I wanna be a rockstar
I want it all mine
I wanna be rich
I wanna be the king
I wanna go win
I wanna be
Break: SUGA
I wanna be a rap star
I wanna be the top
I wanna be a rockstar
I want it all mine
I wanna be rich
I wanna be the king
I wanna be me
I wanna be …
Verse 3: SUGA
Yeah I'm you, you are me, now do you know
Yeah you are me, I'm you, now you do know
We are one body, sometimes we will clash
You can never break me off, this you must know
Yeah yeah can't break me off, whatever you do
Yeah you'll be at ease if you admit it too
Yeah succeed or fail, whichever way you flow
Yeah you can't escape, wherever you go
Outro: SUGA
I am you, you are me, now you do know
You are me, I am you, now do you know
We are one body and we are gonna clash
We are you, we are me, this do you know
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