One does not have to work in a factory to be employed in a job that involves mind numbing repetition. The lyrics bemoaning such a situation are echoed by the rhythmic hammering and machine noises which run through Shadow Dance.
The singer finds the alienation of the workplace bleeding over into the lives of so many people who experiences as not full human beings but as mere shadows that walk through their day. He has to constantly exhort himself to be more than a shadow, to not get hypnotized and lulled into walking zombie.
Files of empty eyes pass my by as I drive
Chatter is the endless chore of those bored the impish horde
It takes great effort to get beyond feeling groggy and apathetic.
Well I’ve got a will that bounces back
Can ward off pain and form a counter attack
When I do feel abused
He exhorts his friends to join him in his quest to reclaim his life.
Wake up honey this is life we’re living
It’s not fate but the heartbeat dimming
Kick out the juices to make us act
Let’s not spend our time in shadow dance
Only when one stays committed to getting beyond the Shadow Dance and finds others willing to do the same can one finally "turn numbness into love".
I’m fired up to make things happen
I don’t want thrills I want some action
An urgent creature filled with meaning
Not just dreaming
The shadow dance is gone forever, the shadow dance is dead
Shadow dance, shadow dance
lyrics
Shadow Dance 10/27/84
We’re not going to take this stuff
We’re not going to take it
Well I’ve got a will that bounces back
Can ward off pain and form a counter attack
When I do feel abused
The faucet dripping angers my pride,
I realize it speaks my life
The machines repeat pound out no time,
hypnotize the aimless mind
It seems I’m always waking myself up
While everything begs me to sleep
Feeling removed from these walking shadows
Who only smile when they should be afraid
Apathy is what I feel,
a shadow dance is what I am
Pull I’ve got to pull myself into this world
I don’t know how
but I’ve got to change this numbness into love
how about you?
I might be groggy but I’m not quitting
I’ll keep pushing till I start winning
No more shadow dance, just give me a chance
We’re not going to take this stuff
We’re not going to take it
Files of empty eyes pass my by as I drive
Chatter is the endless chore of those bored the impish horde
Wake up honey this is life we’re living
It’s not fate but the heartbeat dimming
Kick out the juices to make us act
Let’s not spend our time in shadow dance
What I feel makes me real, gets me past the shadow dance
Apathy is what I feel,
a shadow dance is what I am
Pull I’ve got to pull myself into this world
I don’t know how
but I will change this numbness into love
how about you?
I’m fired up to make things happen
I don’t want thrills I want some action
An urgent creature filled with meaning
Not just dreaming
The shadow dance is gone forever, the shadow dance is dead
Shadow dance, shadow dance
credits
from I Rock Therefore I am,
released August 18, 2017
Vocals Jim Guido
Guitar Brad Foutch
Bass Joe Pez
Synths Brad Foutch, Joe Pez, Jim Guido
Percussion Larry Roberts
Drums Paula
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