Shadow Man

This past week, I have been listening to this song a lot. I have always thought it was all about Barry. I do not think he is poking fun at the fans, as some tend to think. I believe he is, once again, using music to tell a little about himself. If you look past the beautiful jackets, and everything from the waist down - he tells us stories through the music.

There is so much more to him; he is a talented arranger, producer, entertainer. But, when the lights go down, and the theater empties out - Barry is just a regular guy. The only thing is, he cannot run to the supermarket because he forgot the milk, or take a walk on the beach with his dogs. Well he can, but a camera will document his every move. Considering all of that, I would want to live in the shadows too. Wouldn't you?

No one knows you but they all love you
Just don't let them get too much of you
Careful man
Don't forget you're the shadow man

Look how many believe they need you
Look how many tried to read you
No one can
You get off on it Shadow Man

And so you smile your smile
And fool those fools you care about
You've got it all
You've got the whole thing figured out
Well haven't you?

Just confuse'em with smoke and static
Make'em think that you enigmatic
That's the plan
You're the best at it Shadow Man

And when anyone penetrated
The illusion that you created
Off you ran
You're too fast for them
Shadow Man

No emotional complication
That would ruin your reputation
Every fan needs a fantasy Shadow Man

If they could see behind the smile
And find the fear and doubt
They'd turn away
They'd have the whole think figured out
Well wouldn't they?

No one knows you but they all love you
Just don't let them get too much of you
Careful man
Don't you forget you're the Shadow Man

Every day now I see you clearer
You're the mystery in the mirror
Man to man
Tell me what's the plan?
Tell me how long can you be
A Shadow Man