Hearts which beat to a precise beat
Painting shadows on the wall
We’ll cut out cars
Drive by bars
All for one, one for all
Like teenage sleaze
And comic book cheese
With your heart on your sleeve
Well, you know you won’t run
You won’t hide
And you jump like a son of a gun
Ow!
Do not stand in the shadow
Do not stand in the shadow
Do not stand in the shadow, oh oh
Do not stand in the shadow
Oh lonely
Oh lonely
Watching people on my wall
Well my Mama and Dadda thought they had me fooled
I was thinking, not at all
Well, I got out
Not gonna stand
In the dark without a light
Forget ill luck
If you believe that chance can sit and wait
Wow!
Do not stand in the shadow
Do not stand in the shadow
Dark even in the shadow [?], oh oh
Do not stand in the shadow
Do not stand in the shadow, oh oh
Do not stand in the shadow
Do not stand in the shadow, oh oh oh
Oh oh
Rowarh!
And now we’ve touched down
Moving all around
Yeah, living to a blaster sound
No preachers, teachers freak out man
To the sound of false alarm
They ain’t here today
Let me hear you say
You’re alive and you’re living with me
So, don’t try to hide
Don’t try to die
In the dark of the night
Wow!
Do not stand in the shadow
Do not stand in the shadow
Do not stand in the shadow, oh oh
Do not stand in the shadow
Do not stand in the shadow
Do not stand in the shadow
In the shadow
In the shadow
Do not stand in the shadow
Embracing the Light: A Look Into Billy Idol’s “(Do Not) Stand In The Shadow”
Stepping Out of the Darkness
“(Do Not) Stand In The Shadow” by Billy Idol is a call to action for individuality and resilience. The lyrics encourage listeners to break free from conformity and self-doubt, urging them not to fade into the background or be overshadowed by fear. Idol crafts vivid imagery of youthful rebellion and personal awakening, painting scenes of heart-driven defiance and a refusal to be defined by circumstance. The anthemic chorus, repeated insistently, is a rallying cry to seek one’s own light, even when adversity looms.
Finding Strength in Authenticity
Throughout the song, Idol juxtaposes moments of loneliness and parental expectations with a determined spirit. The protagonist’s journey from observation to action—”I got out, not gonna stand in the dark without a light”—underscores the importance of forging one’s own path. The energetic tempo and raw vocals amplify the message: live boldly, embrace your identity, and never settle for the shadows.
Song Credits
Artist: Billy Idol
Release Year: 2024