Chasing Shadows

Alex Warren

Lyrics

[Intro] (Oh, yeah, ayy-ayy) (Oh, yeah, ayy-ayy)

[Verse 1] I'm homesick For somewhere that doesn't exist For someone I'm still learnin' to miss It's like you've been replaced My home video tapes

[Pre-Chorus] Sun goes up then the sun goes down Then your shadow gets longer on the ground Then it's all for what 'cause you're not around But I still hope I make you proud

[Chorus] Oh, I'm running after something trying to catch your ghost Holding onto pictures and the smell of your clothes Feel you slippin' through my fingers And I know I'll never reach you But you're part of mе, I can't let you go So I just keep on chasing shadows of you, of you, ooh-ooh, ooh Chasing shadows of you, of you

[Verse 2] I'm homesick For conversations I would avoid And now I miss thе sound of your voice It's like you've been replaced By a tattoo of your name

[Pre-Chorus] Sun goes up then the sun goes down Then your shadow gets longer on the ground Then it's all for what 'cause you're not around But I still feel your here somehow

[Chorus] Oh, I'm running after something trying to catch your ghost Holding onto pictures and the smell of your clothes Feel you slippin' through my fingers And I know I'll never reach you But you're part of me, I can't let you go So I just keep on chasing shadows of you, of you, ooh-ooh, ooh Chasing shadows of you, of you

[Outro] Said goodbye, wasn't ready yet Only see you in this silhouette Now there's nothing but a shadow left Of you, you, you So I'll just keep on chasing shadows of you, of you, ooh-ooh, ooh

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of "Chasing Shadows"?

The meaning of "Chasing Shadows" is about the painful and frustrating process of grieving a loved one whose memory is beginning to fade. The "shadows" represent the vague, incomplete recollections that are left behind, and "chasing" them is the desperate attempt to hold onto something that is no longer fully there.

Who is Alex Warren singing about in this song?

Consistent with the themes of his album "You'll Be Alright, Kid," this song is widely understood to be about his late father. The lyrics express a longing for a person he's "learnin' to miss" as memories change over time, and the hope to make his father proud from beyond.

What does the line "homesick for somewhere that doesn't exist" mean?

This powerful line describes the unique form of nostalgia and longing that comes with grief. The "somewhere that doesn't exist" is the past—a time and place where the lost loved one was still alive. It's an ache for a home that can never be returned to because a key person is missing from it.

How do the physical objects in the song (clothes, pictures, tattoo) contribute to its meaning?

These objects represent the tangible but ultimately inadequate substitutes for the actual person. The narrator clings to the "smell of your clothes" and "pictures," and even gets a "tattoo of your name" to feel close, but these things only highlight the absence and the fact that he's left with just a "shadow" of the real person.

Is "Chasing Shadows" related to the book "Fourth Wing"?

While there is no official connection between the song and the novel "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros, many fans have associated the song's themes of loss, memory, and "chasing ghosts" with the emotional journeys of the characters in the book, particularly concerning lost loved ones and dragons. It has become a popular "fanon" or fan-associated song for the series.

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More Lyrics About Alex Warren Grief & Memory

The Deeper Meaning of "Chasing Shadows"

The Agonizing Pursuit of Fading Memories

Alex Warren’s "Chasing Shadows" is a poignant exploration of a specific, painful stage of grief: the moment you realize your memories of a lost loved one are beginning to fade. The song's core meaning is the desperate, futile attempt to hold onto the "ghost" of a person as their presence in your mind becomes less distinct, turning into an elusive "shadow" or "silhouette."

The feeling of being "homesick for somewhere that doesn't exist" perfectly captures this longing for a past that is irrevocably gone. The narrator clings to physical remnants—pictures, clothes, even a tattoo—as substitutes for the real person, but these only serve as painful reminders of what's been lost. The act of "chasing shadows" is a metaphor for this frustrating pursuit of something intangible and unreachable.

The song acknowledges that this is a race that can't be won ("I know I'll never reach you"), yet the narrator can't stop. The person is so deeply a part of him that letting go feels impossible. "Chasing Shadows" is a heartbreakingly honest portrayal of the fear of forgetting and the ongoing, active process of trying to keep a loved one's memory alive, even as it slips through his fingers.

About The Track

A key track from his emotionally charged debut album You’ll Be Alright, Kid, "Chasing Shadows" finds Alex Warren grappling with the complexities of long-term grief. The song is a powerful and vulnerable pop ballad about the fear of memories fading after losing a loved one, widely interpreted as his late father. With its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, Warren paints a vivid picture of trying to hold onto the "ghost" of someone who is gone. The track resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced loss, solidifying Warren's reputation as a songwriter who can articulate the most painful and nuanced aspects of the human experience.