Chromatics’ Johnny Jewel offered a statement about “Shadow” and Dear Tommy:

Everyone has a shadow. There is no real difference between ten years ago and ten seconds ago. Your future determines your past. The flame of nostalgia is a tempting black hole to jump into, but I recognize it as a fantasy.

Romance is brave. So is simplicity. Love is a call to war. Why wouldn’t you want to respect music? Dear Tommy is the most rebellious record I’ve made.

Chromatics “Shadow” lyrics

Shadow, take me down
Shadow, take me down with you

For the last time
For the last time
For the last time
For the last time

You’re in the water
I’m standing on the shore
Still thinking that I hear your voice
Can you hear me?
Can you hear me?
Can you hear me?
Can you hear me?

For the last time
For the last time
For the last time
For the last time

At night I’m driving in your car
Pretending that we’ll leave this town
We’re watching all the street lights fade
And now you’re just a stranger’s dream
I took your picture from the frame
And now you’re nothing like you seem
Your shadow fell like last night’s rain

For the last time
For the last time
For the last time
For the last time