Shadow Play

Album: Photo-Finish (1978)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Though the late, great Rory Gallagher was always at his best live, the studio version of this track stands out in his catalogue.

    I feel a little strange inside
    A little bit of Jekyll, a little Mr Hyde


    Don't we all, sometimes?

    "Shadow Play" is the 6th track from the 1978 Photo-Finish album; there are also many fine extant live versions floating around in cyberspace. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England
  • In a 1991 interview with Christian Science Monitor, Gallagher said: "I can distinctly remember writing 'Shadow Play' with a 12-string guitar because I was in bed with the flu in Ireland, and the effect of the flu seemed to affect me with the lyrics. Because with a bad flu you get slightly dazed with sleep and all that."

Comments: 1

  • Dave Who from Bay City MiI LOVE watching someone Be GREAT, Rorys performance of SHADOW PLAY always leaves me smiling with tears in my eyes, I play it LOUD, GREAT backup too......…..!!!!!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.

Psychedelic Lyrics

Psychedelic LyricsMusic Quiz

Whoa man! Do you know which band came up with these cosmic lyrics?

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Actors With Hit Songs

Actors With Hit SongsMusic Quiz

Many actors have attempted music, but only a few have managed a hit. Do you know which of these thespians charted?

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Paul Stanley of Kiss, Soul Station

Paul Stanley of Kiss, Soul StationSongwriter Interviews

Paul Stanley on his soul music project, the Kiss songs with the biggest soul influence, and the non-make-up era of the band.