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

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Trucking Songs That Were #1 Hits

Trucking Songs That Were #1 HitsSong Writing

The stories behind the biggest hit songs about trucking.

Grateful Dead Characters

Grateful Dead CharactersMusic Quiz

Many unusual folks appear in Grateful Dead songs. Can you identify them?

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," Kiss

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," KissSong Writing

After cutting his teeth on hardcore punk videos, Paul defined the grunge look with his work on "Hunger Strike" and "Man in the Box."