“Shallow” is one of the standout songs from Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born soundtrack, released in 2018. It became an instant hit, not only for its soaring vocals but also for the powerful emotions behind its lyrics. The song’s meaning touches on questions about happiness, addiction, vulnerability, and the search for something deeper in life.
In this article, we’ll break down the lyrics section by section and offer an interpretation of what they could represent. Keep in mind, this is one possible way to understand the song—what “Shallow” means might differ depending on who’s listening.
“Shallow” Lyrics Meaning: Line by Line
Verse 1: Asking the Big Questions
Tell me somethin’, girl
Are you happy in this modern world?
These opening lines set up the heart of the song.
It’s not small talk. It’s a blunt, honest question.
The “modern world” could mean fame, technology, materialism, or the fast pace of life.
It asks whether any of that really makes someone happy.
Or do you need more?
Is there somethin’ else you’re searchin’ for?
This adds pressure.
It’s not just about being content. It’s about wondering if there’s an unfilled gap.
The idea of “searchin’ for” something else points to a deep dissatisfaction, like the person is chasing meaning or purpose that keeps slipping away.
This hints at loneliness, addiction, or spiritual emptiness.
Refrain: Struggling With Change
I’m fallin’
In all the good times, I find myself longin’ for change
Here, the word “fallin’” feels like losing control.
Even when life appears good, there’s an itch for something different.
It suggests that success, money, or attention aren’t enough. That’s not what he really needs.
And, in the bad times, I fear myself
This is one of the darkest lines. It shows inner demons creeping in during low moments.
That fear could point to addiction, self-destructive behavior, or mental health struggles.
He admits that the biggest danger isn’t outside. It’s on the inside.
Verse 2: Turning the Question Around
Tell me something, boy
Aren’t you tired tryna fill that void?
Now she asks the same tough question.
“Filling the void” might mean using alcohol, drugs, fame, or relationships to avoid facing pain or loneliness.
There’s no sugarcoating here. She calls out the exhausting cycle of pretending everything’s fine.
Or do you need more?
Ain’t it hard keepin’ it so hardcore?
These lines suggest that acting “hardcore”—tough, cool, untouchable—takes its toll. Keeping up appearances wears people down.
It implies both characters are tired of pretending, craving something real but unsure how to get there.
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Chorus: Taking the Risk
I’m off the deep end, watch as I dive in
I’ll never meet the ground
“Diving in” is the key image here. It’s about throwing yourself into something without a safety net.
But “off the deep end” also has another meaning—it often refers to losing control, spiraling emotionally, or acting recklessly.
This opens the door to the idea that what’s happening isn’t just bold; it might be dangerous.
This could represent falling in love so hard it’s overwhelming, giving in to addiction, or abandoning the rigid control fame demands.
There’s no soft landing, just total surrender. Whether it’s thrilling or destructive depends on the person’s state of mind.
Crash through the surface where they can’t hurt us
We’re far from the shallow now
The “surface” might symbolize the polished version of life—media pressure, public image, or personal walls people put up to stay safe.
Crashing through the surface could mean leaving behind shallow comforts: the empty highs, fake relationships, or short-term fixes.
But if “shallow” represents safety and control, going “far from the shallow” could be both freeing and risky. It suggests they’ve left behind caution entirely, exposing themselves to deeper emotions or chaos.
It’s risky, maybe reckless, but it’s also where they feel most alive, beyond outside judgment and expectation.
Post-Chorus: Simple Truth
In the shallow
We’re far from the shallow now
This part drives home how far they’ve moved away from surface-level living.
It feels like a mantra, a reminder that they’ve already left the shallow water behind and can’t—or won’t—go back.
“Shallow” Song Meaning: The Search for Something Real
At its core, “Shallow” is about two people asking each other if they’re really happy or just pretending. Both seem worn down by fame, addiction, or expectations, and they’re questioning if there’s something more meaningful out there.
The song explores the tension between staying safe in a shallow, controlled life versus diving deep into something unknown and real. It’s about risking pain and facing your own flaws to find true connection or purpose.
Songs Like “Shallow”
Looking for songs with a similar raw, emotional vibe? Check these out:
1. “Stay” by Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko
“Stay” is about the desperate need for connection, even when it feels risky or unhealthy. The lyrics in “Stay” share the same honesty and vulnerability found in “Shallow.”
2. “Someone Like You” by Adele
“Someone Like You” captures feelings of longing, regret, and acceptance. Much like “Shallow,” Adele’s song pulls at deep emotions about love and self-worth.
Related: Best Songs About Missing Someone
3. “Say Something” by A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera
“Say Something” focuses on the silence and distance between two people. Both songs highlight how hard it is to open up when you’re hurting or unsure.
4. “All I Want” by Kodaline
“All I Want” expresses the pain of losing someone and the emptiness that follows. It’s a powerful look at how love and heartbreak can leave lasting scars, just like in “Shallow.”
Conclusion: Taking the Leap into the Deep
“Shallow” isn’t just about love. It’s about the struggle to break free from empty, surface-level living. It shows the risk and reward of diving deeper, even if it means facing your own fears or flaws.
Whether it’s about addiction, fame, love, or vulnerability, the song’s message is clear: real happiness doesn’t come from playing it safe.
You can listen to “Shallow” on Spotify and Amazon.
Be sure to check out more of our Song Meanings articles!