Verse 1 I could have taken her diamonds, I could have worn her name, She offered me comfort, a life without blame. But truth was a stubborn friend, and I kept it tight, Now I play for nickels under the shadow light. Verse 2 She said “you’re poor in silver, rich in pride,” I said “that’s the only coin that won’t divide.” She left in a whisper, in a car so white, And I stayed with my truth, my shadow light. Refrain Shadow light, you fooled me right, You burned so warm, yet kept me bright. Guess I traded gold for grace — and I still call it a bargain tonight. Verse 3 Now the moon is my witness, the street my pew, I strum for the lost ones who once loved true. They smile when I wink and I nod back right — We all got burned by our own shadow light. Final Refrain Shadow light, you fooled me right, You took my crown but left my sight. And I laugh softly — yeah, I guess I won that fight. [ORIGINALITY & COMPLIANCE: Original composition; no references, no covers, no external melodies. Exclude all extra instruments or vocal layers.] [COVER ART: A single streetlamp glowing amber on wet pavement; a man with guitar half in shadow; title “The Bluesman and the Shadow Light” above; signature “JoeS” bottom-right.]
