Shallow – Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (from A Star Is Born)
“Shallow,” performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, is the breakout single from the 2018 film A Star Is Born. The song captures the emotional depth and raw intensity of the movie, serving as a pivotal moment in the narrative. Its powerful lyrics and mesmerizing melody have resonated with audiences worldwide, making “Shallow” an iconic and unforgettable piece of music.
The Origins of “Shallow”
A Star Is Born is a timeless story that has been retold several times in Hollywood, but the 2018 version, directed by and starring Bradley Cooper alongside Lady Gaga, brings a fresh and contemporary take on the classic tale. The film follows the story of Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper), a seasoned musician, and Ally (Lady Gaga), a struggling artist, as they navigate the highs and lows of fame, love, and personal demons.
“Shallow” is the song that marks Ally’s transformation from an unknown talent to a rising star. Written by Lady Gaga, Andrew Wyatt, Anthony Rossomando, and Mark Ronson, the song is a collaboration that blends heartfelt lyrics with a compelling musical arrangement. Its creation was a collaborative effort, with Gaga and Cooper working closely to ensure the song’s authenticity and emotional impact.
The Official Music Video
The official music video for “Shallow” is a montage of scenes from A Star Is Born, capturing the pivotal moments leading up to Ally’s performance of the song. The video opens with Jackson Maine discovering Ally in a drag bar, where she performs a riveting rendition of “La Vie en Rose.” Captivated by her talent, Jackson invites Ally to join him on stage during one of his concerts, leading to the performance of “Shallow.”
The video seamlessly intercuts between intimate moments of Jackson and Ally, highlighting their growing bond and mutual support. As Ally steps onto the stage, the nervous energy is palpable, but as soon as she begins to sing, her powerful voice captivates the audience. Bradley Cooper’s harmonizing vocals complement Gaga’s, creating a dynamic and emotionally charged duet.
The visual storytelling in the music video enhances the song’s narrative, illustrating the journey from obscurity to stardom. The raw and unfiltered cinematography, combined with the chemistry between Cooper and Gaga, draws viewers into the emotional core of the film and the song.
Themes and Lyrics
“Shallow” is a song that explores themes of vulnerability, longing, and the search for authenticity. The lyrics delve into the characters’ desires to escape the superficiality of their lives and find a deeper connection with each other and themselves.
The opening lines, sung by Bradley Cooper, set the stage for this exploration:
“Tell me something, girl / Are you happy in this modern world? / Or do you need more? / Is there something else you’re searching for?”
These questions reflect Jackson’s weariness with fame and his longing for a more meaningful existence. Lady Gaga’s response in the second verse echoes this sentiment:
“Tell me something, boy / Aren’t you tired tryin’ to fill that void? / Or do you need more? / Ain’t it hard keeping it so hardcore?”
Tell me somethin’, girl
Are you happy in this modern world?
Or do you need more?
Is there somethin’ else you’re searchin’ for?
I’m fallin’
In all the good times I find myself longin’ for change
And in the bad times, I fear myself
Tell me something, boy
Aren’t you tired tryin’ to fill that void?
Or do you need more?
Ain’t it hard keepin’ it so hardcore?
I’m falling
In all the good times I find myself longing for change
And in the bad times, I fear myself
I’m off the deep end, watch as I dive in
I’ll never meet the ground
Crash through the surface, where they can’t hurt us
We’re far from the shallow now
In the sha-ha-sha-ha-low
In the sha-ha-sha-la-la-la-low
In the sha-ha-sha-ha-ha-low
We’re far from the shallow now
Whoah, oh, oh, oh
Whoah, oh, oh, whoah
I’m off the deep end, watch as I dive in
I’ll never meet the ground
Crash through the surface, where they can’t hurt us
We’re far from the shallow now
In the sha-ha-sha-ha-low
In the sha-ha-ha-la-la-la-low
In the sha-ha-sha-ha-ha-low
We’re far from the shallow now