What does it mean to 'shadow box'?

[vishna]

Ok, so before you think I'm a true idiot this was in the song Smooth Operator and Shadow Boxer, I looked it up and got the definition of a shadow box not what it means in terms of relationships or people shadow boxing? Can someone please fill me in.

At first I assumed Fiona Apple made the term up for her song Shadow Boxer but then it was in Smooth Operator an older song so I'm lost.

Lyrics

link

link

Random but the songs

link

link

[tracyrootsrock]

Fiona Apple is using a metaphor. What a great song.

Literally, shadow boxing is a technique a boxer uses to practice, alone, but using all of the punches, etc that are part of his game. Also boxers use it to stay in shape. It's like you're boxing your own shadow.

I'm not sure exactly what she means in the song; I guess it's open to interpretation.

But she says "I gotta get ready for what you do". She could mean to argue, or just be ready, like on her game, so to speak. Maybe she's using it to mean different things at various points of the song, not sure. Like she fighting herself somehow.

Anyway, I love that song & think she uses the metaphor well.

[Anonymous]

i think it might mean fighting yourself or maybe fighting something that's not really there.

[Opinion Owner]

in the context of the song I think she's saying that her SO is emotionally hurtful so she is training for when he comes around so that she won't get hurt again.

[vishna]

thanks :) I'm seeing it now

[Ichron]

Was the definition the actual thing, or the act of shadow boxing? Shadow boxing in the term what you want is fighting something that isn't there. When you box your shadow, you're staring at it on the ground, swinging at it, boxing it, but nothing's actually there. It's a way of getting physical activity - because you're moving like you're boxing, practicing your punches and such. That's the definition they're referring to in the lyrics. However, they are also taking it beyond that and using it as symbolism in their songs.

[vishna]

thank you so much, I'm learning every day

:)

[raptor]

Shadow boxing is essentially one person fighting air. It's a method of training typically.

[vishna]

Oh.. :1 well I don't like that one bit in the song ha ha there are much better and easier ways to get across that type of situation in a song about a distant SO :/

But it is good imagery :)

thanks :)

[Anonymous]

Hmmm not too sure.