Deborah Chan
Shallow, the award-winning song by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, has received widespread acclaim from music critics and the public alike. The song's lyrics, which Gaga wrote from the perspective of her character in the film A Star is Born, speak of a yearning for deep connection and love, crashing through superficial relationships, and finding authenticity. While some interpret the song as a love song, others find it sad, and its suitability as a wedding song has been questioned due to its length and ambiguous message. However, with no rules when it comes to wedding music, Shallow could be a unique and meaningful choice for couples who relate to its themes of seeking depth and authenticity in their relationships.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Power ballad |
| Style | Blend of rock, country and folk-pop |
| Lyrics | Longing for deeper connections and love |
| Awards | Academy Award for Best Original Song, BAFTA Award for Best Film Music, Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Song, Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media |
| Popularity | Topped the charts in over 20 countries, including the US and UK, one of the most streamed songs on Spotify, one of the best-selling singles of all time |
| Appropriate for a wedding song? | Subjective; some people may find the lyrics too sad for a wedding song, but ultimately there are no rules and the music should be a reflection of the couple's love |
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What You'll Learn
Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper: a love song or a sad song?
"Shallow" by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper is a song from the 2018 musical romantic drama film "A Star Is Born". It is a power ballad that blends rock, country, and folk-pop, with Gaga and Cooper trading verses and gradually moving towards a climactic final chorus featuring a vocal run by Gaga.
The song has received widespread acclaim, topping the charts in over 20 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, and earning multiple diamond certifications in several countries. It has also won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the BAFTA Award for Best Film Music, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
In terms of its interpretation as a love song or a sad song, "Shallow" can be seen as a combination of both. The song is about jumping headfirst into love and not looking back. It speaks of taking a leap of faith and embracing change, even in the face of fear and uncertainty. This can be interpreted as a powerful message of love and commitment, as the characters express their willingness to take risks and confront their deepest fears together.
On the other hand, the song also explores themes of self-reflection and questioning one's contentment with their current state. The lyrics "I'm fallin'/In all the good times, I find myself longin'/For change/And, in the bad times, I fear myself" suggest a sense of longing and uncertainty, which could be interpreted as sad or melancholy. Ultimately, the interpretation of the song may depend on individual perspectives and experiences.
As a wedding song, "Shallow" could be a unique and meaningful choice for couples who connect with its themes of love, commitment, and self-reflection. While it may not follow the traditional mold of a cheerful and upbeat wedding song, modern weddings often embrace a diverse range of musical choices that reflect the couple's personal journey and preferences.
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The song's message: yearning for a deep connection and authentic love
"Shallow", the award-winning song by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, is a yearning call for deep connection and authentic love. The song's message is about wanting to break free from superficial relationships and find something more meaningful and genuine. In the song, Gaga's character asks if the other person is content with who they are and where they are in life, reflecting a desire for personal growth and a search for purpose.
The lyrics suggest that while a deep connection and love are good, they might not be enough to fill the void that people often feel. This could be interpreted as a call to look beyond romantic relationships to find true fulfilment, with the suggestion that a relationship with God should be the focal point of one's life. The song recognises that people often feel unfulfilled despite having many opportunities and blessings, and it speaks to the yearning for something more.
In an interview, Lady Gaga herself confirmed that the song is "about wanting a deep connection and love". She wrote the song from the perspective of her character, Ally, in the film "A Star Is Born", where the song is used to express Ally and Jackson's conversations and the development of their relationship. The song is a pivotal moment in the film, as it is performed by the two characters together onstage, with Gaga's character mustering the courage to join Cooper's character to sing the loud chorus in front of a large audience.
The song's message of yearning for a deep connection and authentic love can be seen as a reflection of the modern world, where people often feel a sense of privilege and opportunity but still crave something more meaningful and fulfilling. "Shallow" speaks to this desire for authenticity and genuine connection, making it a relatable and powerful song for many people.
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'Shallow' in A Star Is Born: a pivotal moment in the film
"Shallow" is a pivotal moment in the film "A Star Is Born", marking the first time the characters Jackson Maine and Ally perform together. The song is heard three times in the film, but most prominently during a sequence when Jackson, played by Bradley Cooper, invites Ally, played by Lady Gaga, to perform it onstage with him at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles.
The scene is a powerful moment of shared intimacy and connection between the two characters, as they sing about their conversations and shared dreams. It is a pivotal moment in the film as it showcases the chemistry between the two leads and acts as a form of introduction to their characters for the audience. The performance also goes viral in the film, launching Ally's music career.
The song itself is a power ballad that blends rock, country and folk-pop, with Gaga and Cooper trading verses and building to a climactic final chorus. The lyrics, written from Ally's point of view, are self-aware, asking if the characters are content with who they are. This moment of self-reflection and realisation of their shared dreams is a key turning point in the film, as it leads to the development of their relationship and the exploration of their intertwining talents.
The song has been widely acclaimed, with critics praising Gaga's vocals, the dramatic composition, and the songwriting. It has won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The song is also commercially successful, topping the charts in over twenty countries and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.
While "Shallow" is a beloved and iconic song from "A Star Is Born", its suitability as a wedding song may be questioned due to its lyrics and tone. Some may interpret it as a sad song or find it too short for a traditional wedding. Ultimately, the choice of wedding music is a personal decision, and the most important consideration is that the song holds meaning for the couple.
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![The Shallows [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81lno-ZRn3L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![The Shallows [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81XQjNuj8KL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
'Shallow' is one of the most streamed songs on Spotify
Shallow, a song by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, has become one of the most streamed songs on Spotify. The power ballad, which blends rock, country, and folk-pop, topped the charts in over twenty countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It also reached the top ten in several other countries. The song garnered universal acclaim from music critics, who praised Gaga's vocals, the dramatic composition, and the songwriting.
Shallow's popularity can be attributed to its prominent placement in the 2018 musical romantic drama film "A Star Is Born," where it is performed by the film's characters, Jackson Maine (Cooper) and Ally (Gaga). The song is heard three times in the film, with the most memorable performance occurring when the two characters sing it together onstage at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. This scene was even filmed in front of a live audience, adding to the authenticity and impact of the song.
The song holds a special significance in the film, as it reflects the conversations between Jackson and Ally, with lyrics written from Ally's perspective. The self-aware lyrics question whether individuals are content with who they are, adding a layer of depth to the characters' journey in the film. Shallow's success in streaming numbers and chart rankings is a testament to its resonance with audiences worldwide.
While Shallow is widely recognized as one of the most streamed songs on Spotify, it is essential to note that Spotify has seen several songs hold the top spot for the most streams over time. As of April 2025, the most streamed song on Spotify is "Blinding Lights" (2019) by The Weeknd. Additionally, songs like "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran and "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay have also held the distinction of being the most streamed for extended periods.
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The song's length: is it too short for a wedding song?
The length of a wedding song depends on the type of song and when it will be played during the ceremony. Prelude songs, which are played while guests are being seated, are usually light and ambient. For this part of the ceremony, you'll need between five and ten songs, which can be played from start to finish. The same rule applies to songs played during the preparation of the altar by family members and the seating of VIPs—the song should last only as long as the ritual it is accompanying.
The processional song, which accompanies the entry of the extended wedding party, usually has a more dramatic and emotional tone. Some couples choose to use two processional songs—one for the family and wedding party, and another for the bridal processional. The recessional song, which is played during the exit of the bridal party, is usually bright, lively, and celebratory. There is typically only one main recessional song, but a few postludes may be played as guests are leaving.
Interlude songs are usually two to three minutes long, but it is okay to use songs that are longer than this, as long as they are not excessively long and are not used too frequently. Songs can be edited or faded by a DJ in an appropriate spot to fit the length of time they need to be played for.
The song "Shallow" by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper has been described by one person as "kinda short for a wedding song". The song is three minutes and thirty-second long, which is a standard length for a song. However, compared to other popular wedding songs, it is on the shorter side. For example, "A Thousand Years" by The Piano Guys, which has been used as a processional song, is four minutes and fifty-five seconds long.
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Frequently asked questions
Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper is a popular song choice for weddings. The song is a blend of rock, country, and folk-pop with powerful vocals and a climactic final chorus. While some interpret the song as a "sad song", others view it as a celebration of deep connections and love, making it a meaningful choice for a wedding. Ultimately, the music played at a wedding is a reflection of personal preference and what is special to the couple.
The lyrics to Shallow appear to explore the innate human desire to transcend the "shallow" and form deep, authentic connections. In the song, Gaga's character asks if her partner is content with who they are and if they long for something more. This can be interpreted as a desire for a deeper relationship or a yearning for a greater purpose.
Shallow received multiple accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the BAFTA Award for Best Film Music, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Song. The song was also nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, winning for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Song Written for Visual Media.
![A Star Is Born Soundtrack [Explicit]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71k-DItBZjL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
