"Shadowboxer" Is A Heartfelt Ballad About A Tumultuous Relationship. The Lyrics Suggest A Past Lover Who Is Now A Friend But The Narrator Remains Cautious And Untrusting Due The Betrayals Of The Past. This Lingering Fear Of Hurt Is Illustrated In The Chorus When The Singer Expresses Her Desire To Be Ready For What Her Former Lover 'does' Thus She Remains In An Anticipatory State Constantly Avoiding Getting Too Close Or Letting Her Guard Down As Symbolized By Her Being A 'shadowboxer'.