Shake
Cooke Lyrics


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Shake
Shake
Shake
Shake

Listen

Listen while I talk to you
I tell you what we're gonna do
There's a new thing that's going around
And I'll tell you what they're puttin' down

Just move your body all around
And just shake
Oh, mamma
Shake
That's the way to do it
Shake
Oh, you're looking good now
Shake
Yeah, ha

Shake it like a bowl of soup
And make your body loop de loop
Put your hands on your hips
And kinda let your backbone slip
Move your body like a whip
And just shake

Umm, that's doing it
Shake
Yeah, you're looking good now
Shake
Go on, do it baby
Shake
Yeah, Ohh

A ring-a-ling-a-ling
Honey, shakin' is the latest thing
And if you want to swing
Just loosen up them shoulders

And if you want to really roll
You got to do the thing with soul
Shake the shake with all your might
Oh, if you do it, do it right
Just make your body loose and light
And kinda shake
Oh, honey

Shake
Hoo
Shake
Oh, that's the way to do it
Shake
Ah ah ah ah ahyeah

Alright

Oh, you're doing it now honey

C'mon, loosen up them shoulders

If you want to really roll
Got to do the thing with soul
Shake the shake with all your might
Now, if you do it, do it right
Make your body loose and light
And just shake
Oh, I like to do it
Shake
Make me feel good now
Shake
All gone baby
Shake
Don't be shy now
Shake
Dance, with you mama
Shake
Don't, do it baby
Shake




Oh, yeah
Shake

Overall Meaning

In "Shake", Sam Cooke invites the listener to join in on the latest dance craze that is taking the world by storm. The lyrics are simple but catchy, with Cooke exhorting the audience to move their bodies all around and shake it like a bowl of soup. The dance involves loosening up the shoulders and letting the backbone slip, moving the body like a whip, and shaking with all of one's might. The song also emphasizes the importance of doing the dance with soul and feeling it deeply in one's body.


The repetitive refrain of "Shake" helps to drive the beat and energy of the song, and the ringing bells add to the festive atmosphere. The lyrics speak to the desire for release and freedom through dance, which was particularly important for African American audiences during Cooke's era. "Shake" encourages the audience to let go of inhibitions and enjoy the freedom and joy that comes with moving to the music.


Overall, "Shake" is a classic example of a dance song that is both simple and fun, yet also carries deeper cultural and emotional significance. Its upbeat rhythm and catchy melody have ensured its enduring popularity, making it a beloved part of Sam Cooke's legacy.


Line by Line Meaning

Shake
Repeatedly moving your body back and forth quickly


Listen
Pay attention and hear what I am saying


Listen while I talk to you
Pay attention to what I'm saying


I tell you what we're gonna do
I will inform you what we will be doing


There's a new thing that's going around
There is a new trend that's becoming popular


And I'll tell you what they're puttin' down
I'll inform you about what is happening


Just move your body all around
Move your whole body in every direction


Oh, mamma
Oh, my mom


Shake
Repeatedly moving your body back and forth quickly


That's the way to do it
That's how it's done


Oh, you're looking good now
You look impressive now


Shake it like a bowl of soup
Shake your body like a bowl of soup


And make your body loop de loop
Make your body move like a loop


Put your hands on your hips
Place your hands on your waist


And kinda let your backbone slip
Allow your spinal cord to be a little lose


Move your body like a whip
Shake your body like a whip


Umm, that's doing it
You're doing it right


Yeah, ha
Yes, that's good


Go on, do it baby
Go ahead and shake your body, my love


A ring-a-ling-a-ling
A sound of a bell


Honey, shakin' is the latest thing
Dear, shaking your body is the newest trend


And if you want to swing
If you want to dance


Just loosen up them shoulders
Relax your shoulders


And if you want to really roll
And if you want to dance properly


You got to do the thing with soul
You must dance with passion and feeling


Shake the shake with all your might
Shake your body with all your power


Oh, if you do it, do it right
If you're going to do it, do it correctly


Just make your body loose and light
Make your body relaxed and nimble


Oh, honey
Oh, dear


Hoo
A sound of excitement


Alright
Okay


C'mon, loosen up them shoulders
Come on, relax your shoulders


Oh, I like to do it
I enjoy dancing like this


Make me feel good now
Now it feels good


All gone baby
Now it's all done, my love


Don't be shy now
Don't be hesitant


Dance, with you mama
Dance with your mother


Don't, do it baby
Don't be afraid to dance


Oh, yeah
Oh, yes




Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music, Inc.
Written by: Sam Cooke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@carmstrong6507

This kind of music puts contemporary popular music to shame.

@misael8200

This kind of music puts contemporary popular music to SHAKE!

@jamesjones6359

Happy 90th birthday Sam Cooke, you are the GOAT period.

@walliegirl2

I love Sam Cooke, and I love Marty Robbins!!!!!

@jamesjones6359

Happy 93rd Birthday to the great, great, great, Mr. Sam Cooke.

@canonet17

I think this is Sam's last hit released after his passing. My mother bought this as a 45 back in 65 and still have it today

@she4136

I can hear his breath😍 This is a REAL artistπŸ™πŸ½πŸ’›

@ReginaldLAllen

As a band director, I can tell you. THIS SONG ARRANGED FOR YOUR MARCHING BAND WOULD TURN YOUR GAMES ON IT'S HEAD!!!! SO HYPED! GO SAM!!!

@tammyslaughter7141

Has a high school or college band ever done this song? I think it would be great because the drums carry this song!!!!

@ReginaldLAllen

@Tammy Slaughter

Not to my knowledge. I did it one year with my middle school band for a pep rally...coordinated with the cheerleaders...turned it out!!!!! That was twenty years ago!

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