A second EP, 2005's You Gotta Give to Get, was a hit in Sweden, thanks in part to a charming animated video for the title tune, and the disc helped spread the word about her music in England and the United States. Later that year, Hybris compiled El Perro del Mar's single sides and EPs into an album, Look! It's El Perro del Mar!; then, El Perro del Mar, a mostly reworked version of that first release, was issued in the U.K. by Memphis Industries in the fall of 2006, with an American version from The Control Group following shortly afterward. All of this was enough to get the singer signed to her fellow Swedes the Concretes' label, Licking Fingers, and she soon began working on new material. From the Valley to the Stars, her second full-length album of new material, arrived in early 2008. When she next returned to the studio, she signed up Rasmus Hägg of the group Studio as a collaborator. The album the duo created in 2009, Love Is Not Pop, was inspired less by her previous influences and more by disco and modern club sounds, though it still retained all the warmth and drama she had become known for.
Shake it off
El Perro del Mar Lyrics
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I said that I will but I won't
I said that I will
And I said that I will
I said that I will but I won't
I said that I can but I don't
I said that I can but I don't
And I said that I can
I said that I can but I don't
Sha-sha-shake
Sha-sha-shake
Sha-sha-shake it off
Sha-sha-shake
Sha-sha-shake
Sha-sha-shake it off
I said that I will but I won't
I said that I will but I won't
I said that I will
And I said that I will
I said that I will but I won't
I said that I do but I don't
I said that I do but I don't
I said that I do
And I said that I do
I said that I do but I don't
Sha-sha-shake
Sha-sha-shake
Sha-sha-shake it off
Sha-sha-shake
Sha-sha-shake
Sha-sha-shake it off
The lyrics of El Perro del Mar's "Shake It Off" depict a person who is uncertain and indecisive, unable to commit and follow through on their promises. Repeating the phrases "I said that I will but I won't" and "I said that I can but I don't," the song emphasizes the inner conflict and struggle of the singer. The refrain "sha-sha-shake it off" serves as a call to action or a coping mechanism, implying that the singer needs to let go of their hesitation and fears, and move forward.
The repetition of the phrases and the use of the word "said" suggest that the singer is stuck in a cycle of making promises without fulfilling them, and that their words are not to be taken seriously. The use of the word "but" contrasts the initial statement with the negation that follows, emphasizing the singer's inability to follow through. The choice of words, such as "can" and "do," implies that the issue is not related to capability, but rather a mental obstacle or fear.
Overall, "Shake It Off" is a contemplative song that explores the theme of personal responsibility and the consequences of indecision. The repeated refrain urges the singer and listeners to let go of their doubts and fears and to take action towards their goals, no matter how uncertain or difficult it may seem.
Line by Line Meaning
I said that I will but I won't
I promised to do something but I have changed my mind and won't follow through
I said that I can but I don't
I have the ability or capability to do something, but I will not do it
Sha-sha-shake
An expression encouraging someone to move on or forget about something negative or unpleasant
Sha-sha-shake it off
An exclamation to forget about or move on from something negative or unpleasant
I said that I do but I don't
I promised to do something or gave my word, but I will not follow through
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SARAH ASSBRING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind