Grandpaboy is an alternative rock group led by Paul Westerberg (born Decemb… Read Full Bio ↴Grandpaboy is an alternative rock group led by Paul Westerberg (born December 31, 1959). Paul Westerberg is an American musician, best known as the former lead singer and songwriter of The Replacements, one of the seminal alternative rock bands of the 1980s. Westerberg is married to former Zuzu's Petals guitarist Laurie Lindeen. They have a son, Johnny, whose voice can be heard on "Whatever Makes You Happy" from Westerberg's solo album Suicaine Gratifaction.

Dead Man Shake
Grandpaboy Lyrics

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Do the dead man shake
The dead man shake, shake
Do the dead man shake, shake
Do the dead man shake (?)
Do the dead man shake, shake

Do the dead man shake
The dead man shake, shake

Do the dead man shake, shake
Do the dead man shake, ain’t no more from the liquor store
Do the dead man shake, shake

Do the dead man shake
The dead man shake, shake
Do the dead man shake, shake
Do the dead man shake, a hillbilly junk, a big city punk (?)
Do the dead man shake, shake

Do the dead man shake
The dead man shake, shake
Do the dead man shake, shake

Do the dead man shake, whatever it takes
Do the dead man shake, shake

Overall Meaning

The Grandpaboy song "Dead Man Shake" is a lively and somewhat mysterious track that invites listeners to do a dance called the "dead man shake." The song is repetitive, with the same lyrics sung over and over again, interrupted occasionally by a wailing harmonica solo. The lyrics themselves are open to interpretation, but seem to suggest that the "dead man shake" is something that anyone can do, regardless of their background or social status. The phrases "ain't no more from the liquor store" and "a hillbilly junk, a big city punk" suggest a merging of different cultures and styles, as if the dance is something that has evolved over time and been adopted by different groups.

The overall tone of the song is upbeat and celebratory, but there is also a sense of defiance and rebellion in the repetition of the phrase "whatever it takes." It is possible that the "dead man shake" represents a form of resistance or subversion, a way for outsiders to come together and assert their own identity. The harmonica solo adds a touch of mournfulness to the proceedings, suggesting that the dance is also a way of coping with pain and sorrow.

Overall, "Dead Man Shake" is a playful and infectious track that taps into the universal human impulse to dance and move to music. While the lyrics are enigmatic, the overall message of the song seems to be one of acceptance and inclusivity, encouraging listeners to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the joy of movement.

Line by Line Meaning

Do the dead man shake
Perform the dance known as the dead man shake

The dead man shake, shake
The specific dance involves shaking one's body in a particular manner

Do the dead man shake, shake
Continue the aforementioned dance

Do the dead man shake (?)
Request clarification or confirmation of the dance being referred to

Do the dead man shake, shake
Reiterate the dance instruction

Do the dead man shake, ain’t no more from the liquor store
Indicate that there is no more alcohol available to consume

Do the dead man shake, shake
Encourage continued dancing

Do the dead man shake, shake
Again, encourage continued dancing

Do the dead man shake, a hillbilly junk, a big city punk (?)
Suggest alternate dance styles or genres for the dead man shake

Do the dead man shake, shake
Reiterate the dance instruction

Do the dead man shake
Final instruction to perform the dead man shake dance