Hey Champ’s roots can be traced outside of Chicago in nearby Rockford, wher… Read Full Bio ↴Hey Champ’s roots can be traced outside of Chicago in nearby Rockford, where band members Saam Hagshenas (Vocals, Guitar) and Jonathan Marks (Drums) discovered their love of music at a young age. They were discovered by Lupe Fiasco in the fall of 2008, who took them on a nation-wide tour. Their music incorporates influences from disco, house and indie rock to the power-pop of Rockford’s hometown heroes Cheap Trick and the synth-heavy productions of Giorgio Moroder and Trevor Horn. Their infectious sound has garnered fans and made them blog and radio darlings from Portland to Paris to Porto Alegre.

Shake
Hey Champ Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴

Cool kid shakes in the shadow of a star.
With head held straight how we fake exactly what we are.
A soul less like religion, a smile more like the sun.
The perfect understanding of everyone.

Will someone shake me?

So shake right through the yard.

Apart, we dance forever.
A cold rush in my car.
I saw her, I′ll never forget her.
And yet I cannot break from moving.
Spend these hours so far from sleeping.
Make pretend my friend of late.
And now I cannot wait just to shake again.

Cool kid shakes in the shadow of a star.
In parallel ways how we fake exactly what we are.
A soul less like religion, a smile more like the sun.
The perfect understanding of everyone.

Will someone shake me?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Hey Champ's song "Shake" capture the essence of youthful exuberance and the desire to break free from the confines of societal expectations and self-imposed limitations. The opening lines, "Cool kid shakes in the shadow of a star. With head held straight how we fake exactly what we are," suggest a sense of rebellion and defiance against conformity. The singer feels like they are living in the shadow of someone else's success or influence, leading them to question their own authenticity and identity.

As the song progresses, the repeated refrain "Will someone shake me?" indicates a yearning for change, for someone or something to jolt them out of their complacency and routine. The act of shaking is symbolic of breaking free from inertia and embracing a sense of spontaneity and liberation. The imagery of dancing alone in the yard, feeling a cold rush in the car, and recalling a memorable encounter all contribute to the theme of seeking new experiences and connections.

The lyrics convey a blend of melancholy and excitement, as the singer grapples with feelings of isolation and longing for connection while also reveling in moments of joy and reflection. The juxtaposition of the "cool kid" shaking in the shadow of a star and the desire to break free from societal expectations paints a picture of inner conflict and the struggle to find one's true self amidst external pressures.

Ultimately, "Shake" is a song that speaks to the universal desire for self-discovery, authenticity, and human connection. It captures the complexities of navigating identity and relationships in a world that often demands conformity and pretense. The repeated call to be shaken out of complacency echoes a deep yearning for growth, change, and the freedom to embrace one's true self.

Writer(s): Jonathan Marks, Sam Hagshenas, Peter Dougherty

Contributed by Elliot H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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