Gaines studied art before becoming a singer as a teenager. He joined a local cover band then left later and released his first, self-titled album in 1992 after signing to Chrysalis Records. He released albums in 1994 and 1998, then had a breakthrough in 2001 when his cover of " In Your Eyes " became an Adult Contemporary hit. Speaking with Songfacts about his record company experience, Gaines said: "I think it was great recording for a label - that label, any label - it has been great. Since leaving Chrysalis / EMI, I went on to do the same thing for other labels, and those experiences have gone and are going great as well. In the US, I recorded for Rykodisc and Artemis Recors. Overseas, my records came out on Epic, Virgin."
Gaines continues to perform live.
http://www.jeffreygaines.com
Shake it off
Jeffrey Gaines Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With the road map upside down
Shooting the breeze once we'd lost the keys
While I thought we were bright light bound
I started the whole damn deal
Then gave everybody else the wheel
I need some help
But keep your hands to yourself
Shake it off
And stick it out
It gets hard and there ain't no doubt
It's gonna hurt but there's joy in the sorrow
Pick yourself up and do it all tomorrow
Shake it off and walk tall
You learn fast how to break a fall
It hurts a lot but there is joy in the pain
I can't make much sense of it
I can't explain
Misfit brothers in arms
From cornflake fields and dairy farms
Blazing a trail
Looking sure to fail
With no good luck charms
Bondage full of leather and sweat
Death-defying without a net
Belt buckles and boots
Another crowd salutes
They ain't forgotten us yet
Shake it off and stick it out
It gets hard and there ain't no doubt
It hurts a lot but you'll get use to the pain
I can't make much sense of it
I can't explain
Shake it off and walk tall
You learn fast how to break a fall
And take some comfort in your own design
And take a chance in your own lifetime
Better shake it off
Shake it off and stick it out
It gets hard and there ain't no doubt
It gonna hurt but there's a joy in the sorrow
Get some sleep, man
We do it all tomorrow
Shake it off and walk tall
You learn fast how to break a fall
It hurts a lot but you'll get used to the pain
I can't make much sense of it
I can't explain
The lyrics of "Shake It Off" by Jeffrey Gaines paint a picture of adversity and resilience. The singer reflects on a group trip that started with optimism but soon turned into chaos when they lost their keys and got lost. The chorus of the song encourages the listener to push through the pain and keep going. The phrase "shake it off" serves as a mantra of sorts, reminding us to let go of negative experiences and focus on moving forward.
The second verse introduces the concept of "misfit brothers in arms", suggesting that the singer and his companions are outcasts or rebels in some way. They are described as "death-defying without a net", implying that they are taking risks and living on the edge. Despite the uncertainty and potential danger, the group is determined to blaze a trail and succeed on their own terms. The song acknowledges that life can be difficult and confusing, but reminds us that we have the power to overcome obstacles and find joy in the midst of pain.
Overall, "Shake It Off" is a message of hope and resilience, urging us to keep going even when things get tough. The song recognizes that life is filled with both pain and joy, and that we have to learn to accept and endure both. Ultimately, the lyrics encourage us to embrace our own unique journey, and to keep moving forward no matter what challenges may come our way.
Line by Line Meaning
Seven green romeo clowns
Seven foolish individuals who are trying to be like Romeo, but failing at it and making a joke of themselves
With the road map upside down
They don't even know which way they are going and are completely lost
Shooting the breeze once we'd lost the keys
Now that they can't even start the car, they're just talking and chatting aimlessly
While I thought we were bright light bound
The artist had high hopes for the journey and believed that they were heading towards something great and bright
I started the whole damn deal, then gave everybody else the wheel
The artist initiated the journey, but then gave control to others, and now feels like they need help
I need some help, but keep your hands to yourself
The singer wants help, but doesn't want others to take over completely
I don't know what I feel
The singer is confused and uncertain about their emotions and beliefs
Shake it off and stick it out
Don't let these feelings of doubt and uncertainty hold you back, keep going and push through
It gets hard and there ain't no doubt
The journey is going to be difficult and challenging, and that is a fact
It's gonna hurt but there's joy in the sorrow
Despite the difficulties, there can still be moments of happiness and fulfillment
Pick yourself up and do it all tomorrow
Even if today was tough, tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity to make progress
You learn fast how to break a fall
After experiencing setbacks and failures, you become better equipped to handle them in the future
Misfit brothers in arms
They don't fit in with society's norms, but they have each other to rely on
From cornflake fields and dairy farms
They come from humble and ordinary backgrounds
Looking sure to fail, with no good luck charms
They don't have any special advantages or talents, and they don't even seem to have a good chance of succeeding
Bondage full of leather and sweat, death-defying without a net
They are engaging in risky and potentially dangerous behavior, but they are committed to it
Belt buckles and boots, another crowd salutes
Despite their unconventional and risky behavior, there are still people who admire and support them
They ain't forgotten us yet
Even if society may not fully accept or understand them, they still have a place and an impact
And take some comfort in your own design
Find solace in the fact that you are unique and have your own individual path
And take a chance in your own lifetime
Seize the opportunity to create your own destiny and take risks
Get some sleep, man, we do it all tomorrow
Take a break and rest, because there is still work to be done and progress to be made in the future
It hurts a lot but you'll get used to the pain
Even though it may be painful, you will adapt and become stronger as a result
I can't make much sense of it, I can't explain
These experiences and emotions are difficult to understand and put into words
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mariah Carey, Johnta Austin, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan Michael Cox
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind