Timothy Lee McKenzie, better known by his stage name Labrinth, is a British… Read Full Bio ↴Timothy Lee McKenzie, better known by his stage name Labrinth, is a British singer, songwriter, rapper and record producer. After initially pursuing a career in music production, Simon Cowell signed him to his record label Syco Music as a recording artist, after which Labrinth became the first singer who Cowell signed without having competed on a talent show in six years. He has been referred to as "one of the most important British musicians of his generation".

Labrinth made his debut appearance on the UK Singles Chart in March 2010, when his collaboration with English rapper Tinie Tempah, "Pass Out", reached number one. Since then, songs Labrinth released have entered the chart 18 times as of 2020, as well as 5 times on the Billboard Hot 100.

Labrinth has released two solo albums: Electronic Earth in April 2012, and Imagination & the Misfit Kid in November 2019. In 2018, Labrinth formed the supergroup LSD with Australian singer-songwriter Sia and American DJ and producer Diplo. They released their self-titled debut album the following year. Labrinth has also collaborated with a number of artists as a singer, songwriter, and producer including Beyoncé, Kanye West, The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, Ed Sheeran and Noah Cyrus.

He composed the score for HBO drama series Euphoria, for which he was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards, winning one, and The Lion King - Live action's soundtrack, Spirit, with Beyoncé and Ilya Salmanzadeh, achieving nominations at Grammy, Golden Globe, Critics' Choice and winning a NAACP Image Awards.

Shake it off
Labrinth Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I stay out too late
Got nothing in my brain
That′s what people say, mmm-mmm
That's what people say, mmm-mmm

I go on too many dates But I can′t make them stay
At least that's what people say, mmm-mmm
That's what people say, mmm-mmm

But I keep cruising
Can′t stop, won′t stop moving
It's like I got this music
In my mind
Saying, "It′s gonna be alright."

'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I′m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
Heart-breakers gonna break, break, break, break, break
And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off

I never miss a beat
I′m lightning on my feet
And that's what they don't see, mmm-mmm
That′s what they don′t see, mmm-mmm

I'm dancing on my own (dancing on my own)
I make the moves up as I go (moves up as I go)
And that′s what they don't know, mmm-mmm
That′s what they don't know, mmm-mmm

But I keep cruising
Can′t stop, won't stop grooving
It's like I got this music
In my mind
Saying, "It′s gonna be alright."

′Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
Heart-breakers gonna break, break, break, break, break
And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake
Baby, I′m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off

Shake it off, I shake it off,
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off,
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off,
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off

Hey, hey, hey
Just think while you've been getting down and out about the liars and the dirty, dirty cheats of the world,
You could′ve been getting down to this sick beat.

My ex-man brought his new girlfriend
She's like "Oh, my god!" but I′m just gonna shake.
And to the fella over there with the hella good hair
Won't you come on over, baby? We can shake, shake, shake

Yeah ohhh

'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate (haters gonna hate)
I′m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
Heart-breakers gonna break, break, break, break, break (mmmm)
And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake (and fake, and fake, and fake)
Baby, I′m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off

Shake it off, I shake it off,
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off,
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off

Shake it off, I shake it off,
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off,
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off,
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off

Shake it off, I shake it off,
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off (you've got to),

I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off,
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Labrinth's hit song Shake It Off speak to the singer's resilience in the face of criticism and negativity. In the first verse, Labrinth acknowledges that people may talk about him behind his back, saying that he stays out too late and has nothing in his brain, but he chooses to brush it off and keep moving forward. The chorus features catchy lines about how "players gonna play" and "haters gonna hate," but Labrinth knows that he can overcome it all by simply shaking it off.

The second verse dives deeper into Labrinth's self-assurance, with lyrics about how he never misses a beat and dances on his own, making up moves as he goes. The song is all about not letting other people's opinions or actions bring you down, and instead choosing to focus on the positive things in life.

Overall, Shake It Off is an empowering anthem about following your own path and not letting the negativity of others dictate your life.

Line by Line Meaning

I stay out too late
I tend to stay out late, which is what some people criticize me for.

Got nothing in my brain
Some people think I'm not very intelligent.

That's what people say, mmm-mmm
People's opinions of me don't always align with how I see myself.

I go on too many dates
I've been on a lot of dates, but they haven't led to lasting relationships.

But I can't make them stay
People don't want to stick around after going on a date with me.

At least that's what people say, mmm-mmm
People think that my relationship troubles are because of something I'm doing wrong, even though there's no way to really know for sure.

But I keep cruising
I keep moving forward, regardless of what people say about me.

Can't stop, won't stop moving
I won't let other people's opinions slow me down or hold me back.

It's like I got this music in my mind
I have a positive attitude that helps me keep going, even when things get tough.

Saying, 'It's gonna be alright.'
I believe that even when things seem bad, they'll eventually get better.

'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
People will always do what they want, whether others like it or not.

And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
There will always be people who dislike or criticize me, no matter what.

Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I'm not going to let that negativity bring me down – I'm going to stay positive and keep moving forward.

I shake it off, I shake it off
I'm letting go of the negative feelings and focusing on what makes me happy.

Heart-breakers gonna break, break, break, break, break
People will sometimes cause me pain, but I won't let that stop me from finding love.

And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake
People will sometimes pretend to be someone they're not, but I won't let that affect me.

Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I'm not going to let other people's negativity or deception bring me down – I'm going to keep moving forward and doing what makes me happy.

I never miss a beat
I'm always on top of things and never let anything catch me off guard.

I'm lightning on my feet
I move quickly and am always ready for whatever comes next.

And that's what they don't see, mmm-mmm
People don't always see how capable and resilient I am, because they focus too much on my flaws.

I'm dancing on my own (dancing on my own)
I don't need anyone else to be happy or have a good time – I can do that on my own.

I make the moves up as I go (moves up as I go)
I trust myself to make the right choices in the moment, instead of overthinking things and getting bogged down by doubt.

And that's what they don't know, mmm-mmm
People don't see that my spontaneity and independence actually make me happier and more fulfilled.

Yeah ohhh
I'm excited about what the future holds, despite any setbacks or criticisms I may have faced.

Just think while you've been getting down and out about the liars and the dirty, dirty cheats of the world,
Instead of focusing on negative people, why not focus on something positive, like the music in this song?

You could've been getting down to this sick beat.
You could've been enjoying yourself and having fun, even while dealing with negativity.

My ex-man brought his new girlfriend
My old boyfriend is now dating someone else.

She's like 'Oh, my god!' but I'm just gonna shake.
She may be impressed by him, but I'm not going to let it bother me – I'm going to continue being confident and happy.

And to the fella over there with the hella good hair
There's a guy nearby who looks really good.

Won't you come on over, baby? We can shake, shake, shake
Why don't you come over and enjoy the music and dancing with me?

Writer(s): Shellback, Taylor Swift, Martin Max

Contributed by Camilla E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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01Shake it off

Labrinth

02Stay with Me - Live2:48

03Hideaway - Live3:16

04Say Something - Live3:18

05Happy - Live3:15

06Berlin - Live3:36

07Budapest - Live3:08

08How Long Will I Love You2:31

09Holy Grail / Counting Stars / Smells Like Teen Spirit (Medley)3:46

10Superheroes - Live3:40

11The Man - Live3:47

12Fancy - Live3:46

13Scream (Funk My Life Up)3:09

14We Can't Stop - Live3:41

15Shake It Off - Live4:12

16Roar - Live3:58

17Nobody To Love / Doo Wop That Thing (Medley)3:37

18Crying for No Reason

19I Got U - Live4:16

20Rather Be - Live3:48

21Oceans - Live3:43

22Wrecking Ball - Live3:42

28Do I Wanna Know?4:22

29Hold On, We're Going Home3:13

30F For You - Live2:45

31Lovers On The Sun2:59

32Am I Wrong - Live4:11

33Forever - Live4:04

34Dark Horse - Live3:00

35Comeback - Live3:19

36Drunk in Love - Live4:36

37Counting Stars - Live4:14

38Strong - Live3:54

39The Monster / Story Of My Life (Medley)3:17

40Ready For Your Love - Live3:25

Genre not found

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@TheLudson14

3y↑1

•● LYRICS ●•

I stay out too late
Got nothing in my brain
That's what people say, mm, mm
That's what people say, mm, mm

I go on too many dates
But I can't make 'em stay
At least that's what people say, mm, mm
That's what people say, mm, mm

But I keep cruising
Can't stop, won't stop moving
It's like I got this music in my mind
Saying it's gonna be alright

'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off (Whoo-hoo-hoo)

Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break, break, break
And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off (Whoo-hoo-hoo)

I never miss a beat
I'm lightning on my feet
And that's what they don't see, mm, mm
That's what they don't see, mm, mm

I'm dancing on my own (Dancing on my own)
I make the moves up as I go (Moves up as I go)
And that's what they don't know, mm, mm
That's what they don't know, mm, mm

But I keep cruising
Can't stop, won't stop grooving
It's like I got this music in my mind
Saying it's gonna be alright

'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off (Whoo-hoo-hoo)

Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break, break, break
And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off (Whoo-hoo-hoo)

Shake it off, I shake it off
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off (Whoo-hoo-hoo)

Hey, hey, hey
Just think while you've been gettin' down and out about the liars
And the dirty, dirty cheats of the world
You could've been gettin' down
To this sick beat

My ex man brought his new girlfriend
She's like, "Oh my God!"
I'm just gonna shake
And to the fella over there with the hella good hair
Won't you come on over baby?
We can shake, shake, shake (Yeah)
Yeah, oh

'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate (Haters gonna hate)
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off (Whoo-hoo-hoo)

Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break, break, break
And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake (And fake, and fake, and fake)
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off (Whoo-hoo-hoo)

Shake it off, I shake it off
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off (Whoo-hoo-hoo)

Shake it off, I shake it off
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off (You got to)
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off
I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off

All comments from YouTube:

@didi2910

10y↑82

Labrinth is seriously so underrated

@sydneyestill4936

9y↑31

Wow this is insanely amazing! His version and Taylor's version are polar opposites, and that was nice to see. I love it when covers showcase the completely opposite ways a song can be performed. Kudos to Tay for penning and originally performing an incredible song. Props to Labyrinth for impeccably covering Tay's work. Honestly, both parties win here. Good work, you two :)

@jonbehere

10y↑226

aw man loving this from the start but 1:31 onwards is exquisite

@MoiraRussell

10y↑1

Yes! You can tell because he starts singing with his hands too. :-)

@exergy2090

10y↑2

Moira Russell yeah because he heard em horns!!

@randompop1501

I was on the time 1:31 as soon as i saw this message

@mizALCHEMIST

10y↑25

It wasn't until 1:50 that I utter.. "WOW"! Wonderful rendition, I enjoyed it!

@darthpryce

10y↑276

Hey look, musicians actually playing instruments..

@LaritzaR

10y↑8

And so does many other artist including Taylor

@briteness

10y↑60

How 20th century of them.

@ydknas

👍

@laurenbird9728

10y↑25

there's just something about this man, I've seen him live twice and he is truly amazing, this is better than the original and put a huge smile on my face. ^_^

@Mark33945

9y↑21

You know that BBC Radio 1 does the best covers ever :) Thank you so much!

@FireBombx3

10y↑183

i personally prefer the upbeat jumpy Taylor version but this is amazing in its own right. sounds like a different song!

@termin09

10y↑11

But Taylors voice isn't that great so I personally prefer this.

@joshmybaby3573

10y↑1

carolina T the style of music has changed but this it's good

@aaronlenoury3353

10y

totally agree

@chrismartin1148

9y↑2

Yeah everybody else in there doing his job not him.

@finaltwo

10y↑77

All this proves is Taylor is a brilliant song writer. Love this cover.

@GILESINATOR

10y↑65

Labrinth certainly made the most of that piano

@brunoloverxx

10y↑8

You can just see that Labrinth has this passion for music that many artists don't have these days

@pacocamara4350

8y↑1

This version is just amazing!, that last part was unbelievable!! so good!!!

@lillycollier7915

10y↑57

I was actually smiling whilst watching this

@sammountford1902

9y↑57

Damn, love this cover

@roxysoxy8358

its ok

@a.shakuromar

8y↑19

get this cover to another level by speeding the video to 1.25
You're welcome :)

@sundiallo3688

10y↑2

This honestly just made my day.The happiness is just radiating off them.Those smiles are just so contagious.

@trashtvinternational

10y↑12

Great!! Sounds like an original song!!! He really made its own!

@MsMusic816

8y↑2

Love his energy! He deserves much more recognition :) I hope Taylor sees this!!

@BXtremP

9y↑18

Oh would you look at it people, a singer who has a unique voice and sings really well in live.

@fanfab6207

10y↑31

wonderful cover, totally has his own style

@haninemonhem6042

10y↑3

Omg this really put a smile on my face! Labrinth is the man! Gosh this voice!!!!

@mimimeow30

Dec 2021 listening to this cover was so relaxing. 😊 so under rated

@knebrejas

9y↑5

I don't get why people are pushing their prerogatives in terms of which version they like better. Personally, it's nice to see musicians who are inspired. Cross breeding of different genres. Respect both artist, and both interpretations.

@jadasomers6475

10y↑2

One of my favourite covers, of any song! So good👌

@BOUKE03

10y↑2

love what Labrinth did making this song like an old school swing but still have the uplifting beat. I want this version for download NOW!!! lol

@glenniz1

10y

Both versions are great....up beat, catchy and fun!! Not to mention, addictive!

@patryska11

10y↑2

Ohh I love Labrinth. So happy he's back with some new music :) real genius

@dorkiecookie

10y↑4

so so good! man i need to get this on my phone

@alexisblair7798

10y↑1

Phenomenal cover, would love to download it....

@adelaximenag.r786

10y

This is amazing, why this isn't on spotify guys?It could be even more spectacular!
Best covers ever.
Only in BBC Radio 1.

@DOM12358

9y↑10

Better than the original one of the best covers ive heard so much passion love labrinth (:

@iAmTheSquidThing

9y↑39

Taylor Swift's producers take note, this is what a real brass section sounds like.

@GemeosMaia

10y↑7

What a cover!! This is brilliant.

@sheebadeebi

10y↑46

Never liked this song before but this cover is so good.

@astridquintanilla11

10y

This has now become one of my favorite covers for this song!!! Ahhh I feel like its even better than the original

@oneandonlyflow

10y↑2

BBC radio 1 covers are professional, unique and different from the original song and other covers which I love about.

@Amzy2k9

10y↑3

Absolutely love Labrinth. I think he's a class musician!! :-)

@Masteririsheagle

10y

Really Good singer. loved the whole show. Thanks.

@ylva2021

10y

This is actually amazing i feel so good after watching this

@paakwesicobbina1160

this is awesome.. i prefer this soulful version..Great One

@amyhampton100

Absolute LOVE this cover and love Labrinth!

@raphael.matheus85

Sensational ! Iove this spin on it !!!

@nicolehemsworth5267

10y↑207

Just letting you all know that Taylor has watched this video and has probably seen all your comments. Ha.

@nicolehemsworth5267

10y

I was just letting people know. Can you calm your damn shit?

@ssanaa4ever

10y

Nicole Hemsworth DIVERGENT!!! I OFFICIALLY LOVE U!!! ULOVE TS AND DIVERGENT

@nicolehemsworth5267

10y↑1

Haha. Thank you.. Yes. I love a lot of things but TS and Divergent are in my top.

@TheTobboT

10y↑4

What's funny about that

@Jackly300

10y↑24

^ did not calm her shit.

11 More Replies...

@RADIOSHOCKTM

This is soooo good, so smooth

@callumlloyd-bailey649

9y↑1

totally changed my perception of labrinth, what a talented and lovely bloke!

@TheMegakwan123

9y↑2

He had smirked when he sang 'I got nothing in my brain'😂😂😂

@ChitraSyahriel

10y

The best, unique, & beautiful cover of shake it off so far.. good job :)

@callumayres3001

Love it , Radio 1 keep up the good work , i tune in to ur channel every morning

@callumayres3001

I even bought ths album

@TheFIVEstar97

10y↑2

one of my favorites. Labrinth is massively underrated.

@kickthespike

9y↑5

love it, love the Labrinth man

@xRWTYx

9y↑1

This was soo nice to listen to! Sounds so relax, makes you swing a bit. I prefer this version over taylors

@missperfect774

10y↑1

This is so feel good and amazing

@marcokooistra6916

I realy love this cover, sounds amazing!

@esthero9229

10y

feel like this song was just for me. It was released just when I needed it. What a great cover would expect nothing less from Labrinth.

@kryssiewolf

10y

WOW!...Just..W..O..W!! That was beyond amazinggg!!

@SamSeeMusic

10y↑3

very jazzy love it!

@itschrisstime

10y

this cover is crazy good!!!

@libfuzzy

9y↑31

The UK has the best artist vocally &artistically hands down and I'm American. Not that America doesn't it's just that America would rather promote artist like Britney spears and rihanna instead of the underrated ones that are far more talented but the UK appreciates real talent like ed Sheeran,Adele, Duffy, emeli sande etc..

@fairfight9857

libfuzzy Jessie J, and a lot of good bands too. agree with that. UK comes with more fantastic talent.

@MrProbeNWatch

Whatever fits that socially acceptable level of attraction 😔 will get way more investment

@TheBiggestMoronYouKnow

You know that there are different markets right? That the UK artists are still popular regardless of whether they get into the US market or not? Also the best artists are always the ones that are unknown, so how would you know where they come from?

@hagun96unardi

falling love with this cover version..

@Ceciaguilr

Very soothing to the ears!

@lilyhp27

10y

YAAASSSS just started dancing in my kitchen over this hahaha So Good!

@worldofmistry

10y↑6

"Shake a dog"

Great cover :)

@voiceofreason1663

Everything is Perfect!

@amalia26517

and nice version of the song too.. love the instruments

@janiceyuen

I liked both original and cover a lot!!

@daydreaming945

10y

This was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well done Labrinth!!!!!!!!!! Great cover!!!!!!!!:)

@thecratop

10y

This is so groovy. Really like it!

@kloa1212

The best cover i've ever seen

@aliab2322

10y

this is amazing. I couldn't stand the original but i love this rendition!

@adrienemichelle2920

10y

This is amazing!!!!

@TheLudson14

3y↑1

@markburford5420

10y

Amazing lab. Great vibe.

@trinisun

10y

Love this guy's voice :-)

@annaroscoe440

10y

Best cover ever. What a talented band.

@Holmseyjr

best version of this song!!!!! love it xx

@ThilaCamillolicious

Labrinth you are a BLESSING!

@joehook5533

10y↑4

Labrinth is a musical genius!

@janinewells6641

10y

Very Cool.... it just gets better and better!

@Vuvu15MP

8y↑1

Labrinth just made my day 2:36 💕

@thetteacher

10y

Great version! #1

@RM-lj8bv

10y

Cool Dude, I love both versions of this.

@Angela-hw1ux

10y

I like how they get different styles singers sing genres they don't usually change it make it their own! :)

@12345678928176

8y↑32

This is ten times better than the Taylor Swift version. A mix of reggae and funk.

@oK13

10y↑1

Its so amazing thank you

@rosacervera4063

loving it. Just amazing Labinth :)

@garygaryno1

Amazing british talent..love it!

@misssandi1987

10y↑1

Love labrinth! Very happy

@okoloptttify

8y↑6

Sounds like John Legend just with higher pitch. Amazing.

@jamesclogg2060

10y

When will the other song be put up?!

@ninapez3105

10y

Wow such a clever cover. Love his voice

@konajgreg65

10y

This is gonna be Friday after work theme song. Freaking AWESOME!!!

@WillOG98

10y↑17

He got more comfortable when he got into the song haha

@thesoundsoffashion153

Love this cover !

@ladyheepster

and again .... just love him!!

@claire1kam

AMAZING cover.

@deannawalker3659

I personally love this so much.

@NarkiZzu

10y

That was so good ! I love it !

@aryk1199

10y

ABSOLUTELY ADORE LABRINTH

@LidwinaGhaitza

10y

Start from 1.17 they do a great job.. like "oh okay this song, i can make it.. i find the catchy way to make it" and he start enjoy it and make this cover much better.. Rock a bye baby...