Twist and Shout
Ofln - The Beatles Lyrics


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Well, shake it up, baby, now (shake it up baby)
Twist and shout (twist and shout)
Come on, come on, come, come on, baby, now (come on baby)
Come on and work it on out (work it on out)
Well, work it on out, honey (work it on out)
You know you look so good (look so good)
You know you got me goin' now (got me goin')
just like you knew you would (like I knew you would)

Well, shake it up, baby, now (shake it up baby)
Twist and shout (twist and shout)
Come on, come on, come, come on, baby, now (come on baby)
Come on and work it on out (work it on out)
You know you twist, you little girl (twist little girl)
You know you twist so fine (twist so fine)
Come on and twist a little closer now (twist a little closer)
And let me know that you're mine, woo

Ah-ah-ah-ah, wow
Baby, now (shake it up baby)
Twist and shout (twist and shout)
Come on, come on, come, come on, baby, now (come on baby)
Come on and work it on out (work it on out)
You know you twist, little girl (twist little girl)
You know you twist so fine (twist so fine)
Come on and twist a little closer now (twist a little closer)
And let me know that you're mine (know you're mine ooh)
Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now (shake it up baby)
Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now (shake it up baby)




Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now (shake it up baby)
Ah-ah-ah-ah

Overall Meaning

In "Twist and Shout," The Beatles are delivering a high-energy call to action, urging the listener to shake things up and get moving. The repeated exhortation to "shake it up, baby" combined with the catchy "twist and shout" refrain creates a sense of urgency and excitement. The phrase "Twist and shout" can be interpreted as a metaphor for letting loose and having a good time, suggesting dancing and celebration.


The lyrics also emphasize a sense of attraction and admiration, with lines like "You know you look so good" and "You know you got me goin' now." The singer expresses their appreciation for the person they are singing to, acknowledging their physical appeal and the effect they have on them. This admiration adds a romantic element to the song, creating a dynamic of mutual attraction and energy between the singer and the listener.


The repetition of the phrase "You know you twist so fine" highlights the singer's admiration for the person they are addressing, emphasizing their belief in their charm and allure. The call for the listener to "twist a little closer" suggests a desire for intimacy and connection, underscoring the emotional depth behind the playful and energetic facade of the song.


The final repetition of "shake it, shake it, shake it, baby" serves as a powerful crescendo, building up the energy and excitement of the song to a climax. The repeated calls to action and the energetic rhythm of the music create a sense of communal joy and celebration, inviting the listener to join in the fun and let themselves go. The exuberant and spirited delivery of the lyrics encapsulates the essence of 1960s rock 'n' roll and the youthful exuberance that The Beatles were known for, making "Twist and Shout" a timeless anthem of revelry and freedom.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, shake it up, baby, now
Encouraging the listener to let go and have fun


Twist and shout
Dance with enthusiasm


Come on, come on, come, come on, baby, now
Urging the listener to join in and participate


Come on and work it on out
Put in effort and enjoy yourself


You know you look so good
Acknowledging the listener's charm and appeal


You know you got me goin' now
Admitting the listener's influence and excitement


just like you knew you would
Confirming that the listener's actions were anticipated


You know you twist, you little girl
Recognizing the listener's dance moves


You know you twist so fine
Appreciating the listener's dance skills


Come on and twist a little closer now
Inviting the listener to dance more intimately


And let me know that you're mine, woo
Expressing a connection and possessiveness towards the listener


Ah-ah-ah-ah, wow
Exclaiming excitement and enjoyment


Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now
Reiterating the encouragement to dance enthusiastically




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bert Russell, Phil Medley

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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