P.J. Proby, born James Marcus Smith on 6 November 1938, is a singer, songwr… Read Full Bio ↴P.J. Proby, born James Marcus Smith on 6 November 1938, is a singer, songwriter, and actor noted for his voice and his theatrical portrayals of Elvis Presley, plus interpretations of modern standards in the vein of Tom Jones. Until 1961, he used the name Jett Powers.

The stage name P.J. Proby was suggested to him by a friend named Sharon Sheeley (Eddie Cochran's girlfriend) who remembered the name of an old high school boyfriend.
P.J. Proby did demos for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other artists. His greatest hits are "Somewhere", "Maria", "Hold Me", "Niki Hoeky" and "I Apologise". In 1996, Marc Almond produced the album Legend which included the duet single "Yesterday Has Gone".

Shake
P.J. Proby Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Shake, shake, shake, shake

Any females in the house
Any females in the house
Any females in the house
Any females in the house
I've been

[Chorus x2]
Shake, shake (one time)
Shake, shake (two times)
Shake, shake (one time)
Now bring it back again

It's not about how I've been
'Cause I've been truly blessed
But through constant battles with reality
I dangle from the strength stress

Maybe you can't call me lucky
Maybe you can't call me lucky
But I've got an ace in the hole
And it still turns blue
Now who's fault is that

I don't think you know the sound
I don't think you know the sound
There's a chip on your shoulder
And your weight on the back
There's a thousand pounds and then

Time okay time
Who composed the PM Dawn place time
Who composed the world and at the same time
Makes your body rhyme with your soul and mind

The world could be over
But I'm a soldier
But try me if you like
But you'll get nothin'
'Cause I

[Chorus x2]

What would you do in my position
Would you let them get you down
What would you do in my position
Would you let them spin you around

What would you do in my position
Would you let them inside you
What would you do in my position
What would you do in my position
Stop

Yeah!
'Cause I

[Chorus x2]

Everyone get out of your bodies (Repeat x8)
And

[Chorus x2]

Everyone thank Todd Terry (Repeat x6)
Everyone can thank Todd Terry (Repeat x2)

Overall Meaning

The song "Shake" by PJ Proby begins with multiple repetitions of "Any females in the house" before the main chorus kicks in with "Shake, shake, shake." The song then goes into a verse where the singer talks about how he's been "truly blessed," but also discusses the struggles he faces dealing with reality. He talks about having an "ace in the hole" but questions whose fault that is. The song also includes a section where the singer discusses the power of time and asks what the listener would do if they were in his position.

Overall, the song seems to be about the struggles and triumphs of life. The repetition of "shake" throughout the song could be interpreted in various ways, such as shaking off the negativity or struggles in life or simply dancing and having a good time.

Line by Line Meaning

Shake, shake, shake, shake
Repeat the act of shaking multiple times

Any females in the house
Addressing the presence of women in the audience

I've been
Introducing oneself

Shake, shake (one time)
Shake once

Shake, shake (two times)
Shake twice

Shake, shake (one time) Now bring it back again
Shake once and repeat the action

It's not about how I've been 'Cause I've been truly blessed But through constant battles with reality I dangle from the strength stress
Despite being blessed in life, one struggles with challenges and stress

Maybe you can't call me lucky But I've got an ace in the hole And it still turns blue Now who's fault is that
Despite not being called lucky, one still has an advantage that works

I don't think you know the sound There's a chip on your shoulder And your weight on the back There's a thousand pounds and then
One senses hostility or aggression from the audience, which is heavy and burdensome

Time okay time Who composed the PM Dawn place time Who composed the world and at the same time Makes your body rhyme with your soul and mind
Time is a concept that can be creatively manipulated and harmonize with one's being

The world could be over But I'm a soldier But try me if you like But you'll get nothin' 'Cause I
Despite the chaotic state of our world, one is resilient and undefeatable

What would you do in my position Would you let them get you down What would you do in my position Would you let them spin you around What would you do in my position Would you let them inside you What would you do in my position What would you do in my position Stop
Asking the audience what they would do in the artist's difficult position, questioning whether they would give up or stand their ground

Everyone get out of your bodies (Repeat x8) And Shake, shake (Chorus x2)
Encouraging the audience to let loose and dance to the beat, followed by a repeat of the chorus

Everyone thank Todd Terry (Repeat x6) Everyone can thank Todd Terry (Repeat x2)
Giving recognition and gratitude to the artist responsible for producing the track

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ATTRELL STEPHEN JR. CORDES, TERRY TODD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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