In 1969 the band were all arrested for possession of marijuana and Roky was incarcerated in Rusk State Hospital for the Criminally Insane where he reportedly underwent electroshock therapy and was placed on Thorazine amongst other controversial treatments. Many claim he has never been the same since. Sadly in the intervening years record execs and managers displayed the bad side of the music business and took full advantage of his condition often leaving him living in poverty while they hoarded all the cash.
In 2001 Roky's youngest brother, Sumner Erickson (ex-tuba player for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), was appointed his legal guardian and an improvement in Roky's faculties has been reported since, leading to a return to live shows.
An excellent documentary on Roky, "You're gonna miss me" (2005), chronicled his troubled life - his schizophrenia, incarceration for possession of a joint, and talented and eccentric family.
Don't Shake Me Lucifer
Roky Erickson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't shake me, don't shake me Lucifer
I been up all night, and no suicide clock the works
Seemed to be, seemed to be, seemed to be no calm privacy
Seemed to be, seemed to be, seemed to be no calm privacy
Lucifer cried
don't shake me Lucifer
Don't shake me, don't shake me Lucifer
Don't shake me, don't shake me Lucifer
I been up all night, and no suicide clock the works
They're shakin 'em down left, they're friskin 'em up right
They're shakin 'em down left, and they're friskin 'em up right
Lucifer cried
don't shake me Lucifer
With the devil's hell's fire
Don't shake me, don't shake me Lucifer
Don't shake me, don't shake me Lucifer
I been up all night, and no suicide clock works
Now the world was shakin, looking like it'd shake to bits
Now the world was shakin, looking like it'd shake to bits
Lucifer cried
don't shake me Lucifer
I've had enough of it
Don't shake me, don't shake me Lucifer
Don't shake me, don't shake me Lucifer
I been up all night, and no suicide clock the works
The lyrics in Roky Erickson's "Don't Shake Me Lucifer" explore the idea of desperation and hopelessness in the face of an oppressive and cruel world. Lucifer is portrayed as a figure with some degree of power and control, yet even he cannot escape the struggles of living within a society that values conformity and obedience above all else. The repetition of the line "don't shake me Lucifer" seems to be a plea for some semblance of stability and control in a world that constantly threatens to shake everything apart.
The lyrics also touch on themes of individuality and rebellion against authority. The line "seemed to be no calm privacy" suggests an invasion of personal space and autonomy, while the references to being "shaken down" and "frisked up" imply a loss of basic freedoms and human rights. The line "with the devil's hell's fire" seems to suggest a willingness to face even the most extreme consequences in order to maintain one's independence and sense of self.
Overall, the song seems to be a statement on the struggles inherent in living as an outsider, particularly in a society that prioritizes conformity and obedience. The repeated plea to "don't shake me Lucifer" represents a desire for stability and control in a world that can be both chaotic and oppressive.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't shake me, don't shake me Lucifer
Roky Erickson is pleading with the devil, Lucifer, not to harm him.
I been up all night, and no suicide clock the works
Roky has been up all night and even the clock that would normally trigger thoughts of suicide is not working.
Seemed to be, seemed to be, seemed to be no calm privacy
It feels like there is no peace or privacy anywhere.
Lucifer cried
don't shake me Lucifer
You are all I receive
Lucifer himself cries for Roky not to shake him, as Roky is all he receives.
They're shakin 'em down left, they're friskin 'em up right
The authorities are harshly searching and going through people's possessions with no regard for privacy or dignity.
With the devil's hell's fire
The punishment that Lucifer can dole out is compared to the fires of hell itself.
Now the world was shakin, looking like it'd shake to bits
Things are getting so chaotic that it feels like the world itself could break apart.
I've had enough of it
Roky has reached his limit and can no longer tolerate the chaos and destruction around him.
Contributed by Elliot L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ruthdixon7807
this undoubtedly has the best pronunciation of the word "compromising" on wax.
@JustaLonelyDwarf
well from what I can gather, he does not want Lucifer to shake him, but I might be wrong
@SuperAndybarrett
I think you are right
@marcodona4500
That's what he wants you to think...I don't think he would mind if Lucifer shook him a little
@ChrisJones-wv4lj
13th Floor Elevators damned fine group..Rocky a very talented man.
@DiamorphineDeath
All of that stuff is nothing compared to Erikson’s Solo work; this stuff is brilliant whereas the 13 floor elevators stuff gets to me with all the electric jug playing and what not.
@robertszymanski717
I just recently heard Roky passed away! Bummer.. I saw a documentary about him back in 2007 and he made a comeback! Saw him on TV a concert. Some of his songs are totally Demented! I love some of his songs.. he'll be sadly missed..
@WTFungus
RIP Roky.
@ZekeBriarcliff
Dude thank you so much for posting this and turning me onto some truly awesome music!
@jean-marcelgoger
👍pop rythmee pour les 👂 qui ❤ ça!