Shamir is known for his androgynous countertenor voice. Radio.com wrote that his singing voice, "like Joplin's, stops you in your tracks." Shamir has said that he doesn't mind having his voice described as androgynous, but notes that 'countertenor' is the correct term: "It's not feminine, it's not masculine. It's a happy medium ... I feel like if the world was more like that, our problems would be gone."
Critic Jamieson Cox, writing for Pitchfork Media, wrote:
"With a piercing countertenor somewhere between Prince masquerading as Camille and the cracking adolescent soul of the teenage Michael Jackson, the 19-year-old North Las Vegas native dismantles the expectations maintained for vocalists based on their gender, demanding instead that the focus be placed on his agile, fluttering performance."
Shamir's style has been described as a distinctive mix of disco and funk with hints of pop "laced with old skool house". Life & Soul has described him as "a dynamic young artist who successfully adopts the craft of his musical heroes Michael Jackson and Prince."
Caught Up
Shamir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To get me caught up in shit
I was the glass that spilled the ocean
Time wouldn't pass, stuck still
I couldn't wait 'til I'd be killed
The leaking fault, I could not feel
You couldn't take me at my will
So cut me down, I don't wanna be this high
Not foolin' around, can't break down
Just 'cause I didn't say goodbye
I know your head is shedding
And the guilt is killing you
Although I'm winning
I still feel down on my luck
On my luck
On my luck
On my luck
I searched and sought new friends for myself
But I'm just too damn mean
I tried to bring the most commotion
But I'd just make a scene
I couldn't wait 'til I'd be killed
The leaking fault, I could not feel
You couldn't take me at my will
I wouldn't stand for it
Oh, no
So cut me down, I don't wanna be this high
Not fooling around, can't break down
Just 'cause I didn't say goodbye
I know your head is shedding
And the guilt is killing you
Although I'm winning, I still feel down on my luck
On my luck
On my luck
Oh, no, on my luck
On my luck
On my luck
On my luck
On my luck
In Shamir's song "Caught Up," the lyrics explore themes of self-destructive tendencies, toxic relationships, and the internal struggle that comes with recognizing one's own faults and mistakes. The song begins with the singer expressing surprise that they have allowed someone to become such an influential force in their life, causing them to get caught up in negative situations. The line "I never thought you'd be the perfect person" suggests that the singer may have had high hopes or expectations for this person, only to be let down.
The second verse delves deeper into the singer's inner turmoil. They describe themselves as being like a glass that spills the ocean, symbolizing their overwhelming emotions that they are unable to control. Time stands still for them, indicating a feeling of being stuck or trapped in their own thoughts and circumstances. The lyrics also touch upon feelings of self-harm or self-destruction, with lines like "I couldn't wait 'til I'd be killed" and "The leaking fault, I could not feel." These phrases suggest a desire for release or a sense of being numb to the pain.
Towards the end of the song, the singer acknowledges their own mean tendencies and how they may contribute to the chaos in their life. They mention trying to bring the most commotion and making scenes, perhaps as a way to cope with their internal struggles. The chorus repeats the idea of feeling down on their luck, even though they may be winning in some aspects. It highlights the disconnect between external success and internal happiness.
Overall, "Caught Up" delves into the complexities of personal relationships, internal battles, and the struggle to find a sense of fulfillment and peace within oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
I never thought you'd be the perfect person
I never expected you to be the ideal companion
To get me caught up in shit
To entangle me in troublesome situations
I was the glass that spilled the ocean
I was the small cause that resulted in a large problem
Time wouldn't pass, stuck still
Time seemed to stand still, unable to move forward
I couldn't wait 'til I'd be killed
I couldn't bear to wait until my demise
The leaking fault, I could not feel
I was unaware of the flaw that was causing harm
You couldn't take me at my will
You weren't able to control me as you desired
I wouldn't stand for it, oh
I refused to tolerate it
So cut me down, I don't wanna be this high
Lower my position, I don't want to be in this elevated state
Not foolin' around, can't break down
Not playing games, can't collapse emotionally
Just 'cause I didn't say goodbye
Simply because I didn't bid farewell
I know your head is shedding
I understand that you're feeling guilty
And the guilt is killing you
And the guilt is causing you great distress
Although I'm winning
Even though I am succeeding
I still feel down on my luck
I still feel unlucky
I searched and sought new friends for myself
I actively looked for new companions
But I'm just too damn mean
But I am simply too unpleasant
I tried to bring the most commotion
I attempted to create the greatest disturbance
But I'd just make a scene
But I would only cause a public disturbance
So cut me down, I don't wanna be this high
Lower my position, I don't want to be in this elevated state
Not fooling around, can't break down
Not playing games, can't collapse emotionally
Just 'cause I didn't say goodbye
Simply because I didn't bid farewell
I know your head is shedding
I understand that you're feeling guilty
And the guilt is killing you
And the guilt is causing you great distress
Although I'm winning, I still feel down on my luck
Despite my success, I still feel unlucky
On my luck
Unfortunate circumstances affecting me
Oh, no, on my luck
Oh, no, my streak of bad luck
On my luck
Unfortunate circumstances affecting me
On my luck
Unfortunate circumstances affecting me
On my luck
Unfortunate circumstances affecting me
Lyrics © TERRORBIRD PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Shamir Bailey, Isaac Avi Eiger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Mariposa-11-2007
The most underrated artist strikes again! It’s a bop!
@matoro85
I was looking for songs to put on a playlist for late night driving by the beach.
This is the perfect vibe for it 👌
@Wilternative
This is the side of Shamir's sound I love the most. Wonderful song.
@antipatsy
More people should hear you. Gorgeous sounds as always.
@michaelaiello5229
Great interview today on NPR and I'm just discovering your music. I really dig your sound!
@InkLady
in love with this thank yo uso much!
@greynotchristian
Shamir has been looking really attractive in recent visuals 👀👀👀
@rednax3333
Love it!!! Hoping a new album may be forthcoming! 🙏❤️👍
@shamir326
Yes yes out this Friday Feb 11th 🦋
@rednax3333
@@shamir326 YAY!!!!! 🥳 Thanks for being you and sharing your music! ❤️