Shook Twins is an American folk music group originally from Sandpoint, Idah… Read Full Bio ↴Shook Twins is an American folk music group originally from Sandpoint, Idaho and currently based in Portland, Oregon, formed in 2004. The nucleus of the band comprises identical twin sisters Katelyn (guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, glockenspiel, telephone microphone) and Laurie Shook (banjo, guitar, upright bass, djembe, ocarina flute, tambourine, giant golden egg). The group plays an eclectic version of folk, mixing twin-harmonies, beat-boxing and a wide variety of instruments, tying it all together with a touch of humor.

No Choice
Shook Twins Lyrics

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take it from the top again (ok)
because i like the went it feels in the beginning
open and in

and now i feel it
working my body till it stiffens
i've been using my voice till it's gone
and i'm coasting' in on fumes lately

chorus
when i began this i had no choice
but if i had one i'd still choose this
x2

i think i might vanish now (ok)
cuz I've been feeling too loud for awhile
i'm going quiet
mmmmm

and now i feel it
the pace of my heart it quickens
and i don't know myself in the dark
but i still know about the sun

chorus

bridge
chorus

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Shook Twins' song "No Choice" describe the emotional journey of a person who is devoted to creating music despite the physical and mental toll it takes on them. The opening lines, "take it from the top again, because I like the way it feels in the beginning, open and in," suggest that the person is in love with the creative process of composing and performing music. However, as the song progresses, the physical and emotional stress of the lifestyle takes its toll on the person, as they mention "working my body till it stiffens" and "using my voice till it's gone." Despite this, the person admits that they still love what they do and would choose it again if given the choice.

In the second half of the song, the person sings about feeling like they might "vanish," expressing their exhaustion with feeling "too loud" for too long. However, they recognize the power of music to heal, saying "and now I feel it, the pace of my heart it quickens, and I don't know myself in the dark, but I still know about the sun." This line suggests that even in the midst of the struggle, the person finds strength in the knowledge that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The chorus repeats this sentiment, emphasizing that even though they may have had no choice but to pursue this path, they would choose it again because of their love for music.

Line by Line Meaning

take it from the top again (ok)
Let's start over and try it again, everything seems fresh in the early stages.

because i like the went it feels in the beginning
I like the way it feels when everything is new and just starting.

open and in
Uninhibited and embracing new experiences with an open mind.

and now i feel it
I'm experiencing it right now.

working my body till it stiffens
I'm pushing myself to my limits and beyond.

i've been using my voice till it's gone
I've been speaking my truth and expressing myself without hesitation.

and i'm coasting' in on fumes lately
I'm running on empty and barely keeping it together.

when i began this i had no choice
I had to do it, it wasn't a choice.

but if i had one i'd still choose this
Even if I had an option now, I would still choose this path.

i think i might vanish now (ok)
I feel like disappearing right now.

cuz I've been feeling too loud for awhile
I've been making a lot of noise and feel like I need a break.