Shake Em Up
Southside Lyrics


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I ride the top of the line, I can't settle for less
I came here tonight to do what I do best
Hold tight, babe, I'm breakin' down the doors
I got mine, I'm hopin' you got yours

We're gonna rock until the morning
We're gonna ride till we die
I gotta keep movin till I'm satisfied
Come on, come on it's gonna be alright
We're gonna shake 'em down, baby, tonight

I can't back down when the goin' gets rough
This is all we got, baby, it's got to be enough
I'd like to try to quit it, but I don't know how
I needed it then and, baby, I need it right now

We're gonna rock until the morning
We're gonna ride till we die
I gotta keep movin till I'm satisfied
Come on, come on it's gonna be alright
We're gonna shake 'em down, baby, tonight
Goodnight

I've sacrificed everything I've known and loved
I've lost too much time, I spilled too much blood
I ain't felt nothin' since '65
There's only one thing left keeping me alive

We're gonna rock until the morning
We're gonna ride till we die
I gotta keep movin till I'm satisfied
Come on, come on it's gonna be alright
We're gonna shake 'em down, baby, tonight

We're gonna rock until the morning
We're gonna ride till we die
I gotta keep movin till I'm satisfied
Come on, come on it's gonna be alright
We're gonna shake 'em down, baby, tonight
Shake 'em down baby tonight




Shake 'em down baby tonight
Shake 'em down baby tonight

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Shake 'Em Down" by Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes is a declaration of the lead singer's tenacity and willpower. The first verse sets the tone by stating that the singer only goes for the best and is here to do what he does best. He is breaking down doors and hoping his partner is ready to do the same. The chorus is a promise that they will rock until the morning, ride until they die, and keep moving until they are satisfied. The second verse reiterates the singer's resilience, acknowledging that things may get rough, but quitting is not an option. He also admits that he needs it now just as much as he did in the past. The final verse reflects on the sacrifices the singer has made and the toll it has taken on him. He lost too much time, spilled too much blood, and hasn't felt anything since '65. However, there is only one thing keeping him alive, and that is the promise to rock until the morning and shake them down tonight.


The overall message of the song is one of perseverance and determination. No matter how tough things get, the singer will not back down, and he knows his partner won't either. There is a sense of urgency to live life to the fullest, to seize the moment and make the most of it. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes this point, with the driving rock beat and constantly building energy reflecting the singer's resolve.


Line by Line Meaning

I ride the top of the line, I can't settle for less
I always strive for the best and won't accept anything less.


I came here tonight to do what I do best
I am here to perform and showcase my talents as best as I can.


Hold tight, babe, I'm breakin' down the doors
Get ready for an intense, high-energy experience.


I got mine, I'm hopin' you got yours
I am ready to go and hope that everyone else is as well-prepared as I am.


We're gonna rock until the morning
We are going to have a great time with music and dancing until the sun comes up.


We're gonna ride till we die
We will keep going and enjoying life until the very end.


I gotta keep movin till I'm satisfied
I will continue to pursue my passions until I feel fulfilled and content.


Come on, come on it's gonna be alright
Let's push through any obstacles together and enjoy the night.


We're gonna shake 'em down, baby, tonight
We're going to have a fantastic time and leave everything else behind.


I can't back down when the goin' gets rough
I refuse to give up when things get tough.


This is all we got, baby, it's got to be enough
We need to appreciate what we have and make the best of it.


I'd like to try to quit it, but I don't know how
I may want to stop, but it's hard to let go of something I love.


I needed it then and, baby, I need it right now
I needed this experience in the past and still need it now to feel alive.


I've sacrificed everything I've known and loved
I have given up everything I hold dear for this passion of mine.


I've lost too much time, I spilled too much blood
I have invested so much in this and can't turn back now.


I ain't felt nothin' since '65
I haven't felt this alive and free since 1965.


There's only one thing left keeping me alive
This passion of mine is the only thing keeping me going.


Goodnight
The night has come to an end and it's time to rest.


Shake 'em down baby tonight
Let's have one final exhilarating experience before we call it a night.


Shake 'em down baby tonight
Let's enjoy and dance the night away.


Shake 'em down baby tonight
We are going to have a fantastic time and leave everything else behind.




Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEVEN VAN ZANDT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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