Stevie Ray Vaughan tragically died on August 27, 1990 in a helicopter accident, having taken the seat that his brother Jimmie Vaughan or some have reported Eric Clapton would have been sitting in. He had a wide range of influences, most notably Lonnie Mack, Albert King, Freddie King, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton & Jimi Hendrix.
Only a handful of blues guitarists have had such an impact on the blues genre.
Shake
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yes it sho look good but it... don't mean a thang to me
I've got a cool shakin' baby... shake like a wildwood tree
You went away baby... you got back a little too late
You went away baby... you got back a little too late
I've got a cool shakin' baby... shake like jello on a plate
Yeah when my baby walks... you know she's fightin' below
Yes and when she stops... (her) flesh, it shakes like jello
Well now shake little baby
Shake it for me
Yeah now shake little baby
Shake it for me
Yeah now shake a little baby
Shake like a wild wood tree
Now let it shake... now let it shake
Now let it shake... now let it shake
Let it shake a little baby
Shake like a wild wood tree
The song "Shake" by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble is a great example of a blues shuffle. It's a classic upbeat blues song featuring lyrics about a cool shakin' baby who can "shake like a wildwood tree" and "shake like jello on a plate." The singer expresses his admiration for this woman's seductive dance moves, but at the same time, he seems to be dissatisfied with just looks and superficial beauty, as he sings, "Well it sho look good but it... don't mean a thang to me."
The lyrics highlight the idea that there's more to attraction than just physical appearances, as the singer appears to be more interested in the woman's seductive movements than the way she looks. He values the raw sexuality and energy that she displays when she shakes and moves. The song is all about celebrating the beauty of uninhibited physical expression, with the up-tempo beat and guitar riffs underscoring the carefree and joyous mood of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Well it sho look good but it... don't mean a thang to me
Although it appears pleasing, I do not find it significant or substantial
I've got a cool shakin' baby... shake like a wildwood tree
I have a partner who moves in a lively, carefree manner - similar to that of a tree swaying in the wind
You went away baby... you got back a little too late
You left my side for a period of time and upon your return, it was not an opportune moment
I've got a cool shakin' baby... shake like jello on a plate
I am accompanied with a partner who moves her body in a way that is reminiscent of the dessert item jello on a plate
When my baby walks... you know she's fightin' below
As my beloved walks, it is evident that she is struggling with inner turmoil
Yes and when she stops... (her) flesh, it shakes like jello
And when she comes to a halt, her body quivers just like the dessert item jello
Well now shake little baby
Shake it for me
Yeah now shake little baby
Shake it for me
Yeah now shake a little baby
Shake like a wild wood tree
Encouraging my partner to move her body in a lively manner - to sway like a tree in the wild
Now let it shake... now let it shake
Now let it shake... now let it shake
Let it shake a little baby
Shake like a wild wood tree
Urge to maintain the free-spirited, lively movement - like a tree that sways naturally
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: WILLIE DIXON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thomas Dwyer
Just think. As a little kid and watching his big brother playing guitar, he thought, I can do that. And we end up with the best ever! RIP Stevie, you are the man!
Quilted Pine
Is it just me or, did Stevie Ray not play like this so much on his studio albums?He's burning up the fretboard on this album!
Edgar Baring
This song has such a driving beat, I try to play my air guitar and try and keep up with Stevie then i come back to reality.
SRV4evr
You're deep in my heart Stevie!!! One of my fave tunes!
FreeTheGhetto
I like how he keeps the song the same, but adds amazing guitar licks in between. Good stuff! Sounds a lot like the original.
Dennis Tirabassi
never has a tune made me want to start twiching and moving like this one this man and his guitar were like the pied piper you stevie are very much missed by every one who ever listened to you play thank you very much
SRV4evr
Perfection!!!!! Stevie rocks!!!
Jodix
One of the top favorites with my biggest idol. I know it is a cover but it´s so GREAT!!R.I.P Stevie!!
Peggy Conner
FOREVER BEST BLUES SINGER, @ GUITARIST EVER, BEST DOUBLE TROUBLE BAND. Miss you Stevie RAY VAUGHAN.💔🖤💔🖤💔🖤💔
Frank K A Sloan
SRV...Just STICKS THIS SONG!!!..I miss this cat..seriously.....Listen to the riffs and movements by Chris Laton on drums....the timing is just PERFECT!!!