As a singer-songwriter, Tikaram scored her greatest hit to date with Twist in My Sobriety, from her debut album Ancient Heart in 1988, when she was 19 years of age. After two years she released her second album The Sweet Keeper, containing songs such as Sunset's Arrived and Harm in Your Hands.
Other albums released by Tanita are: Everybody's Angel, Eleven Kinds of Loneliness, Lovers in the City, Cappuccino Songs and Sentimental.
As of April 2009, Tanita is living in London, England, and is currently recording a new album. Tanita is also releasing free live versions of older songs on her blog. You can subscribe here: http://tanitatikaramblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
Don't Shake Me Up
Tanita Tikaram Lyrics
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Although I got nothing & you got something
See I'm not fit to be an open door
Or the mat you wipe your feet upon
Please someone
Don't shake me up
Many's the time I've thought of you
No-one for company
This is the month that puts tomorrow back
Only you got something, I got sidetracked
Just for once I'd like my lover mapped
For me to write my name upon
Please someone
Don't shake me up
Many's the time I've thought of you
Lying in your bed with the ocean view
Not me for company
Don't shake me up
There'll be a time when I'm far from you
When I will see the trick of you
And the trick of you and me
Then the burden of my heart (say something)
Will not sing a sorry song
Yea, the burden of my heart
Will not be the sorry, be the sorry one
No, don't shake me up
Many's the time I've thought of you
Lying in your bed in the afternoon
In the song "Don't Shake Me Up" by Tanita Tikaram, the singer is expressing a feeling of inadequacy and insecurity in a relationship where her partner seems to have everything while she has nothing. She acknowledges that she is not the ideal partner, but still asks for someone to not shake her up. She then describes a memory of lying in bed with nothing but her thoughts and wishing she had her partner's company. The song continues with the singer asking for her lover to be mapped out for her so she can feel more secure in the relationship. She then repeats her plea for someone to not shake her up and mentions how she will see through her partner's facade one day.
The lyrics of this song delve deep into themes of self-doubt and insecurity in a relationship. The singer feels less than her partner in many ways and is constantly seeking reassurance that she is enough. The mention of the burden of her heart and how it will not be the sorry one in the end shows her determination to not let her insecurities control her. The repetition of the plea to not be shaken up highlights the singer's vulnerability and how she is at the mercy of her partner's actions.
Line by Line Meaning
This is something to thank your fortune for
This situation is something to be grateful for, due to the good luck it represents.
Although I got nothing & you got something
I have nothing, while you have something of value.
See I'm not fit to be an open door
I am not capable of being a welcoming entrance for others.
Or the mat you wipe your feet upon
I am not suited to be a doormat that is regularly used and ignored.
Please someone
I am pleading with anyone who will listen to my request.
Don't shake me up
Please don't cause me distress or anxiety.
Many's the time I've thought of you
Lying in my bed in the afternoon
No-one for company
I often think of you while alone in bed during the day, realizing that I have no one else to share my thoughts and feelings with.
This is the month that puts tomorrow back
Only you got something, I got sidetracked
Just for once I'd like my lover mapped
For me to write my name upon
Please someone
This is the time when I feel like I'm falling behind, and you have something that I don't have. However, I wish I could have a clear picture of my romantic partner, and make them mine forever. I am looking for anyone to help me with this.
There'll be a time when I'm far from you
When I will see the trick of you
And the trick of you and me
In the future, when I am separated from you, I will be able to see through the facade you project, and the illusions of our relationship.
Then the burden of my heart (say something)
Will not sing a sorry song
Yea, the burden of my heart
Will not be the sorry, be the sorry one
At that point, the sorrow that weighs heavily on my heart will be lifted, and I will no longer lament the way things turned out between us.
Not me for company
I won't be there as your companion.
Lying in your bed with the ocean view
You'll be relaxing in bed, enjoying the scenic view of the ocean.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TANITA TIKARAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind