Shellshock
Tank Lyrics


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Wakey, wakey...
Hated you for far too long, you're just so damn polite
You've been screaming, shouting all night long
That you we've gotta get wrecked tonight...
I don't know when to stop... I just can't get enough...Shellshock!
It's getting late in the evening, I can't wait to turn the lights out...
Come down from the ceiling, don't stop just burn me out...
I don't know when to stop, I just can't get enough...Shellshock!
Some of the things you do... I just don't understand
But those strange things that you do... must mean I'm going mad




I don't know when to stop... I just can't get enough...Shellshock!
Those strange things that you give to me you give me...Shellshock!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Tank's "Shellshock" is a reflection of the singer's addiction to an individual who is both polite and chaotic. The singer admits to hating the individual for far too long but also cannot seem to get enough of them. The individual in question screams and shouts all night long, insisting on getting wrecked, which the singer seems happy to abide by. The singer is in a frenzied state, craving more and more of this person's attention and influence, describing it as "Shellshock."


As the song progresses, the singer's desperation becomes more prominent, stating that they can't wait to turn out the lights and burn out. They admit that they don't understand some of the things this person does but continues to crave them nonetheless. The repeated reference to "Shellshock" suggests a state of confusion and disorientation due to the intensity of the relationship.


Overall, "Shellshock" can be interpreted as a commentary on addiction, with the singer consumed by their desire for this person despite knowing it may not be healthy. The song highlights the conflicting emotions and behaviors that addiction can bring, such as wanting to stop but not knowing how, or craving something even though it's not fully understood.


Line by Line Meaning

Wakey, wakey...
Time to wake up and face reality


Hated you for far too long, you're just so damn polite
Resentment towards someone who is too nice or fake


You've been screaming, shouting all night long
An outburst of emotions


That you we've gotta get wrecked tonight...
Encouraging destructive behavior


I don't know when to stop... I just can't get enough...Shellshock!
Addicted to self-destructive behavior


It's getting late in the evening, I can't wait to turn the lights out...
Excitement to engage in reckless behavior under the cover of darkness


Come down from the ceiling, don't stop just burn me out...
Desire for intense and overwhelming experiences


Some of the things you do... I just don't understand
Confusion and bewilderment about the actions of others


But those strange things that you do... must mean I'm going mad
Feeling like losing one's mind because of the influence of others


Those strange things that you give to me you give me...Shellshock!
Being under someone's toxic and damaging influence




Contributed by Anthony F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@dennyshoopman4397

Some kick ass party tunes there!! Many good times to this band! I saw them in 83 at the Elzer Hof Halle, Mainz, Germany with Metallica. Ride the Lightning tour.

@ironhammer8935

Ride The Lightning tour in 1983? Ride The Lightning was released in july 1984.

@Brotherhound

@Iron Hammer that was 85. doesn't matter . im jealous!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@kasebmohamed5468

It seems that they had a particularly strong impact in Germany! Most bands I've seen citing Tank as a huge influence were German speed-thrash bands, especially Sodom!

@jesserothbeind950

Ahhh great memories from this album!!

@vladdrac7364

This 1st tank album is awesome

@henry6354

I remember very well this song...awesome 🇮🇹

@javierpino9815

best nwobhm band ever!!!

@phillipanderson3335

Sweet sunrise

@Sodomizxr

YES!!!!

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