Can't Shake It
The Angels Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Young man in Morocco buys a diamond ring
Takes it across the water just to see what luck it brings
Young girl dressed in midnight sets his blood on fire
You can't buy my soul with gold, but my heart is up for hire

I can't shake it, I can't shake it
I can't shake it, just can't shake
I can't shake it, I can't shake it
I can't shake it, just can't shake

Driving in your Fleetwood to the sport of kings today
Top hat, cane and ascot, that's the game you play
Jumpin' from a window, shirt half off your back
Better take the elevator yeah and find another track

I can't shake it, I can't shake it
I can't shake it, just can't shake




I can't shake it, I can't shake it
I can't shake it, just can't shake

Overall Meaning

The Angels' song "Can't Shake It" is a rock 'n roll classic that speaks about the irresistible allure of temptation. The opening lines of the song describe a young man who travels to Morocco to buy a diamond ring and bring it back with him, hoping that it will be a lucky charm that brings him success. The following lyric introduces a young woman who captures the attention and imagination of the young man, setting his blood on fire. She tells him that he can't buy her soul with money, but her heart is up for hire. This verse sets the scene for the rest of the song, which is essentially a celebration of the power of desire.


The chorus, which is repeated several times throughout the song, further emphasizes this theme of irresistible temptation. The singer admits that he can't shake the feelings that are stirring inside him, no matter how hard he tries. He acknowledges that he is powerless when it comes to the pull of his desires, and is resigned to his fate as a victim of his own passions. The second verse of the song takes a different tack, describing a man who is similarly entranced by the high-flying lifestyle of the wealthy elite. He wears top hat and ascot, and plays the sport of kings. However, the song makes it clear that this lifestyle is equally seductive and ultimately unfulfilling. The tawdry scene of the man jumping out of a window with his shirt half off is a vivid metaphor for the reckless abandon that accompanies a life lived in pursuit of pleasure.


Overall, "Can't Shake It" is a song that portrays the human desire for pleasure and indulgence as an almost elemental force that cannot be resisted. The song speaks to a longing that is deep within us, one that drives us to seek fulfillment even if it means sacrificing everything else. At the same time, it acknowledges the dangers and pitfalls of such desires, and the destructive consequences that can result from a life lived without restraint.


Line by Line Meaning

Young man in Morocco buys a diamond ring
A young man in Morocco purchased a diamond ring.


Takes it across the water just to see what luck it brings
He took the ring overseas to see how fortunate he could be.


Young girl dressed in midnight sets his blood on fire
The sight of a girl in a black dress made his heart race.


You can't buy my soul with gold, but my heart is up for hire
The girl can't be bought, but she is open to love.


I can't shake it, I can't shake it
The feeling is stuck and won't go away.


I can't shake it, just can't shake
The singer can't shake his emotions.


Driving in your Fleetwood to the sport of kings today
Driving a Fleetwood car to a horse race.


Top hat, cane and ascot, that's the game you play
Wearing fancy clothing is expected at such events.


Jumpin' from a window, shirt half off your back
A reckless act of jumping from a window.


Better take the elevator yeah and find another track
It would be wise to find a safer option via the elevator.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHAEL GERALD LUNN, ROBERT WHITE JOHNSON, DONNIE VAN ZANT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@davidderr2662

Their music is timeless! I'm 61 and still rock it.

@lillydriver6403

Yep

@annemariemakowsky1536

Oh how i wish i had been able to see the legend that is Doc before he passed.

@JohnColletti-ty4zt

Deadly like the best versions of Give me some water.Thanks all around.

@Wayneogston

What a fucken cracking song! This was my life back in the 70s/80s Went everywhere to watch Doc and the boys. I was at the AC/DC concert at the Bowl in 1981 and The Angels were better. Seen them no less than 50 times. I love his screams

@davidanderson9043

Yeah mate. Was at the bowl too. AC/DC, Angles and from memory Choir boys on the Friday night.
Used to follow the angles to many a pub in Melbourne and remember Doc would just mingle with the crowd pre going on stage to get a vibe for the night. He’d talk to you and was a feet on the ground guy, no tickets on himself.
Still listen to them (load as) and I’m 58.

@petek9541

This has to one of my top 50 greatest rock songs ever.

@joshmalcom89

No doubt ...I think this set up the stage for the grit on ACDC back In black and twisted sister possibly demos

@joshmalcom89

The angels are the best period....

@bernardlinder8753

Truly a major piece. and so underrated...

More Comments

More Versions