Shake
The Hi-Boys Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When you reach that golden city (golden city)
Friends and loved ones you shall see (you shall see)
When the saints come out to meet you (out to meet you)
Oh shake my mother's hand for me

Shake my mothers hand and tell her (and then tell her)
Happy may her spirits be (your spirits be)
When the saints come out to meet you (out to meet you)

Oh shake my mother's hand for me

There are times I often wonder
How can all these trials be
Time can't keep me here much longer
Oh shake my mother's hand for me

Over there you'll meet my Savior
Many loved ones you will see

When you've had a talk with Jesus
Oh shake my mother's hand for me

Overall Meaning

The Hi-Boys's song Shake is a touching gospel tune that reflects on the mortality of life on earth and the hope of a reunion in Heaven. The lyrics express the desire to be reunited with the loved ones after passing into the afterlife, particularly the mother. The singer urges the Saints to shake his mother's hand and convey his greetings to her. The lyrics are metaphoric, and the "golden city" represents the heaven where the dead find their eternal resting place.

The lyrics reveal the singer's deep longing to be united with his mother and loved ones who have passed away. He acknowledges that time is fleeting and that life on earth is temporary. Despite the pains of existence, he finds solace in the thought of reuniting with his family, friends, and savior in heaven. The song's message is a reminder that, no matter the trials we face in life, there is always hope for a future reunion with our loved ones.

Line by Line Meaning

When you reach that golden city (golden city)
When you've finally reached heaven

Friends and loved ones you shall see (you shall see)
You'll be reunited with those who have passed before you

When the saints come out to meet you (out to meet you)
When the angels come to greet you

Oh shake my mother's hand for me
Please give my mother a hug for me

Shake my mothers hand and tell her (and then tell her)
Give her a hug from me and say

Happy may her spirits be (your spirits be)
I hope she's doing well

There are times I often wonder
I sometimes ponder

How can all these trials be
How can these struggles and hardships exist

Time can't keep me here much longer
I know my time on Earth is limited

Over there you'll meet my Savior
In heaven, you'll get to meet Jesus

Many loved ones you will see
You'll reunite with many friends and family