The term Various Artists is used in the record industry when numerous singers and musicians collaborate on a song or collection of songs. Most often on Last.fm, compilation album tracks appear under the name of Various Artists erroneously because the individual artist is not listed in the album's ID3 information.
Compilation albums, for example.
Sometimes, single releases may be credited to Various Artists when their profits are going to charity and, usually in high-profile cases, are sometimes known by a group name. Examples include Band Aid with their releases of Do They Know It's Christmas? and USA for Africa with We Are The World.
Various Artists is also an actual performance name for Torsten Pröfrock, who runs the German DIN label. Torsten performs also as Dynamo, Erosion, Resilent, Traktor besides some others. He's a good friend of Robert Henke and since the Fall of 2004, he is a member of Monolake.
Various Artists was also a short-lived Bristol punk band formed by brothers Jonjo and Robin Key (originally from Birmingham). Other members were also simultaneously in Art Objects who went on to become The Blue Aeroplanes, the latter the Key brothers also co-wrote some songs and were involved in. When Various Artists imploded, the Key brothers went on to form Either / Or.
Various Artists also appear on tracks from musical theater soundtracks, due to the nature of having many cast members on one song, as well as an ensemble in some cases.
Shake It Off
Various Artists Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's what people say, mmm hmm, that's what people say, mmm hmm
I go on too many dates, but I can't make 'em stay
At least that's what people say mmm
mmm, that's what people say mmm mmm
But I keep cruising, can't stop, won't stop moving
It's like I got this music in my mind, sayin' gonna be alright
'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break, break, break
And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
I'll never miss a beat, I'm lightning on my feet
And that's what they don't see mmm
mmm, that's what they don't see mmm mmm
I'm dancing on my own (dancing on my own),
I'll make the moves up as I go (moves up as I go)
And that's what they don't know mmm
mmm, that's what they don't know mmm mmm
But I keep cruising, can't stop, won't stop grooving
It's like I got this music in my mind saying it's gonna be alright
'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
My ex-man brought his new girlfriend
She's like "oh my God", but I'm just gonna shake it
And to the fella over there with the hella good hair
Won't you come on over, baby, we can shake, shake, shake, yeah oh
'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate,
hate, hate, hate (haters gonna hate me)
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break, break, break
And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake (the fakers baby)
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
I shake it off, I shake it off
I, I shake it off, I shake it off
I, I shake it off, I shake it off
I, I shake it off, I shake it off
The lyrics to “Shake It Off” by Various Artists is about resilience and letting go of negativity. The chorus repeats the phrase “the players gonna play, play, play, play, play and the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate” and encourages the listener to move on from the opinions of others. The verses discuss how the artist is misunderstood, but keeps going anyway. The song celebrates individuality and not being defined by what others say.
The repetition of “mmm hmm” and “shake, shake, shake, shake, shake” in the lyrics make the song incredibly catchy and has made it a hit among audiences. The song has a fast-paced tempo and a pop-inspired beat, making it a popular song for dancing. “Shake It Off” has become a cultural phenomenon since its release, and the song’s message of resilience and individuality has made it an anthem for many people across the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I stay out too late, got nothin' in my brain
I have a carefree lifestyle, often staying up past a typical bedtime and not thinking too deeply about things.
That's what people say, mmm hmm, that's what people say, mmm hmm
I am aware that others judge me and make assumptions about me, but I'm aware that their opinions don't define who I am.
I go on too many dates, but I can't make 'em stay
I am active in my dating life, but often relationships don't work out, and I'm not always sure why.
At least that's what people say mmm
Others often criticize my dating habits, but I don't take their comments to heart.
mmm, that's what people say mmm mmm
I acknowledge that people will always talk about me and that's something I can't change.
But I keep cruising, can't stop, won't stop moving
I stay active, pushing through any difficulties and never giving up.
It's like I got this music in my mind, sayin' gonna be alright
Despite setbacks, I always maintain a positive outlook and believe that everything will work out in the end.
'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
I understand that some people will always focus on their own interests and try to win at any cost.
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
I realize that some people will always criticize and even try to ruin what I do, even if it's not their business.
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I am unbothered by the negative attitudes of others and choose to focus on my own happiness.
I shake it off, I shake it off
I refuse to let others' negativity impact my mood or my life goals.
Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break, break, break
I've experienced heartbreak but understand it's part of life and am prepared to move on from it.
And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake
I know that some people pretend to be something they're not, and I don't let them get in the way of my happiness.
My ex-man brought his new girlfriend
My past relationships don't define me, and I don't let them impact my future.
She's like 'oh my God', but I'm just gonna shake it
Others may be surprised or react negatively to my actions, but I won't let their opinions impact my choices.
And to the fella over there with the hella good hair
I recognize attractive qualities in others but am not easily swayed by their looks or charm.
Won't you come on over, baby, we can shake, shake, shake, yeah oh
I'm open to meeting new people and experiencing new things, regardless of what others might think.
I'll never miss a beat, I'm lightning on my feet
I'm confident in my abilities and can deal with anything that comes my way.
And that's what they don't see mmm
Others may not see or fully appreciate my strengths and talents.
mmm, that's what they don't see mmm mmm
I recognize that others may not see me for who I really am, but I don't let that bother me.
I'm dancing on my own (dancing on my own)
I'm not afraid to stand out or do things differently than others.
I'll make the moves up as I go (moves up as I go)
I'm not afraid to try new things and see where life takes me. I trust my intuition and judgment.
And that's what they don't know mmm
Others may not be aware of the choices I make in my life or why I make them.
mmm, that's what they don't know mmm mmm
I don't feel the need to explain myself to others or justify my actions.
But I keep cruising, can't stop, won't stop grooving
I am always moving forward with my life, embracing change and staying true to myself.
I shake it off, I shake it off
I don't let the negativity of others bring me down or stop me from pursuing my goals.
I shake it off, I shake it off
I remain steadfast in my beliefs and my approach to life, no matter what others say or do.
I, I shake it off, I shake it off
I am fully in control of my life and my emotions, no matter what happens around me.
I, I shake it off, I shake it off
I am strong, resilient, and always ready to move forward, no matter what life throws at me.
Writer(s): JERMAINE DUPRI, MARIAH CAREY, BRYAN MICHAEL PAUL COX, JOHNTA M. AUSTIN
Contributed by Vivian H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.