Twist and Shout
Various Artists Lyrics


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Well, shake it up, baby, now (Shake it up, baby)
Twist and shout (Twist and shout)
C'mon c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, baby, now (Come on baby)
Come on and work it on out (Work it on out)

Well, work it on out, honey (Work it on out)
You know you look so good (Look so good)
You know you got me goin', now (Got me goin')
Just like I knew you would (Like I knew you would)

Well, shake it up, baby, now (Shake it up, baby)
Twist and shout (Twist and shout)
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, baby, now (Come on baby)
Come on and work it on out (Work it on out)

You know you twist your little girl (Twist, little girl)
You know you twist so fine (Twist so fine)
Come on and twist a little closer, now (Twist a little closer)
And let me know that you're mine (Let me know you're mine)

Well, shake it up, baby, now (Shake it up, baby)
Twist and shout (Twist and shout)
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, baby, now (Come on baby)
Come on and work it on out (Work it on out)

You know you twist your little girl (Twist, little girl)
You know you twist so fine (Twist so fine)
Come on and twist a little closer, now (Twist a little closer)
Aand let me know that you're mine (Let me know you're mine)

Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now (Shake it up baby)




Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now (Shake it up baby)
Well, shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now (Shake it up baby)

Overall Meaning

"Twist and Shout" is a classic rock and roll anthem that encourages everyone to shake, twist and shout on the dance floor. The song was originally recorded by The Top Notes in 1961, but it achieved global success in 1964 with the cover version by The Beatles. The lyrics of the song are simple but effective, as they encourage the listener to let loose and dance to the beat.


The first verse opens with "shake it up baby, now (shake it up, baby) twist and shout (twist and shout)", setting the tone for the entire song. The use of repetition and the call-and-response structure of the chorus create a sense of energy and urgency that encourages the listener to join in. The song is about letting go of inhibitions and expressing oneself through dance. It is a perfect song to play at parties and events, as it is impossible to resist the infectious beat and catchy melody.


Overall, "Twist and Shout" is a timeless classic that continues to be loved by new generations of music lovers. Its catchy melody and upbeat lyrics are sure to get anyone up and dancing, whether they are listening to it for the first time or have been dancing to it for years.


Line by Line Meaning

Shake it up, baby
Encouraging the listener to shake their body


Twist and shout
Encouraging the listener to dance and make noise


C'mon c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, baby, now
Encouraging the listener to join in and participate more actively


Come on and work it on out
Encouraging the listener to keep dancing and moving their body


You know you look so good
Complimenting the listener's appearance


You know you got me goin', now
Expressing the singer's excitement and enjoyment of the listener's dancing


Just like I knew you would
Implying that the singer had high expectations of the listener's dancing abilities


You know you twist your little girl
Commenting on the listener's dance moves, twisting like a little girl


You know you twist so fine
Complimenting the listener's twisting technique


Come on and twist a little closer, now
Encouraging the listener to dance closer to the artist


And let me know that you're mine
Suggesting a romantic interest and wanting the listener to show affection


Shake it, shake it, shake it, baby, now
Repeating the earlier encouragement for the listener to shake their body




Writer(s): Phil Medley, Bert Berns

Contributed by Ethan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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