In 2014, Taylor Swift released the hit song “Shake It Off” as the lead single from her album “1989”. The song, which was co-written and produced by Max Martin and Shellback, is an upbeat dance-pop tune with lyrics about Swift’s indifference to her critics and negative portrayal in the media. Initially, some critics found the lyrics to be weak, but many now appreciate it as an effective opener to Swift’s transition from country to pop music.
“Shake It Off” spent 50 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, four of which were at number one, and it received a Diamond certification from the RIAA. It also topped charts in several countries.
However, the music video, directed by Mark Romanek, was criticized for cultural appropriation. Swift promoted the song through live performances on various televised events and included it in her world tour setlists. The song received many awards, including a Grammy nomination.
Lyrics Interpretation
Before we delve into the story behind this song, let’s take a closer look at each verse of the lyrics.
Verse 1: Disregarding Negativity
“I stay out too late, Got nothing in my brain, That’s what people say, mmm-mmm, That’s what people say, mmm-mmm.”
In the opening lines of “Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift addresses the criticism she has faced throughout her career. The lyrics express how people tend to make assumptions and judgments about her without knowing her personally. Swift is candid about the negative comments she has received but remains unbothered by them, setting the tone for the rest of the song.
Verse 2: The Struggles of Dating in the Public Eye
“I go on too many dates, But I can’t make them stay, At least that’s what people say, mmm-mmm, That’s what people say, mmm-mmm.”
Swift touches on her dating life in this verse, highlighting the harsh scrutiny and judgments she has faced due to her high-profile relationships. By stating, “at least that’s what people say,” she acknowledges that these opinions are merely external perceptions, not necessarily reflecting the reality of her life.
Pre-Chorus: A Musical Mantra for Positivity
“But I keep cruising, Can’t stop, won’t stop moving, It’s like I got this music, In my mind, Saying, ‘It’s gonna be alright.'”
The pre-chorus showcases Swift’s resilience and determination to keep moving forward despite the negativity. She uses music as a metaphor to describe the positive voice in her mind, reminding her that everything will be alright. This message reinforces the importance of self-belief and optimism in the face of adversity.
Chorus: Shaking Off the Negativity
“‘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.”
In the catchy chorus, Swift acknowledges that there will always be people who will try to bring her down. However, she chooses to “shake it off” and not let their opinions affect her. This empowering message encourages listeners to adopt a similar attitude when faced with negativity and to focus on their own happiness and self-worth.
Verse 3: Hidden Strength
“I 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.”
Swift reveals her inner strength and resilience in this verse, emphasizing that her critics often overlook her true capabilities. By stating, “that’s what they don’t see,” she implies that people may be quick to judge her without recognizing her talents and determination.
Bridge: Rising Above the Drama
“Just think while you’ve been getting down and out about the liars and the dirty, dirty cheats of the world, You could’ve been getting down to this sick beat.”
The bridge serves as a reminder that instead of focusing on negativity and drama, people can choose to enjoy life and have fun. Swift encourages listeners to let go of their worries and dance to the “sick beat” of her song, reinforcing the overall theme of resilience and positivity.
Outro: An Invitation to Shake It Off
“My ex-man brought his new girlfriend, She’s like ‘Oh, my God!’ but I’m just gonna shake. And to the fella over there with the hella good hair, Won’t you come on over, baby? We can shake, shake, shake.”
In the outro, Swift addresses a past relationship and extends an invitation to a potential new connection, emphasizing her ability to move on from past experiences. By inviting someone to join her in “shaking off” negativity, she demonstrates the importance of surrounding oneself with positive and supportive people. This further reinforces the song’s message of resilience and self-empowerment.
True Meaning Behind “Shake It Off”
In an interview with iHeart Radio, Taylor Swift revealed that “Shake It Off” was written to address the universal experience of dealing with negativity, judgment, and rumors. She wanted to create a song that was joyful and empowering, providing listeners with a way to cope with the challenges life throws at them. The song’s message is relatable not only to Swift but also to anyone who has faced adversity or experienced the spread of false rumors.
Swift’s own experiences with media scrutiny and her rise to fame played a significant role in shaping the song’s lyrics. She shared with Rolling Stone that living under such scrutiny can either break a person or make them more resilient. Swift chose the latter, learning to “dodge punches” and deal with negativity by shaking it off.
A Catchy Chorus with a Powerful Message
The song’s infectious chorus, “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,” drives home the central message of focusing on positivity and letting go of negativity. Swift’s decision to create a chorus that encourages listeners to “shake off” their troubles showcases her desire to uplift and empower others.
A Universal Anthem for Overcoming Negativity
“Shake It Off” is not just a catchy pop hit; it is also an anthem for rising above negativity and embracing resilience. Its upbeat production and infectious saxophone line make the song enjoyable for both devoted fans and casual listeners. However, it is the powerful message behind the song that truly resonates with people from all walks of life.
Music Video
Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” music video is an absolute hoot! Directed by Mark Romanek, the video was released on August 18, 2014, the same day as the song. It was shot over three days in Los Angeles and features Swift as a bumbling and awkward character, struggling to find her place in the world.
The video is a lighthearted take on Swift’s journey of self-discovery. She enlists the help of professional dancers, including ballerinas, breakdancers, cheerleaders, and performance artists, to teach her some new moves. However, Swift’s attempts to fit in and learn from the pros are hilariously unsuccessful. She explains that the video is about being yourself and not being afraid to keep trying to find where you fit in.
The choreography in the video was created by Tyce Diorio, and the final scenes show Swift dancing with her fans, who were handpicked through social media. The video also includes several pop culture references, such as the ballerinas resembling those from the movie “Black Swan,” the breakdancers similar to those from “Step Up 3D,” and the sparkling suits and robotic dance moves reminiscent of Daft Punk. There are even nods to Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Skrillex, and Audrey Hepburn’s iconic audition scene in “Funny Face.”
Overall, the “Shake It Off” music video perfectly captures Swift’s humorous and endearing personality, making for an entertaining and enjoyable watch.
Conclusion
Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” serves as a testament to the importance of maintaining a sense of humor and focusing on positivity in the face of adversity. The song’s universal message, coupled with its catchy melody, make it an empowering and uplifting anthem for anyone facing challenges and negativity in their lives.