Shakes Lyrics – Luke Hemmings

[Intro]
The intro sets a contemplative and emotional tone with Hemmings' vocalizations, suggesting an introspective state of mind. It hints at the emotional depth and the reflective nature of the song.

[Verse 1]
Hemmings describes feeling lost in the morning, where time seems to slow down, emphasizing his loneliness and longing. He wonders if sharing his feelings could alleviate his loneliness despite feeling emotionally small. The touch of the person he longs for is described as deadly, indicating its powerful and overwhelming effect on him. He questions whether it's better to feel this intense longing or to feel nothing at all, showcasing the struggle between emotional pain and numbness.

[Chorus]
In the chorus, Hemmings expresses his deep desire to be with the person he loves, wanting to be a part of their dreams and life. He acknowledges that he can't shake off this intense feeling of longing and desire. The repetition of wanting to be inside their dreams highlights his yearning to be close to them even in the most intimate and subconscious ways.

[Post-Chorus]
The repeated phrase "shake, shake, shake" symbolizes his struggle to shake off the intense emotions and feelings he has for this person. It's a representation of his inability to move past his longing, as these emotions continue to persist and affect him deeply.

[Verse 2]
Hemmings compares his feeling to having wine running through his veins, indicating how intoxicating and overwhelming his emotions are. He likens the person he desires to a butterfly, something beautiful and elusive that he can't help but chase. He expresses a wish to avoid pain by sleeping through it, suggesting a desire for an escape from his emotional turmoil. Despite his feelings, he acknowledges that life in the city moves on without him, underscoring his sense of being left behind and the transient nature of life.

[Chorus]
The chorus is repeated, reinforcing his desire to be with the person he loves and his inability to shake off these feelings. The repetition emphasizes the persistent and consuming nature of his emotions.

[Post-Chorus]
The post-chorus is repeated again, with "shake, shake, shake" underscoring his ongoing struggle with his feelings. The repetition here further emphasizes the theme of emotional turmoil and the difficulty of overcoming such strong emotions.

[Bridge]
The bridge reiterates his deep desire to belong to the person he loves, emphasizing his longing and emotional struggle. The repeated line "I just want to be yours" highlights his singular focus and deep yearning to be connected with this person.

[Outro]
The outro circles back to the initial themes of longing and the inability to escape these intense emotions, reinforcing the song's emotional depth and the enduring impact of unfulfilled desire. The repetition of wanting it "so bad" underscores the intensity and persistence of his feelings, making it clear that this longing is a central and unrelenting part of his emotional landscape.