Lyrics
When the week is done and the evening sun
Reflecting on the end of the week and the setting sun.
Is sinkin' back into the hills
Describing the sun sinking behind the hills.
Well, the neon lights start flickerin' on
As evening falls, neon lights start to flicker.
And the roadhouse starts to fill
A roadhouse is getting crowded as people gather.
You can bet your ass by ten o'clock
Anticipating a busy night at the roadhouse.
It'll be all that you can take
By 10 o'clock, the place will be packed.
To squeeze inside with the girls and guys
Describing the challenge of squeezing into the crowded venue.
Who come out to do the shake
People gather to dance and participate in "the shake."
Shake it 'til you can't shake it out no more
Encouraging vigorous dancing until one can't anymore.
Do it 'til your feet come off the floor
Encouraging continuous dancing until feet lift off the floor.
Put a little shake in your rattle and roll
Suggesting adding excitement to life, metaphorically comparing it to shake, rattle, and roll.
Shake it 'til you can't shake it out no more
Reiterating the idea of dancing intensely until one can't anymore.
The air is thick with the sweat and smoke
Describing the atmosphere filled with sweat and smoke.
Comin' off everybody's skin
Highlighting the physical intensity of the environment.
And the rhythm grows in people's bones
Emphasizing the rhythmic experience as if it's emanating from within.
Like it's comin' from within
Connecting the rhythm to a deeply internal feeling.
Don't come out here lookin' just to chill
Warning against coming to chill; the focus is on active participation.
Or to sit down and take a break
Highlighting the lack of interest in taking a break; it's about engaging in "the shake."
The only thing to try 'round here tonight
Stressing that the only thing to try is to actively participate in dancing.
Is get up and do the shake
Encouraging everyone to get up and dance.
Shake it 'til you can't shake it out no more
Repeating the encouragement to dance until one can't anymore.
Do it 'til your feet come off the floor
Reiterating the idea of dancing until feet come off the floor.
Put a little shake in your rattle and roll
Encouraging adding excitement to life with dance.
Shake it 'til you can't shake it out no more
Repeating the encouragement to dance intensely.
We're all the same when we come out here
Stating that everyone is equal on the dance floor, regardless of background.
Don't matter who your daddy is
Emphasizing the inclusivity of the dance experience.
What side of the street that you grew up on
Downplaying the importance of one's background or upbringing.
Don't count for anything
Asserting that certain factors don't matter in the context of dancing.
Come down alone, or with a friend in tow
Encouraging individuals to come to the dance floor, alone or with friends.
Just get down here for god's sake
Emphasizing the urgency of joining the dance event.
Bring folding money and a pack of smokes
Suggesting to bring money and cigarettes for a complete experience.
And get down here and shake
Reiterating the call to join the dance and shake.
Shake it out
Encouraging a full and energetic participation in the dance.
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