If there was ever a song to be the “letting go of your problems” anthem, this is it; and how can you not let go off all your troubles when you’re listening to this melodious masterpiece?
The lyrics conjure images of shrugging the devils of your past off your back and this, combined with Florence Welch’s soulful crooning, makes the song memorable. As with other Florence + The Machine singles, a rhythmic bass drives this song giving it a great beat to dance to. As it is said in the song, “it’s hard to dance with the devil on your back, so shake it off”.
This is definitely a song to shake the devil off your back. “Shake It Out” is reminiscent of the song “Dog Days Are Over” which really pushed Florence and the artists who make up her machine into mainstream popularity. “Dog Days Are Over”continues to be one of my favorite songs ever, so it’s no wonder I am so enamored with “Shake It Out”.
It isn’t another cliché song about leaving your worries behind so you can go get drunk and party like those that are so typical of today’s music and for that, this song should have risen to, and stayed at, the top of every chart a long time ago.