The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
I get the blues for you baby when I look up at the sun
I get the blues for you baby when I look up at the sun
Come back here, we can have some real fun
Well it's early in the evening and everything is still
Well it's early in the evening and everything is still
One more time, I'm walking up around the hill
Shake shake mama like a ship going out to sea
Shake shake mama like a ship going out to sea
You took all my money and you gave it to Richard Lee
Down by the river judge Simpson's walking around
Down by the river judge Simpson's walking around
Nothing shocks me more than that old clown
Some of you women, you really know your stuff
Some of you women, you really know your stuff
But your clothes are all torn and your language is a little too rough
Shake shake mama, shake until the break of day
Shake shake mama, shake until the break of day
I'm right here baby, I'm not that far away
I'm motherless, fatherless, almost friendless too
I'm motherless, fatherless, almost friendless too
It's Friday morning, going to Franklin Avenue
Shake shake mama, raise your voice and bay
Shake shake mama, raise your voice and bay
If you're goin' on home, better go the shortest way
I get the blues for you baby when I look up at the sun
Come back here, we can have some real fun
Well it's early in the evening and everything is still
Well it's early in the evening and everything is still
One more time, I'm walking up around the hill
Shake shake mama like a ship going out to sea
Shake shake mama like a ship going out to sea
You took all my money and you gave it to Richard Lee
Down by the river judge Simpson's walking around
Down by the river judge Simpson's walking around
Nothing shocks me more than that old clown
Some of you women, you really know your stuff
Some of you women, you really know your stuff
But your clothes are all torn and your language is a little too rough
Shake shake mama, shake until the break of day
Shake shake mama, shake until the break of day
I'm right here baby, I'm not that far away
I'm motherless, fatherless, almost friendless too
I'm motherless, fatherless, almost friendless too
It's Friday morning, going to Franklin Avenue
Shake shake mama, raise your voice and bay
Shake shake mama, raise your voice and bay
If you're goin' on home, better go the shortest way
Lyrics submitted by Cyberghost
Shake Shake Mama Lyrics as written by Robert Hunter Bob Dylan
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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The lyrics are nothing special, but I love the music and Dylan's raspy voice on this. One of the highlights of Together Through Life, in my opinion.
I'm mother less father less almost friendless too,
I can sing that over and over agan, the content isn't great but this song is as contagious as they come, I've said it once before dylan gets better with time, and this song is a perfect case. lyrics are fun and steady but the rythem is God Damn supberb. For a total non dancer I can't help but...Shake SHake ....shit that was pretty gay love u Bob
i thought instead of judge simpson he was saying jessica simpson. lol i was like wtf? first alicia keys now jessica simpson?
a lot of old people like to dance