The meaning of Shake It Out by Florence The Machine

"Shake It Out" is a soulful song by Florence + The Machine from their second album, Ceremonials. This track resonates deeply with its audience by expressing themes of regret, letting go and renewal. In essence, the song celebrates embracing the future and leaving painful past behind. However, the meaning of this song goes much deeper.

In the song's lyrics, “Shake It Out,” refers to the process of moved past one's regrets and mistakes. From the beginning of the song, the lead singer, Florence Welch, presents a vivid image of being haunted by her ghosts or past regrets. "Regrets collect like old friends / Here to relive your darkest moments" she sings. This portrays the idea that our past mistakes and regrets can often linger in our lives, replaying over and over, much like unwelcome companions that refuse to leave.

An important turning point in the song is the chorus where Welch sings, "And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back / So shake him off." These lines emphasize the importance of letting go of negative forces or burdens in our lives. Whether these burdens are past mistakes, regret, or guilt, they weigh us down, inhibiting our ability to truly move forward and be free. By using the metaphor of shaking off a devil from one's back, Welch suggests that it can be hard but it is necessary to let go of these burdens.

Florence herself has confirmed that the song is about trying to let go of her problems. In an interview she did with XFM radio, she said, "'Shake It Out' is a weird one because it's kind of, like, trying to get rid of your hang-ups. It's like exorcising your demons, which you can see from the music video where multiple scenes of ceremonial exorcisms were shown."

At the same time, the song embraces the concept of rebirth and moving forward. Welch constantly stresses that each day is a new day and that it's never too late to change or to start again. The song seizes the idea that every day is a chance to release these regrets and embrace the future, a survival anthem, signalling a cathartic release from past mistakes.

The religious and spiritual undertones of the lyrics, combined with Florence's soulful and impassioned delivery, help listeners connect to the central themes of overcoming hardships, rebirth, and spiritual cleanse. The beauty of "Shake It Out" lies in its empowering message wrapped up in an anthemic tune, a proclamation that there's strength in vulnerability, and liberation in letting go.

In conclusion, "Shake It Out" by Florence + The Machine is a powerful song that encourages its listeners to confront their past, learn from their mistakes, and move forward. It's a testament to the resilience of human spirit, reminding us that we can dance through our troubles, shake off our ghosts, and embrace our future unburdened.