No matter what you think you pull you’ll find it’s not enough
No matter who you think you know you won’t get through
It’s a given L.A. law
Someone’s faster on the draw
No matter where you hide I’m comin’ after you yeah
No matter how the race is run it always ends the same
Another room without a view awaits downtown
You can shake me for a while
Live it up in style
No matter what you do I’m gonna take you down
Shakedown
Breakdown
Takedown
Everybody wants into the crowded line
Breakdown
Takedown
You’re busted
Let down
Your guard
Honey, just about the time you’re thinkin’ it’s alright
Breakdown
Takedown
You’re busted
This is a town where everyone is reachin’ for the top
This is a place where second best will never do
It’s okay to want to shine
But once you step across that line
No matter where you hide I’m comin’ after you
Shakedown
Breakdown
Takedown
Everybody wants into the crowded line
Breakdown
Takedown
You’re busted
Shakedown
Breakdown
Honey, just about the time you’re thinkin’ it’s alright
Breakdown
Takedown
You’re busted
Ah, busted
Aw aw
Shakedown
Breakdown
Takedown
Everybody wants into the crowded line
Breakdown
Takedown
You’re busted
Shakedown
Breakdown
Honey, just about the time you’re thinkin’ it’s alright
Breakdown
Takedown
You’re busted
Shakedown
Breakdown
Takedown
Everybody wants into the crowded line
Breakdown
Takedown
You’re busted
Let down
Your guard
Honey, just about the time you’re thinkin’ it’s alright
Breakdown
Takedown
Ah, you’re busted
Shakedown
Breakdown
Takedown
Everybody wants into the crowded line
Breakdown
Takedown
You’re busted
Let down
Your guard
Honey, just about the time you’re thinkin’ it’s alright
Inside the High-Stakes Chase of “Shakedown”
“Shakedown” by Bob Seger thrusts listeners into the heart of a relentless pursuit, capturing the tension and adrenaline of someone always one step ahead—or behind—in a world fueled by ambition and competition. The lyrics paint a picture of Los Angeles as a city where everyone is striving for the top, and second best isn’t enough. Seger’s voice channels both the thrill and anxiety of the chase, with lines like “No matter where you hide I’m comin’ after you,” emphasizing the inevitability of being caught in this high-stakes game. The recurring refrain—”Breakdown, Takedown, You’re busted”—serves as a warning that no matter how clever or confident you are, the risk of being exposed always looms.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Bob Seger, Harold Faltermeyer, Keith Forsey
Release Year: 1987
Label: Capitol Records