When I feel you right up close to me
That’s when I get the shakes all over me
Well, it quivers in my backbone
Ooh, the shakes in my knee bone
Ooh, shakin’ in the thighbone
Shakin’ all over
Ow! Ooh
I went to see the doctor just the other day, yeah
I’m about to tell you what the man had to say
He said, “Well, you shiver in your backbone
Ooh the shakin’ in your knee bone
Ooh movin’ on the backbone
Shakin’ all over – roowar ow owowo wow!
Wow!
Rowar!
Well, it quivers in your backbone
Ooh the shakes in your kneebone
Well, shakin’ in the backbone
Yeah, I was
I was
Sh-, sh-, sh-, sh-, sh-, sh-, ow, oh ow ow ah
Shakin’ all over
Rowar!
Wow!
Shakin’
Shakin’
Shakin’ all over
O!
Shakin’
Shakin’
Shakin’ all over
Shakin’
Shakin’
Shakin’ all over
[?]
Ow!
Vancouver, thank you!
See ya
Feeling the Music: Analyzing “Shakin’ All Over (Live)”
Billy Idol’s energetic live rendition of “Shakin’ All Over” captures the raw, physical thrill of attraction. The lyrics revolve around the uncontrollable sensation one experiences when close to someone special—manifesting in tremors, shakes, and quivers from head to toe. Idol’s delivery, punctuated by expressive exclamations and vocal improvisations, amplifies the sense of excitement and vulnerability that comes with intense emotion. The repetition and playful, almost primal language translate the song’s theme into a visceral experience, making it easy for audiences to connect with the universal feeling of having their composure shaken by desire.
Song Credits
- Performed by: Billy Idol
- Songwriter: Frederick Heath (Johnny Kidd)