Rattlesnake Shake/Underway

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a playful, almost suggestive offer, promising to be a "rockin' horse" for someone who wants to "rock." This quickly establishes a raw, physical energy. But a deeper current emerges, hinting at a world that's "shakin'" and a personal need to "shake myself" when alone. The core message is clear: there's a primal, physical solution to emotional turmoil. The central tension lies in this contrast between external chaos and internal emotional need. The world is "shakin'," perhaps overwhelming, leading to a feeling of needing "love" or having "the blues." The lyrics then present a singular, almost defiant answer: "Ain't but the one thing / A good man can do." This sets up the "shake" as a universal, self-sufficient antidote to emotional turmoil. The repeated invocation of "the rattlesnake shake" is key. It's not just any dance; the "rattlesnake" imagery evokes something primal, rhythmic, and a little dangerous, suggesting a visceral release. The active verbs — "shake," "jerk away" — underscore this physical, almost aggressive dismissal of sadness. It's a direct, unvarnished confrontation with inner struggle, turning it into outward, rhythmic action. What makes these lyrics resonate is their unpretentious honesty about self-soothing. The introduction of "Mick," who "don't care when he ain't got no chick" but still "do the shake," broadens the scope beyond romantic longing. It suggests that this "shake" is a fundamental, solitary act of self-reliance, a way to reclaim agency and "jerk away the blues" regardless of external circumstances or companionship. It's a celebration of raw, physical catharsis.