The Cars - Shake It Up (1981)

"Shake It Up" is a song by American rock band The Cars from their fourth studio album of the same name (1981). It was ...

"Shake It Up" is a song by American rock band The Cars from their fourth studio album of the same name (1981). It was released on November 9, 1981, as the album's lead single. Although appearing for the first time in 1981, it was actually written years earlier by the band's songwriter and lead singer Ric Ocasek. The song became one of the Cars' most popular songs, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Billboard Top Tracks chart in early 1982. With the track "Cruiser" as its B-side, it reached number 14 on the Billboard Disco Top 80 chart.

Lyrics

The song references dance moves, hair styles and having fun. However, bassist Benjamin Orr has stated the song tells the story of how important it is to make a mark in life, to "let them know what you really mean". Thus, the song has an existential element as well as a simple message.

Ocasek has since dismissed the song's lyrics, saying, "I'm not proud of the lyrics to 'Shake It Up.'"