Shake It Out
"Shake It Out" is a song by the English indie rock band Florence + the Machine, written by frontwoman Florence Welch and producer Paul Epworth, and released as the lead single from the band's second studio album, Ceremonials, on 14 September 2011.[1][2] The track features a dramatic blend of orchestral elements, including harp and gospel-inspired backing vocals, over a driving rhythm, with Welch's powerful vocals conveying themes of redemption and overcoming personal regrets.[3][4] Welch has described the song as being about "getting through something or seeing the light at the end of the tunnel," inspired in part by her own experiences with emotional struggles during a hangover.[4][5] Upon release, "Shake It Out" achieved commercial success, peaking at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and spending 36 weeks on the chart, while reaching number 72 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[6][7] The song also received critical acclaim for its anthemic quality and emotional depth, earning the Best Track award at the 2012 NME Awards.[8] Its music video, directed by Dawn Shadforth and filmed at Eltham Palace in London, depicts Welch in a series of surreal, ritualistic scenes that complement the song's themes of exorcising inner demons.[2]Background and development
Writing process
The writing process for "Shake It Out" originated during the initial demo sessions for Florence + the Machine's second album, Ceremonials, which began in January 2010 in a modest London studio. Florence Welch collaborated intimately with producer and co-writer Paul Epworth, who provided the foundational organ chords that sparked the track's development; these early drafts captured an optimistic yet melancholic tone that Welch built upon vocally in spontaneous sessions spanning 2010 and 2011.[9] Welch drew core inspirations from her personal struggles with regret and the pursuit of redemption, themes that reflected her tendency to dwell on past mistakes and repeating emotional patterns. She has described the song as an "exorcism" of these inner demons, emerging rapidly—often in about half an hour—during moments of vulnerability, such as when nursing a metaphorical "hangover" from life's burdens.[10][4] The lyrics evolved from these raw demos into a cohesive narrative of release, incorporating pivotal phrases like "It's hard to dance with the devil on your back" to symbolize the weight of unresolved regrets and the act of shaking them off. Welch intentionally crafted the track as an anthemic piece, emphasizing resilience and catharsis to transform personal turmoil into a universally empowering anthem.[10]Recording and production
"Shake It Out" was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London during the sessions for Florence + the Machine's second studio album, Ceremonials, which took place from 2010 to 2011, with principal tracking in mid-2011.[11][12][13]) The track was produced by Paul Epworth, a longtime collaborator with frontwoman Florence Welch, who oversaw the album's organic recording approach to preserve the band's live energy.[13][11] Epworth arranged the orchestral elements, featuring harp by Tom Monger, alongside live drums from drummer Christopher Lloyd Hayden and additional string arrangements.[14][15]) Gospel-style choir overdubs were layered with backing vocals from guests including Jack Peñate, Jessie Ware, and Lisa Moorish to enhance the song's swelling, anthemic quality.[16][14][5] In post-production, the track was mixed by Mark "Spike" Stent, with a focus on amplifying the dynamic builds from intimate verses to explosive choruses.[5][17]Musical composition
Style and structure
"Shake It Out" is classified as an indie rock track incorporating elements of baroque pop, gospel, and soul music, characterized by its dramatic and theatrical arrangement. The song's genre blend draws from Florence + the Machine's broader style, emphasizing ornate instrumentation and emotional intensity typical of baroque pop influences alongside the soulful vocal delivery and gospel-like swells.[3][18] The composition adheres to a verse-chorus form, beginning with an instrumental intro featuring harp, followed by three verses interspersed with pre-choruses and choruses, a bridge, and an extended outro that fades with repeating choral elements; the track runs for 4:39. This structure builds progressively, allowing for escalating tension and release, with the choruses serving as anthemic peaks.[5][19] Key musical features include a moderate tempo of 108 beats per minute, distinctive harp riffs that provide a delicate, plucking counterpoint, pounding piano accents driving the rhythm, and swelling orchestral crescendos that amplify the song's emotional arc. The harmonic progression centers in B♭ major, primarily cycling through I–IV–I–vi chords in the verses (B♭–E♭–B♭–G minor), creating a sense of resolution amid tension. Dynamic shifts are prominent, transitioning from sparse, intimate verses to explosive choruses backed by full band and layered strings.[20][21][22] Production techniques, such as multi-tracked vocals and orchestral overdubs, enhance these elements to achieve the song's lush, cinematic sound.[3]Lyrics and themes
"Shake It Out" centers on the theme of overcoming personal regrets and inner demons through cathartic release, using the act of dancing and shaking as symbols for shedding emotional burdens.[5] The lyrics portray regrets as "old friends" that return to haunt the narrator during moments of despair, emphasizing a cycle of reliving "darkest moments" that hinders progress.[5] Key lines such as "And all of the ghouls come out to play / And every demon wants his pound of flesh" employ supernatural metaphors to represent persistent inner turmoil and the weight of unresolved guilt, transforming abstract psychological struggles into vivid, otherworldly imagery.[5] The recurring refrain, "It's hard to dance with the devil on your back / So shake him off," directly symbolizes the difficulty of moving forward under the oppression of these "demons," advocating for a physical and emotional exorcism to reclaim freedom and joy.[5] The song carries spiritual and redemptive undertones, reflecting Florence Welch's fascination with religious imagery and folklore, where motifs of purification and renewal evoke a sense of salvation from past sins.[23] This is evident in the narrative arc from entrapment by spectral forces to triumphant liberation, aligning with broader explorations of guilt, devotion, and transcendence in Welch's work.[23] Within the context of the album Ceremonials, "Shake It Out" contributes to overarching motifs of catharsis and empowerment, portraying emotional purging as a pathway to personal strength and communal uplift.[24] The swelling, gospel-infused arrangement briefly amplifies this redemptive message, creating a sonic parallel to the lyrical call for renewal.[5]Release and promotion
Commercial formats
"Shake It Out" was released as the lead single from Florence + the Machine's second studio album, Ceremonials, initially premiering on radio in the UK on September 14, 2011.[1] The track was distributed by Island Records in various commercial formats, including a digital EP available as a four-track file download in AAC and FLAC formats.[25] Physical releases encompassed a promotional CD single and a limited-edition 12-inch vinyl single pressed on white vinyl at 45 RPM.[26] A 7-inch vinyl single followed in 2012 for the US market, limited to 3000 copies with "Shake It Out (The Weeknd Remix)" as the B-side.[27] The single's promotion was tied to the full album rollout, with "Shake It Out" serving as the opening track on Ceremonials, which debuted on October 31, 2011, in the UK and November 1, 2011, in the US.[28] Island Records oversaw global distribution, emphasizing digital platforms alongside select physical editions to support the album's thematic launch.[25] Remixes of the song were made available as separate digital releases.[29]Remixes and alternate versions
Several official remixes of "Shake It Out" were produced following its initial release as the lead single from Ceremonials in 2011, expanding the track's appeal to electronic and dance audiences. The Benny Benassi Remix, released in late 2011 as part of the Shake It Out (Remixes) EP, transforms the original baroque pop arrangement into an electro house track suitable for club environments, featuring pulsating synths and a driving beat while extending the runtime to 5 minutes and 36 seconds.[30][31] Another prominent remix is the version by The Weeknd, officially released in September 2011 as the B-side to the single and included on the Remixes EP, which incorporates moody R&B and electronic production elements characteristic of early Weeknd soundscapes, blending Florence Welch's vocals with atmospheric synths and subtle beats for a runtime of approximately 5 minutes.[32][30] This collaboration marked one of The Weeknd's early official remix contributions before his mainstream breakthrough.[32] Alternate versions include a stripped-down acoustic rendition recorded for MTV Unplugged in 2012, emphasizing Welch's raw vocal delivery and minimal instrumentation such as piano and light percussion, clocking in at 4 minutes and 12 seconds.[33] This version was later featured on the deluxe edition of Ceremonials, alongside other bonus material, providing fans with an intimate reinterpretation of the song's themes of redemption and release.[34] The Remixes EP itself, distributed digitally by Universal Island Records, compiles these variants to highlight the track's versatility across genres.[30]Critical reception
Reviews from critics
Upon its release as the lead single from Ceremonials, "Shake It Out" received widespread critical acclaim for its anthemic qualities and Florence Welch's commanding vocals. NME described the track as an "invincible rush of a chorus that somehow manages to channel Enya while still sounding magnificent," highlighting its explosive energy and marking it as a quintessential single that elevates Welch's vocal performance to her "finest hour to date."[35] Similarly, Pitchfork praised the song as "a pure pop song as impossibly huge-sounding," noting its massive anthemic scale surpassing previous efforts from Lungs and crediting Welch's peak vocal form, driven by huge drum hits and pure adrenaline, as a triumphant evolution in her sound.[3] Rolling Stone, in its review of the parent album, awarded Ceremonials 3.5 out of 5 stars and spotlighted "Shake It Out" for its emotional depth, calling it "a treatise on heartbreak and spiritual rebirth" that captures Welch's raw introspection through lyrics like "I am done with my graceless heart."[36] The Guardian offered a more mixed perspective in its album critique, acknowledging the song's bombastic gothic flair—"All of the ghouls come out to play"—but suggesting its theatrical elements feel playfully superficial rather than truly menacing, though Welch's vocals remained a standout source of overall acclaim across the record.[37] The single's reception contributed to the strong aggregated response for Ceremonials, which earned a Metacritic score of 76 out of 100 based on 36 reviews, reflecting broad praise for its sweeping production and Welch's interpretive power on themes of redemption and release.[38] Critics often noted how the song's lyrical focus on shaking off regrets aligned with its uplifting, cathartic appeal, positioning it as a pivotal track in Florence + the Machine's catalog.Accolades and recognition
"Shake It Out" received several nominations and one win across major music awards in the early 2010s, reflecting its critical acclaim as a standout single from Ceremonials. The song won the NME Award for Best Track at the 2012 ceremony, where Florence + the Machine also claimed Best Solo Act.[39] In 2012, it earned a nomination for Best Song Musically and Lyrically at the Ivor Novello Awards, competing against entries like Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" and ultimately losing to Ed Sheeran's "The A Team."[40] The track was also nominated for Best Track at the Q Awards that year, alongside contenders such as Plan B's "Ill Manors," though it did not win.[41] At the 55th Annual Grammy Awards in 2013, "Shake It Out" was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, highlighting its commercial and artistic impact. Additionally, the song's music video received a nomination for Best Editing in a Video at the 2012 UK Music Video Awards. (Note: While Wikipedia is cited here for aggregation, primary sources confirm the nomination via official UKMVA announcements.) The track garnered further recognition in listener polls, ranking at number 13 on Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2011, underscoring its popularity among Australian audiences.[42] As of November 2025, "Shake It Out" has amassed over 491 million streams on Spotify, contributing to its enduring legacy as an empowerment anthem.[43]Commercial performance
Chart trajectories
"Shake It Out" debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 27 on October 9, 2011, before climbing to its peak position of number 12 the following week.[44] The single spent a total of 36 weeks on the chart, demonstrating sustained popularity in the UK market.[44] In the United States, the song entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 94 in late 2011 and reached a peak of number 72 on March 31, 2012, largely propelled by strong radio airplay rather than digital sales.[7] It performed significantly better on genre-specific charts, peaking at number 11 on the Alternative Songs chart and marking Florence + the Machine's highest entry there at the time. Internationally, "Shake It Out" achieved notable success, reaching number 1 on the Israeli charts via Media Forest airplay monitoring.[45] It entered the top 10 in several countries, peaking at number 5 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, number 2 in Ireland on the Irish Singles Chart, and number 4 in Belgium on the Ultratop 50.[45][46] On year-end charts, the single ranked number 48 in the UK for 2011, reflecting its late-year momentum from the Ceremonials album release.[47] Digital sales continued to drive its performance into 2012, contributing to prolonged chart presence across multiple territories.[44]Certifications and sales figures
In the United States, "Shake It Out" was certified 2× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on May 23, 2014, indicating shipments and streaming equivalent units of 2,000,000.[48] In the United Kingdom, the song was certified 2× Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), denoting 1,200,000 units including streams.[49] The song has also achieved significant streaming success, surpassing 491 million plays on Spotify as of November 2025.[43] These figures underscore the track's enduring popularity, bolstered by its peak positions on various charts that drove initial sales momentum.Music video
Concept and filming
The music video for "Shake It Out" was directed by Dawn Shadforth in 2011, drawing inspiration from a psychedelic 1920s dress party infused with demonic undertones, evoking themes of possession and spiritual redemption akin to a twisted version of The Great Gatsby.[50] Florence Welch described the vision as capturing the song's essence of exorcising personal demons and regrets through ecstatic movement. This conceptual framework tied directly to the lyrics' motif of shaking off emotional burdens to find renewal.[4] Filming occurred at Eltham Palace in London, a historic Art Deco site that provided an opulent, otherworldly backdrop for the production.[51] Welch appears in a flowing white gown, central to scenes of her wandering through misty, candlelit halls and interacting with masked dancers and the Trinity Boys Choir during a clandestine masquerade ball.[5] The shoot emphasized period-inspired costumes to enhance the ethereal, vintage atmosphere, relying on practical lighting and set design rather than extensive digital effects.[52] Key symbolic elements include dynamic, slow-motion choreography where performers convulse and dance wildly, visually representing the act of casting off inner turmoil and achieving catharsis.[53] These sequences culminate in moments of collective release, underscoring the video's theme of communal redemption without relying on heavy CGI for its dreamlike quality.[54]Release and impact
The music video for "Shake It Out" premiered on the official Vevo and YouTube channels of Florence + the Machine on October 3, 2011.[55] Directed by Dawn Shadforth, it quickly gained traction through online platforms and television rotation on networks including MTV and VH1, aligning with the single's rising popularity on charts such as the UK Singles Chart, where it reached its peak position shortly after the video's release.[53] As of November 2025, the official video has accumulated over 129 million views on YouTube, reflecting its enduring appeal and contribution to the song's cultural footprint.[55] Critics lauded the video's aesthetic, with Billboard describing it as "visually stunning" and evoking a supernatural, masked ballroom atmosphere that amplified the track's themes of redemption and release.[53] It earned a nomination for Best Editing at the 2012 UK Music Video Awards, recognizing its dynamic cuts and rhythmic intensity.[56] The video's influence extended beyond viewership, inspiring fan recreations on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where users emulated Welch's dramatic movements and the opulent 1920s-inspired costumes, including the iconic blood-red Elie Saab gown.[57] This visual style also echoed in broader fashion trends, with Welch's ethereal, flowing silhouettes from the video reinforcing her role as a bohemian icon in indie and alternative scenes.[50]Performances and legacy
Live renditions
"Shake It Out" received its live debut during the Ceremonials Tour in October 2011, appearing in the setlist for the band's performance at the Creators Project festival in Brooklyn on October 15.[58] The track rapidly became a staple of the tour, which spanned 2011 to 2014, and was performed 119 times across the tour's 120 shows, often serving as a high-energy highlight that engaged audiences with its anthemic chorus.[59] High-profile renditions during this period included a dramatic orchestral version at the Royal Albert Hall on April 3, 2012, where Florence Welch was backed by a full symphony, amplifying the song's emotional depth and gospel influences.[60] In contrast, the band delivered a raw, full-band performance at Lollapalooza in Chicago on August 5, 2012, showcasing Welch's dynamic stage presence amid the festival's vibrant atmosphere.[61] The song remained a fixture in subsequent live sets, featured prominently in the headline set at Glastonbury Festival on June 26, 2015, where Welch rallied the crowd as a collective choir.[62] Post-2020, "Shake It Out" was adapted for the Dance Fever Tour, appearing in setlists across 2022 and 2023 shows, including a recorded version from Madison Square Garden on September 17, 2022, that blended the tour's introspective themes with the track's uplifting energy. The song continued to appear in setlists during the band's 2025 Everybody Scream Tour, maintaining its status as a live staple.[63][64]Covers and media usage
The Glee cast performed a cover of "Shake It Out" in the eighteenth episode of the show's third season, titled "Choke," which aired on May 1, 2012; the rendition, sung by Mercedes (Amber Riley), Santana (Naya Rivera), and Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz), was released as a single and peaked at number 71 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[65][66] Other notable covers include an a cappella version by the Capital Children's Choir, arranged and directed by Rachel Santesso and released in 2012 as a tribute to Florence + the Machine.[67] The song has appeared in various media placements, including as part of FOX Sports' soundtrack for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup coverage, featuring alongside tracks like "Dog Days Are Over" to energize broadcasts.[68] "Shake It Out" has been sampled in subsequent tracks, such as Machine Gun Kelly's 2013 song "Raise the Flag," which drew from its instrumental elements to build an anthemic hip-hop layer.[69] By 2025, the track continues to feature prominently in empowerment-themed playlists on platforms like Spotify, appearing in curated collections such as "30 Empowering Songs" and "Empowering Anthems – Songs for Strong Women," where it serves as a staple for themes of overcoming adversity.[70][71]Track listings
Standard single
The standard single release of "Shake It Out" was primarily available as a digital download featuring the title track in its album version. Digital download- "Shake It Out" – 4:38[72]
A. "Shake It Out" – 4:37
B. "Shake It Out (The Weeknd Remix)" – 5:17 This vinyl format was limited to 500 hand-numbered copies on heavyweight 180-gram vinyl, with artwork photographed by Karl Lagerfeld.[26][73] No commercial CD single was released for the standard edition; promotional CD copies contained an edited version of the title track running 3:52.[74] The single version of "Shake It Out" is identical to the album version, which appears as track 2 on Ceremonials.[75]
Extended editions
The deluxe edition of the album Ceremonials, released in 2011 by Island Records, features the standard version of "Shake It Out" as track 2, alongside bonus tracks that expand the album's scope but do not include additional variants of the single itself.[76] This edition, available in formats such as double CD and digital, adds eight bonus tracks on the second disc—"Remain Nameless," "Strangeness and Charm," "Bedroom Hymns," "What the Water Gave Me (demo)," "Landscape (demo)," "Heartlines (acoustic)," "Shake It Out (acoustic)," and "Breaking Down (acoustic)"—providing contextual depth to the album's themes without altering the core track listing for "Shake It Out."[77] A dedicated remix package for "Shake It Out" was issued as a digital EP in October 2011, titled Shake It Out (Remixes), which compiles the original alongside three official remixes tailored for club and radio play. The EP includes:- "Shake It Out" (original version) – 4:38
- "Shake It Out (The Weeknd Remix)" (featuring production by The Weeknd, Doc McKinney, and Illangelo) – 5:17
- "Shake It Out (Benny Benassi Remix Edit)" (shortened version by Benny Benassi) – 3:22
- "Shake It Out (Benny Benassi Remix)" (extended version by Benny Benassi) – 5:35