Shake It Out

Florence And The Machine · Mtv Unplugged [2012]

Regrets collect like old friends

Here to relive your darkest moments

I can see no way, I can see no way

And all of the ghouls come out to play



And every demon wants his pound of flesh

But I like to keep some things to myself

I like to keep my issues strong

It's always darkest before the dawn



And I've been a fool and I've been blind

I can never leave the past behind

I can see no way, I can see no way

I'm always dragging that horse around



And our love is pastured, such a mournful sound

Tonight I'm gonna bury that horse in the ground

So I like to keep my issues strong

But it's always darkest before the dawn



Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaaah



And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

So shake him off, oh woah



I am done with my graceless heart

So tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart

Cause I like to keep my issues strong

It's always darkest before the dawn



Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah



And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

So shake him off, oh woah



And given half the chance would I take any of it back

It's a final mess but it's left me so undone

It's always darkest before the dawn



Oh woah, oh woah...



And I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't

So here's to drinks in the dark at the end of my rope

And I'm ready to suffer and I'm ready to hope

It's a shot in the dark aimed right at my throat

Cause looking for heaven, found a devil in me

Looking for heaven, found a devil in me

Well what the hell I'm gonna let it happen to me



Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah



And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

So shake him off, oh woah



Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah



And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

So shake him off, oh woah

Shake It Out

Shake It Out stands as a defining track from Florence and the Machine's 2012 MTV Unplugged session, showcasing the band's signature blend of baroque pop and dramatic rock. The recording captures Florence Welch's powerful vocals in an intimate acoustic setting, stripping back the dense orchestration often found on their studio albums to reveal the song's emotional core. This performance highlights the group's ability to command attention through dynamic shifts and raw energy, cementing their reputation for theatrical yet deeply personal songwriting. As part of a celebrated live album, the track exemplifies the band's mastery of arrangement and their capacity to transform studio anthems into poignant live experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.