Elvis Presley- All Shook Up – Song Meaning

“All Shook Up” is a well-known song performed by Elvis Presley, released in 1957. The song was written by Otis Blackwell and Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, is also credited as a co-writer. The song’s lyrics and catchy melody have made it one of Elvis’s signature hits. The title phrase, “all shook up,” has become a part of popular culture and is often used to describe feelings of excitement or emotional turmoil.

The song’s meaning and interpretation revolve around themes of love, infatuation, and the powerful emotions that can arise from romantic attraction. Here are some key elements of the song’s meaning:

Love and Infatuation: The lyrics of “All Shook Up” express the intense feelings of being in love or infatuated with someone. The phrase “I’m in love” is repeated several times throughout the song, emphasizing the speaker’s overwhelming emotions.

Physical and Emotional Reaction: The line “My hands are shaky and my knees are weak” reflects the physical and emotional reactions that often accompany being in the presence of someone who ignites romantic feelings. These reactions are depicted as making the speaker feel “all shook up.”

Joyful Confusion: The song portrays the joyful confusion that can come with falling in love. The lyrics mention feeling “like a fool,” which suggests a sense of vulnerability and the willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of love.

Universal Experience: “All Shook Up” captures the universal experience of love’s impact on one’s emotions and state of mind. The relatable nature of the song’s lyrics contributed to its widespread popularity and resonance with listeners.

Oh, well, a-bless my soul, but what’s wrong with me?
I’m itchin’ like a man on a fuzzy tree
My friends say I’m actin’ wild as a bug
I’m in love
I’m all shook up
Mm-mm, yeah, yeah, yeah

Oh, well, my hands are shaky, and my knees are weak
I can’t seem to stand on my own two feet
Who do you thank when you have such luck?
I’m in love
I’m all shook up
Mm-mm, yeah, yeah, yeah

Well, please, don’t ask me what’s upon my mind
I’m a little mixed up, but I feel fine
When I’m near the girl that I love best
My heart beats, so it scares me to death

When she touched my hand, what a chill I got
Her lips are like a volcano that’s hot
I’m proud to say that she’s my buttercup
I’m in love
I’m all shook up
Mm-mm, yeah, yeah, yeah

My tongue gets tied when I try to speak
My insides shake like a leaf on a tree
There’s only one cure for this body of mine
That’s to have that girl that I love so fine

When she touched my hand, a-what a chill I got
Her lips are like a volcano that’s hot
I’m proud to say that she’s my buttercup
I’m in love
I’m all shook up
Mm-mm, yeah, yeah, yeah

Mm-mm, yeah, yeah, I’m all shook up

Elvis Presley Songs List A to Z