The lyrics of "Shake It" by Tom Waits describe a series of chaotic and intriguing events, with references to strip poker, a motel, ice, cash, gambling, and mysterious encounters. The narrator expresses a feeling of restlessness and compares themselves to a preacher waving a gun around, urging someone to shake it.

Meaning of "Shake It" by Tom Waits

The lyrics of "Shake It" evoke a sense of disarray and unpredictability, resembling a fever dream where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. The references to strip poker, motels, gambling, and wild roads suggest a life lived on the edge with moments of intensity and danger. The repeated phrase "Shake it" seems to encapsulate the idea of embracing life's uncertainties and challenges, urging both the narrator and the listener to shake off inhibitions and dive headfirst into the unknown. The imagery of a preacher waving a gun around can be interpreted as a metaphor for the narrator's own inner turmoil and struggle with desires and impulses. Overall, the song conveys a sense of urgency and a call to action to shake off the constraints of everyday life and revel in the chaos and mystery that existence offers.