The lyrics talk about a man who is compared to a donkey due to his stubborn behavior towards a woman who eventually stands up for herself, leaving him feeling ashamed and hurt. The woman's resilience and strength shake the man up, causing him to reevaluate his actions.

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Meaning of "Shake You Donkey Up" by XTC


"Shake You Donkey Up" by XTC seems to be a metaphorical exploration of a toxic relationship where one person repeatedly mistreats the other, in this case, the man being represented as a donkey. The lyrics highlight how the woman stands up for herself, refusing to tolerate the mistreatment any longer. The man's actions result in his own downfall, experiencing shame and regret for his behavior. The song emphasizes the power dynamics in relationships and how one person's resilience can impact the other significantly. It serves as a reminder that mistreating someone will eventually lead to consequences and that everyone has their limits. The repetition of the phrase "shake you donkey up" seems to symbolize a wake-up call for the man, urging him to reflect on his actions and make a change. Overall, the song conveys a message of empowerment, self-respect, and the importance of standing up for oneself in the face of mistreatment.