Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: garage
Song Meaning of “Can’t Seem to Shake it Off My Mind” by Imperial State Electric
This melancholic song starts off with a feeling of despondence and regret. It is a reflection on a failed relationship and the protagonist’s inability to move on and let go. He has been left with a sense of emptiness and longing and cannot seem to shake it off his mind.
The solemn chords of the guitar set the tone, while the desperate lyrics paint a picture of a lonely heart still searching for a way out of the fog of pain and sorrow. He wishes to get over the heartache once and for all, but sadly it’s just not happening. He is plagued by thoughts of the past, the memories and moments that he shared with his beloved, and they keep coming back to haunt him.
The chorus reflects the protagonist’s struggle, as he chases a fleeting glimmer of hope in his dream. He hopes that he will find inner peace, but knows it’ll take a lot of effort, as he can’t seem to shake it off his mind.
The bridge leads us to his ultimate realization that in an effort to get past the past, he needs to learn to love and accept himself. That is the only way he will break free and find the strength and courage to move on and heal.
In the end the protagonist knows that he must pick himself up and move forward, even though he can’t seem to shake it off his mind.