Lyrics
Chorus 1:
shake shake shake
shake the devil off
shake shake shake
shake the devil off
shake shake shake
shake the devil off
in the name of jesus
shake the devil off
Verse:
don't let him ride,
he might want to drive
don't let him get you down,
put you on the ground
he's out there seeking,
whom he may devour
but you've got to rebuke him
shake him a-loose somehow!
Chorus 2:
he's under my feet
shake the devil off
he's under my feet
shake the devil off
he's under my feet
shake the devil off
in the name of jesus
shake the devil off.
Vamp:
in the name of jesus
Ending:
shake the devil off.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Shake the Devil Off” uses direct, repetitive language to express resistance against spiritual evil. The warning not to let the devil gain control develops into a call to rebuke him, while the chorus repeatedly places that resistance in the name of Jesus. Its physical image of shaking something loose makes the act of refusal immediate and memorable.
The verse’s description of an adversary seeking someone to devour closely echoes the warning in 1 Peter. Its answer also aligns with James’s instruction to submit to God and resist the devil. The repeated claim that the enemy is underfoot turns the song toward victory and confidence in Christ’s authority. Rather than dwelling on fear, the lyric emphasizes vigilance, active resistance, and dependence on Jesus. The compact chorus, verse, and vamp function as a communal declaration that temptation and oppression are not to be welcomed or allowed to rule.
Related Scripture
- 1 Peter 5:8-9 Peter warns that the devil seeks someone to devour and tells believers to resist him.
- James 4:7 James connects submission to God with resisting the devil.
- Luke 10:19 Jesus speaks of authority over the enemy’s power.