Shake It Off Lyrics | 1989 | Taylor Swift
About the Song: The Ultimate Pop Declaration
"Shake It Off" was the world's introduction to Taylor Swift's full-blown pop era. As the lead single for her fifth album, 1989, this song was a definitive statement. With its horn-driven, upbeat melody and an unforgettable chorus, the track is a joyful anthem about rising above criticism and negativity. Written by Swift with pop hitmakers Max Martin and Shellback, the song addresses the public scrutiny she faced with a carefree and defiant attitude. It was an instant commercial juggernaut, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the best-selling digital singles of all time.
The Music Video
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mark Romanek, the music video for "Shake It Off" is a comedic and self-aware celebration of dance. It features Taylor Swift humorously attempting to fit in with various professional dance groups—from ballet and modern dance to hip-hop and cheerleading—only to find joy in dancing awkwardly and freely on her own with her fans. The video was praised for its fun-loving message of embracing one's own identity.
Director: Mark Romanek
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Where to Watch: The official music video is available on YouTube.
Creative Artists
Mark Romanek is an American filmmaker who has directed music videos for legendary artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Johnny Cash. His work can be found on IMDb.
For more on the songwriting trio, see their IMDb pages: Taylor Swift, Max Martin, and Shellback.
About the Album: 1989 (2014)
1989 is a landmark album in modern pop music. It solidified Taylor Swift's transition from a country darling to a global pop superstar. Inspired by the 1980s synth-pop, the album is a sonically cohesive project filled with massive hits. It won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, making Swift the first female solo artist to win the prestigious award twice.
