About the song
“Shake, Shake Senora,” performed by Harry Belafonte, is a joyful and energetic song that has charmed listeners for generations with its lively rhythm and infectious call to dance. This track, featured on Belafonte’s 1961 album “Jump Up Calypso,” showcases the vibrant and rhythmic sound of Caribbean calypso music, a genre Belafonte helped popularize around the world.
The song was written by Trinidadian calypsonian Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts) and adapted by Belafonte. It’s a captivating blend of traditional calypso beats and playful lyrics, encouraging listeners to “shake, shake, shake, Senora” and join in the fun. The repetitive and catchy chorus makes it impossible not to tap your feet or get up and dance, embodying the spirit of celebration and joy that is central to calypso music.
“Shake, Shake Senora” achieved considerable popularity upon its release, becoming a staple at parties and dance events. Though it didn’t chart as high as some of Belafonte’s other hits, such as “Banana Boat Song (Day-O),” it remains one of his most beloved tracks, celebrated for its exuberance and energy.
The song gained a resurgence in popularity in the late 1980s when it was featured in Tim Burton’s film “Beetlejuice.” The movie’s memorable scenes, where characters dance to “Shake, Shake Senora,” introduced the song to a new generation of fans and cemented its place in pop culture. This inclusion highlighted the timeless appeal of Belafonte’s music, demonstrating how it can transcend decades and remain relevant and enjoyable.
Harry Belafonte’s “Shake, Shake Senora” is more than just a dance tune; it is a vibrant piece of musical history that brings to life the rhythms and traditions of the Caribbean. For older listeners, it evokes memories of festive gatherings and carefree moments, while for younger audiences, it serves as an engaging introduction to the rich cultural heritage of calypso music. Belafonte’s dynamic performance and the song’s lively spirit ensure that “Shake, Shake Senora” continues to be a cherished favorite, bringing joy and movement to listeners around the world.
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Lyrics
Shake, shake, shake, Senora, shake your body line
Shake, shake, shake, Senora, shake it all the time
Work, work, work, Senora, work your body line
Work, work, work, Senora, work it all the time
My girl’s name is Senora
I tell you friends, I adore her
And when she dances, oh, brother
She’s a hurricane in all kinds of weather
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Okay, I believe you)
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Okay, I believe you)
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Okay, I believe you)
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Whoa)
Shake, shake, shake, Senora, shake your body line, whoa
Shake, shake, shake, Senora, shake it all the time
Work, work, work, Senora, work your body line
Work, work, work, Senora, work it all the time
You can talk about cha-cha
Tango, waltz or the rumba
Senora’s dance has no title
You jump in the saddle
Hold on to the bridle
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Okay, I believe you)
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Rock your body, child)
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Somebody, help me)
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Whoa)
Shake, shake, shake, Senora, shake your body line
Shake, shake, shake, Senora, shake it all the time, whoa
Work, work, work, Senora, work your body line, yep
Work, work, work, Senora, work it all the time
Senora, she’s a sensation
The reason for aviation
And fellas, you got to watch it
When she wind up she bottom, she go like a rocket
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Okay, I believe you)
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Hoist those skirts a little higher)
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Up the chimney)
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Whoa-oh)
Yes sir
Shake, shake, shake, Senora
Shake your body line
Work, work, work, Senora
Work it all the time
Dance, dance, dance, Senora
Dance it all the time
Work, work, work, Senora
Work it all the time
Senora dances calypso
Left to right is the tempo
And when she gets the sensation
She go up in the air
Come down in slow motion
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Okay, I believe you)
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Somebody, help me)
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Okay, I believe you)
Jump in the line, rock your body in time
(Whoa)
Shake, shake, shake, Senora, shake your body line
Shake, shake, shake, Senora, shake it all the time
Work, work, work, Senora