Shocking You

Shocking Blue's song 'Shocking You' is a vibrant celebration of the electrifying power of music. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors that liken the experience of listening to their music to being struck by lightning or caught in a hurricane. The refrain, 'We're shocking you until you turn to blue,' suggests an intense, almost overwhelming sensory experience, where the music's energy is so powerful that it leaves a lasting impact on the listener.

The song emphasizes the raw, almost magical power of musical instruments. The guitar is described as 'sparklin' lightning,' and the bass as a 'hurricane,' both of which are natural phenomena known for their intensity and ability to captivate. This metaphorical language underscores the band's belief in the transformative and almost supernatural power of their music. The repeated invitation to 'join the crowd' suggests a communal experience, where the audience is encouraged to immerse themselves in the music and feel its electrifying effects together.

Moreover, the lyrics hint at the idea that music can be an escape or a form of liberation. The line 'The way those currents let you down, like a dungeon it's the magic sound' suggests that the music has the power to free listeners from their mundane or oppressive realities, transporting them to a place of excitement and wonder. This aligns with the broader cultural context of the late 1960s and early 1970s, a time when music was often seen as a form of rebellion and a means of breaking free from societal constraints.