“Shake Your Head” is a track by the American pop rock group Was (Not Was), featuring vocals by Ozzy Osbourne and Kim Basinger, released as a single in 1992 from their compilation album Hello Dad… I’m in Jail. Originally recorded in 1983 for the album Born to Laugh at Tornadoes with Osbourne on lead vocals, the 1992 version was re-recorded and remixed by house music producer Steve “Silk” Hurley, blending funk, pop, and house elements. Running for approximately 3:48 in the single version and 6:49 in the club mix, the song features a catchy, danceable groove with quirky, absurdist lyrics. It reached number four on the UK Singles Chart, marking Was (Not Was)’s highest chart position, and became a club hit due to its infectious rhythm and unique vocal pairing. The lyrics humorously list impossible or difficult tasks, countered by the playful chorus urging listeners to “shake your head” and “go to bed.”
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Origin and Inspiration
The creation of Shake Your Head began with its original recording in 1983 for Was (Not Was)’s second album, Born to Laugh at Tornadoes. Founded by David Weiss (David Was) and Don Fagenson (Don Was) in Oak Park, Michigan, Was (Not Was) was known for their eclectic blend of funk, pop, and sardonic humor. The 1983 version featured Ozzy Osbourne, fresh off his early solo success with Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman, as the lead vocalist. The collaboration was an unusual choice, given Osbourne’s heavy metal background, but it aligned with the band’s penchant for quirky, experimental pairings. A pre-fame Madonna also auditioned for the track, but her vocals were not used in the final release, a decision that later became a point of interest when the song was revisited in 1992.
The 1992 re-recording was spurred by Was (Not Was)’s desire to capitalize on their cult following and the growing popularity of house music. Steve “Silk” Hurley, a pioneer of Chicago house, was brought in to remix the track, transforming it into a dancefloor anthem with a modern, piano-driven house beat. The band initially planned to restore Madonna’s original vocals for the re-release, but she refused permission, leading to the inclusion of actress Kim Basinger, who was at the height of her fame following films like Batman (1989). Basinger’s sultry, dramatic delivery complemented Osbourne’s re-recorded vocals, creating a striking contrast that enhanced the song’s appeal. Osbourne, who was navigating a resurgence in his career with No More Tears (1991), embraced the opportunity to revisit the track, adding his signature intensity to the mix.
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The song’s re-release was part of Hello Dad… I’m in Jail, a compilation album that aimed to reintroduce Was (Not Was) to a broader audience. The early 1990s club scene, with its emphasis on house and dance music, provided the perfect backdrop for the remix, which was backed by additional remixes from Danny Tenaglia. The collaboration was also influenced by the cultural moment, as cross-genre experiments were gaining traction, with artists blending rock, pop, and electronic styles. Osbourne’s involvement in such an unconventional project reflected his willingness to explore diverse musical avenues, a trait evident in later collaborations like his 2019 work with Post Malone. The song’s quirky charm and star power made it a standout, resonating with both club-goers and fans of Osbourne and Basinger.
Lyrical Content and Themes
The lyrics of Shake Your Head are a playful, absurdist litany of impossible or improbable tasks, delivered with a tongue-in-cheek tone that reflects Was (Not Was)’s irreverent style. The song opens with Kim Basinger’s sultry voice in the album version, declaring, “You can’t argue with death / You can’t break a burly sailor’s neck,” setting the stage for a series of whimsical impossibilities. Osbourne’s verses, starting with “You can’t feed the hungry / You can’t talk Shakespeare to a monkey” in the single version, add a gritty, rebellious edge, contrasting with Basinger’s dramatic delivery. The chorus, sung by both, repeatedly urges, “Shake your head / Let’s go to bed,” offering a carefree, almost hedonistic response to life’s challenges.
The song’s verses are a parade of humorous and surreal scenarios, blending the mundane with the fantastical. Lines like “You can’t drink lava from plastic glasses” and “You can’t sue Buddha for libel” showcase the band’s sardonic wit, poking fun at the futility of certain ambitions. Other lyrics, such as “You can’t win money at the horses / And you can’t fight the armed forces,” mix practical impossibilities with social commentary, hinting at the powerlessness of individuals against larger systems. The absurdity of “You can’t tune the radio to heaven” and “You can’t hit homers like Babe Ruth” adds a layer of playful exaggeration, inviting listeners to laugh at the human tendency to strive for the unattainable.
The chorus serves as the song’s emotional and thematic anchor, with “Shake your head” acting as a dismissive gesture toward life’s frustrations, while “Let’s go to bed” suggests escaping into pleasure or rest. This juxtaposition of serious, impossible tasks with a lighthearted, almost flippant response creates a unique tension, blending cynicism with humor. The interplay of Osbourne’s gravelly, intense vocals and Basinger’s sultry, theatrical delivery amplifies this dynamic, making the song both a dance track and a commentary on the absurdity of human endeavors.
The lyrics also carry a subtle undercurrent of rebellion, a theme that resonates with Osbourne’s heavy metal persona. His lines, like “You can’t ban the bomb / And there’s no way to stay calm,” reflect a defiance against societal constraints, echoing the anti-establishment ethos of his solo work. Basinger’s contributions, such as “You can’t rewrite the Bible / And you can’t put your finger on the truth,” add a philosophical layer, questioning the pursuit of absolute truths or moral certainties. Together, their voices create a dialogue that feels like a musical tug-of-war, with each artist bringing their distinct personality to the track.
Musically, Shake Your Head is a vibrant blend of funk, pop, and house. The 1992 remix by Steve “Silk” Hurley features a pulsing piano-house beat, rubbery synth bass, and chunky drum machines, giving it a distinctly early-1990s club vibe. The original 1983 version, with its new-wave funk and glossy synths, is transformed into a dancefloor-ready track, with Hurley’s production adding chiming piano chords and a high-pitched string ostinato. The vocal interplay between Osbourne and Basinger, combined with the infectious rhythm, makes the song both catchy and disorienting, as its pop ambitions clash with its quirky lyrics.
Music Video and Cultural Impact
The music video for Shake Your Head, directed by David Hogan, captures the song’s eclectic energy. Featuring Was (Not Was) performing alongside visuals of Ozzy Osbourne and Kim Basinger, the video leans into the early-1990s aesthetic with vibrant colors, abstract imagery, and dance sequences. Osbourne’s intense, wild-eyed performance contrasts with Basinger’s sultry, cinematic presence, reflecting their vocal dynamic. The video’s club-centric visuals, with pulsing lights and energetic choreography, align with the Steve “Silk” Hurley remix, making it a staple on MTV and European music channels.
The song’s 1992 release was a cultural moment, capitalizing on the popularity of house music and cross-genre collaborations. Its success in the UK, reaching number four, was driven by its infectious dance groove and the star power of Osbourne and Basinger. The track’s quirky appeal and club-ready remix made it a favorite in dance clubs, while its unusual vocal pairing drew attention from fans of both artists. Posts on X from 2025 highlight its enduring appeal, with users describing it as a “pop banger” and a surprising showcase of Osbourne’s versatility.
The collaboration also underscored Osbourne’s willingness to experiment outside heavy metal, following his earlier work with Lita Ford and later with Post Malone. For Was (Not Was), the song marked a high point in their career, building on their cult status to achieve mainstream success. The controversy surrounding Madonna’s unused vocals, which surfaced in a rare 12-inch mix on Now Dance ‘92, added intrigue, making Shake Your Head a unique artifact of 1990s pop culture. Its blend of humor, rebellion, and danceable energy continues to resonate with listeners, reflecting the era’s genre-bending experimentation.
Musical Composition and Performance
The musical composition of Shake Your Head is a fusion of funk, pop, and house, with Steve “Silk” Hurley’s 1992 remix transforming the 1983 original into a club anthem. The track features a driving piano-house beat, rubbery synth bass, and layered electronic textures, creating a dancefloor-ready sound. Osbourne’s vocals are gritty and intense, delivering the absurd lyrics with a playful menace, while Basinger’s sultry, dramatic performance adds a cinematic flair. The chorus, with its call-and-response structure, is infectious, supported by a processed vocal refrain that gives it a quirky, almost futuristic edge.
The song’s arrangement balances pop accessibility with club energy, with Hurley’s production emphasizing rhythm and groove. The extended 12-inch mix, at 6:49, adds layered instrumentation and dynamic shifts, enhancing its dancefloor appeal. The interplay between Osbourne and Basinger’s vocals is the track’s heart, with their contrasting styles creating a dynamic, he-said-she-said effect. Backing vocals by Was (Not Was) members Sweet Pea Atkinson and Harry Bowens add depth, while the production by David and Don Was ensures a cohesive blend of styles, making Shake Your Head a standout in their discography.