This story of a now-ending relationship is being told from one person’s point of view as evidenced by it beginning with “I know that you don’t understand.” The repetition clues the audience into the fact that this decision hasn’t been an easy one, the narrator has worked out this situation many times in their head. So, as the audience, we stay to try and understand what the other party doesn’t. Further down the line, the narrator sings about “letting go” not being “part of the plan.” Hm, what plan is that you may ask? Well, the next couple of lines brings some light to the full situation, in my humble opinion. “Knowing what you know, would you do it again?” In retrospect, I gather that this could be looked at two ways – one meaning “Would you cheat again if you knew it would cost you our relationship?” or “Would you go through this relationship again knowing that it would end and we wouldn’t make it to the forever we thought we would?” Either way, the relationship is ending, but the narrator seems to be okay with this fact.
“Don’t need your stories, I live in reality.” With these lines, I feel as though the former may be the situation we’re currently in with the narrator. The former love interest is trying to explain the situation in which they, presumably got caught cheating in. Describing this song, Kel writes “"Shut It Down" is all about finally saying no to situations that don’t serve you.”” I’d say that this presumed situation is certainly one that wouldn’t serve or behoove someone to stay in, remaining with a partner that is unfaithful can lead to resentment, STD’s, and a diminished sense of self-worth. I believe that Kel’s use of the phrase “shut it down” means stopping the former lover’s from having any access to her and letting him live in his “fantasy” world he’s created where he isn’t unfaithful and everything is hunky dory. “Shutting it down” is the saying no and refusing to accept the unacceptable. “Bury all your bones, here lies a man.” The former love interest, a man, was once considered to be a man, but now the narrator’s view of them has changed. The narrator also mentions him chasing after the narrator like a golden retriever, a dog. In most instances, a golden retriever is seen in a positive light, as a “good boy” who is loyal to their owner. But, in this instance, it would appear that the man in question wasn’t loyal and is now trying to tap into some of that golden retriever energy, however, the narrator says it’s too late. In a further description of the song, Kel states ““I've always believed that we’re defined more by the things we say no to than by the things we say yes to. Life constantly pulls us in different directions, demanding our attention, time, money, energy, and peace. This song gives listeners permission to say no and choose their own peace of mind… and have a bit of fun while doing it.”” I thought that a powerful statement, the belief that we’re defined more by the things we say no to than the things said yes to. It’s quite empowering to be able to stand on your morals and to deny someone the ability to trifle with your emotions or life. I also understand the “fun” part of the song as well, as I’ve noted that the beat of the song is a bit like footsteps, so it’s like the narrator is walking away from this situation that no longer serves them and gaining so much more from that “no” they’ve just delivered to someone that had previously, presumably, gotten so many “yes’s” from them, albeit, undeservedly so. Yay to reclaiming your time and energy!
Kel describes her musical sound as “electro indie dance pop”. Adore notes being inspired by artists such as Julia Michaels and Jon Bellion. While 2021’s “Fool For The Pain” sees Adore exploring the experience of staying in situations that aren’t the best for us, 2024’s “Shut it Down” seems to be the response to that song and shows a maturity in choices made in Adore’s life, musically speaking. “Shut it Down” is a power anthem that can be applied to every area of life, one can choose to no longer be a “Fool for the Pain” and can “Shut It Down” and live a more peaceful and meaningful life, full of people who uplift, encourage, and enhance in your life instead of people who zap your energy, disrupt your peace, and give more than they take. Kel’s online presence includes thousands of followers across her social media accounts and offers fans a more in-depth and inside look at both the work behind her singles as well as the meaning behind them. As a new fan, I shall take my newfound inspiration from Kel and “Shut it Down” in areas of my life that are no longer serving me or that hinder my happiness. If you, too, wish to “Shut it Down” and live out a more content and satisfying existence, be sure to keep up with all things Kel Adore as she inspires us all with her music one single at a time by following her at her socials below!
Written By Keiunna Thompson
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