The Meaning Behind The Song: My Own Summer (Shove It) by Deftones

Introduction:

As a long-time fan of Deftones, I have always been intrigued by the meaning behind their songs. One track that has always resonated with me is “My Own Summer (Shove It)” from their sophomore album, “Around the Fur.” In this article, we will explore the lyrics of the song and dive into the deeper meaning behind it.

Table of Contents

The Lyrics:

Before we dive into the meaning, let’s take a look at the lyrics of “My Own Summer (Shove It)”:

[Verse 1]
Hey you, big star
Tell me when it’s over
(Cloud)
[Verse 2]
Hey you, big mood
Guide me to shelter
‘Cause I’m through when the two
Hits the six and it’s summer
(Cloud)
[Pre-Chorus]
(Come) Shove it, shove it, shove it
(Shove) Shove it, shove it, shove it
(The sun) Shove it, shove it, shove it
(Aside) Shove it aside
[Chorus]
I think God is moving its tongue
There’s no crowds in the street and no sun
In my own summer
[Verse 2]
The shade is a tool, a device, a savior
See, I try and look up to the sky
But my eyes burn
(Cloud)
[Pre-Chorus]
(Come) Shove it, shove it, shove it
(Shove) Shove it, shove it, shove it
(The sun) Shove it, shove it, shove it
(Aside) Shove it aside
(Come) Shove it, shove it, shove it
(Shove) Shove it, shove it, shove it
(The sun) Shove it, shove it, shove it
(Aside) Shove it aside
[Chorus]
I think God is moving its tongue
There’s no crowd in the streets and no sun
In my own summer
[Outro]
(Come) Shove it, shove it, shove it
(Shove) Shove it, shove it, shove it
(The sun) Shove it, shove it, shove it
(Aside) Shove it aside

Now, let’s dig deeper into the meaning behind these powerful words.

The Meaning:

“My Own Summer (Shove It)” holds multiple interpretations, as stated by Chino Moreno himself, the lead vocalist of Deftones. One perspective is that the song symbolizes his displeasure with the sun after long nights of recording their music. The intense sunlight would burn his eyes, leading him to cover the windows with tin foil.

However, Chino also mentioned that the song reflects the agitated state he experienced while touring during the summer. The blistering heat and the constant crowds of people became overwhelming, and he found solace in creating his own microcosm or “my own summer” where he could escape from the chaos.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of pushing away or shoving aside external factors. The lyrics “Shove it, shove it, shove it, shove it aside” represent Chino’s desire to separate himself from the things that cause him distress and carve out his own space.

Moreover, the line “I think God is moving its tongue” is a thought-provoking one. It suggests a sense of disillusionment, with Chino questioning the authenticity of religious beliefs and divine intervention. The absence of crowds in the streets and the sun in his own summer could symbolize his search for a personal truth and freedom.

Impact and Recognition:

“My Own Summer (Shove It)” may not have charted in the US, but it remains one of Deftones’ most famous and beloved songs. Through its heavy and atmospheric sound, the track encapsulates the band’s signature style of blending alternative metal, post-hardcore, and nu-metal.

The song received significant airplay on MTV and reached #29 on the UK charts, demonstrating its widespread appeal. Its relatable themes of escaping from oppressive circumstances and searching for personal freedom have resonated with fans worldwide.

Conclusion:

“My Own Summer (Shove It)” by Deftones is a powerful and introspective song that delves into the frustrations and yearnings for personal freedom. By exploring the lyrics and understanding Chino Moreno’s interpretations, we can appreciate the depth and emotional impact behind this iconic track from Deftones’ discography.

Whether you relate to the desire to carve out your own space or question the constructs of religious beliefs, “My Own Summer (Shove It)” invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and find solace in creating their own haven amidst the chaos of the world.