On a record that (poorly) incorporates a lot of Eastern sounds and instruments, Shake Dog Shake stands out for its heavier mid-70's style guitar work, drums, and the introduction of a thick, layered cascade of sound style that became the norm when The Cure returned to psychedelic rock on later albums. The song itself is mostly about Smith's burnout playing in two bands simultaneously (Siouxsie and the Banshees) and the self loathing a rock lifestyle was inspiring in him.