Released: 1997
“My Own Summer (Shove It)” by Deftones is a tempestuous ride into the heart of dissonance and self-realization, camouflaged within the gritty textures of alternative metal. At its core, the song encapsulates the theme of seeking refuge from overwhelming external pressures and the desire to craft an individual reality amidst chaos. It’s an anthem for those who’ve felt the scorching glare of judgment or the stifling heat of societal expectations, seeking solace in their own constructed summer.
The track kicks off with a call to a “big star” followed by a “big mood,” phrases that could be interpreted as a sarcastic jab at celebrity culture or perhaps more broadly, any dominating force or overwhelming feeling that dictates the rhythm of our lives. The singer pleads for guidance to shelter, indicating a desire to escape from something. When he mentions, “I’m through when the two hits the six and it’s summer,” it suggests a breaking point, a moment where the usual patterns of life no longer hold appealing value. The repetition of “shove it” acts as a rebellious chant against these forces, pushing away the oppressive “sun” – a metaphor for whatever is causing discomfort or distress in the narrator’s life.
The verse, “I think God is moving its tongue,” adds an enigmatic layer, implying a moment of change or revelation that’s not necessarily comforting. The absence of a crowd and the sun in the streets paints a picture of isolation and desolation, yet it’s in this setting that the narrator finds their “own summer.” This personal summer seems to represent a mental or emotional state where the narrator gains control, away from external forces. It’s a sanctuary built on their terms, where even the sun can be shoved aside. The “shade” then becomes not just a literal refuge from the sun, but a metaphor for the protective barrier the narrator constructs against the outside world.
Throughout, the Deftones masterfully weave a narrative of resistance and personal sovereignty. The aggressive repetition of “shove it” serves as a cathartic release, a mantra for those fighting to preserve their inner peace against all odds. The imagery of blinding sunlight and seeking shade underlines the struggle between confrontation and retreat. “My Own Summer (Shove It)” is not just about defiance; it’s a declaration of independence from the oppressive heat of expectations, a commitment to finding and living in one’s own summer, no matter how harsh the world outside gets.
In essence, “My Own Summer (Shove It)” strikes a chord for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by external pressures and craved their own space to breathe and be. It’s a raw, unapologetic proclamation that sometimes, to find peace, you have to shove the sources of your discomfort aside and carve out a sanctuary for yourself.
