[Vocabulary] Meaning of the lyrics from a song called "That's Life"

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tara

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Hello,

I have two questions from "That's Life" sung by Frank Sinatra.

I think I got the general idea of what it is about, but fail to understand
the last part.
It goes; "But if there's nothing shakin' come this here july
I'm gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die"

And my questions are;
1. Does "shaking" here means "something make you excited or motivated"?
2. Is "a big ball" a metaphor for mental status of despair?


I had been discouraged, tired and almost gave up learning English, but thanks to warm messages from the staff of Using English.com, I've regained my interest in it.
Thank you!:)

Tara
 

lauralie2

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That's the way I would interpret the lyrics.
 

tara

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Hello lauralie2,

Thank you for your reply.:)

Best regards,
Tara
 

Ouisch

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Yes, "shakin'" means something meaningful, exciting, important.

To "curl up in a big ball" refers to the fetal position.
 

tara

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Hello Ouisch,

Thank you so much for your kind and lucid explanation.
Now I think I don't only understand the meaning literally,
but also can picture it.:-D

Tara
 
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