[1][2] It became a regular feature in their concert repertoire, appearing on their live albums Rock of Ages, Before the Flood, and The Last Waltz.

[4] It has been recorded or performed by Bo Diddley, The Good Brothers, The Mekons, The Pointer Sisters, She & Him, Marty Stuart and Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats.

"[7] Author Barney Hoskyns describes it as "a first person account of winding up on Skid Row, positing the sanctuary of rural life against the aggravation of hustling on the street.

[6] Rolling Stone critic Dave Marsh called "The Shape I'm In" one of the most notably fine moments of the Stage Fright album.

[8] Critic Mark Kemp called it a "highlight" of the album, further noting that it reveals "a growing sense of anxiety and cynicism" by the band.