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Dancin' in the Streets
Grateful Dead Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Calling out around the world
Are you ready for a brand new beat?
Summer's here and the time is right
For dancing in the street
They're dancing in Chicago
Down in New Orleans in New York City

All we need is music, sweet music
There'll be music everywhere
There'll be swinging and swaying
And records playing dancing in the street
Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear
Just as long as you are there
So come on, ev'ry guy, grab a girl
Ev'rywhere around the world
They'll be dancing (Dancing in the street)
They're dancing in the street
(Dancing in the street)
It's an invitation across the nation
A chance for folks to meet
There'll be laughing, singing
And music swinging dancing in the street
Philadelphia, PA baltimore and DC now
Can't forget the Motor City

All we need is music, sweet music
There'll be music everywhere
There'll be swinging and swaying
And records playing dancing in the street
Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear
Just as long as you are there
So come on, ev'ry guy, grab a girl
Ev'rywhere around the world
They'll be dancing (Dancing in the street)
They're dancing in the street
(Dancing in the street)

Way down in LA ev'ry day
They're dancing in the street
(Dancing in the street)
Let's form a big, strong line, get in time
We're dancing in the street
(Dancing in the street)
Across the ocean blue, me and you
We're dancing in the street
(Dancing in the street)

Overall Meaning

The Grateful Dead's version of "Dancin' In The Street" is a cover of the popular Motown hit, originally recorded by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas in 1964. The song captures the excitement and energy of summertime and the universal joy of dancing. The opening lines, "Hey, comin' out around the world, be ready for a brand new beat," sets the tone for the song, signaling that something exciting and unpredictable is about to happen. The song invites listeners to come together and celebrate the power of music and dance, breaking down barriers of race, class, and gender.


The chorus of the song features a list of cities where people are dancing in the street, including Chicago, New Orleans, and New York City. The repetition of the phrase "dancing in the street" creates a sense of unity and togetherness, emphasizing that people all over the country are coming together to celebrate life through dancing. The lyrics also highlight the importance of music in bringing people together, noting that "all we need is music, sweet music, they'll be music everywhere."


Overall, "Dancin' In The Street" is an upbeat and infectious celebration of the power of music and dance. It encourages listeners to let go and enjoy the moment, emphasizing that anyone can be a part of the festivities as long as they are willing to dance.


Line by Line Meaning

Hey, comin' out around the world
Greetings to everyone around the world


Be ready for a brand new beat
Prepare yourself for a new rhythm


Oh, summer's here and the time is right
It's summertime and perfect for dancing


Oh, for dancing in the street
The ideal place to dance is in the open street


Dancing in Chicago (Dancing in the street)
People are dancing to the beat in Chicago streets


Down in New Orleans (Dancing in the street)
In New Orleans, they dance to the rhythm of the street


In New York City (Dancing in the street)
Even in New York City, people dance in the streets


All we need is music, sweet music (Sweet, sweet music)
Music is all we need, especially the sweet kind


They'll be music everywhere (Everywhere)
Music will be everywhere for everyone


They'll be laughing, singing, music swinging and dancing in the street
Everyone will be having a good time singing, dancing and loving the music in the street


It doesn't matter what you wear
Your attire is not important


Just as long as you are there
Just be present to have a good time


They're dancing oh oh (Dancing in the street)
People can't resist dancing in the streets


This is an invitation across the nation
Everyone is invited to join in the fun


The chance for folks to meet
An opportunity for people to gather together


There'll be swinging, swaying, music playing and dancing in the street
People will swing, move, play music and dance in the streets


Philadelphia, PA now (Dancing in the street)
Even in Philadelphia, people dance in the streets


Baltimore and D.C. (Dancing in the street)
From Baltimore to D.C., people love to dance in the street


Can't forget them other cities (Dancing in the street)
We can't forget about all the other cities where people love to dance in the streets




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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