Wake up in the morning with a head like "What ya done?"
This used to be the life but I don't need another one
Good luck cuttin' nothin', carryin' on, you wear them gowns
So how come I feel so lonely when you're up gettin' down?

So I play along when I hear that favorite song
I'm gonna be the one who gets it right
You better know when you're swingin' 'round the room
Looks like magic's solely yours tonight

But I don't feel like dancin' when the old Joanna plays
My heart could take a chance but my two feet can't find a way
You think that I could muster up a little soft shoe gentle sway
But I don't feel like dancin', no sir, no dancin' today

Don't feel like dancin', dancin'
Even if I find nothin' better to do
Don't feel like dancin', dancin'
Why'd you break it down when I'm not in the mood?
Don't feel like dancin', dancin'
Rather be home with no-one if I can't get down with you-ou-ou

Cities come and cities go just like the old empires
When all you do is change your clothes and call that versatile
You got so many colors make a blind man so confused
Then why can't I keep up when you're the only thing I lose?

So I'll just pretend that I know which way to bend
And I'm gonna tell the whole world that you're mine
Just please understand when I see you clap your hands
If you stick around I'm sure that you'll be fine

But I don't feel like dancin' when the old Joanna plays
My heart could take a chance but my two feet can't find a way
You think that I could muster up a little soft shoe gentle sway
But I don't feel like dancin', no sir, no dancin' today

Don't feel like dancin', dancin'
Even if I find nothin' better to do
Don't feel like dancin', dancin'
Why'd you break it down when I'm not in the mood?
Don't feel like dancin', dancin'
Rather be home with no-one if I can't get down with you-ou-ou

You can't make me dance around
But your two-step makes my chest pound
Just lay me down
As you float away into the shimmer light

But I don't feel like dancin' when the old Joanna plays
My heart could take a chance but my two feet can't find a way
You think that I could muster up a little soft shoe gentle sway
But I don't feel like dancin', no sir, no dancin' today

Don't feel like dancin', dancin'
Even if I find nothin' better to do
Don't feel like dancin', dancin'
Why'd you break it down when I'm not in the mood?
Don't feel like dancin', dancin'
Rather be home with the sun if I can't get down with you-ou-ou

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Scissor Sisters' song "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'" portray a sense of ennui and disillusionment with a life that may have seemed appealing at one point but has lost its appeal over time. The singer wakes up with a sense of regret and doesn't feel like engaging in the usual activities that may have brought joy in the past. Despite this, the singer puts on a facade for others and tries to hold on to the idea that they can still have a good time, despite their lack of genuine enthusiasm.

In the song's chorus, the singer expresses that they do not feel like dancing, even though everyone around them is. This could represent the idea that society puts pressure on individuals to conform to certain expectations, even if they don't match their personal desires or needs. The singer questions why they have to pretend and put on a show when they would rather be alone or doing something else.

The lyrics are relatable for anyone who has felt the pressure to participate in activities that they don't enjoy or felt like they were struggling to keep up with others. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with the lyrics' cynical tone, showcasing the struggle between trying to fit in with others and staying true to oneself.

Line by Line Meaning

Wake up in the morning with a head like "What ya done?"
I wake up feeling confused and maybe even regretful about something I did the previous night.

This used to be the life but I don't need another one
I used to enjoy partying and going out, but now I'm content with a simpler life.

Good luck cuttin' nothin', carryin' on, you wear them gowns
I don't think you're doing anything worthwhile and I don't understand why you're dressed up.

So how come I feel so lonely when you're up gettin' down?
Even though everyone else is dancing and having fun, I still feel lonely and disconnected.

So I play along when I hear that favorite song
I pretend to enjoy the music so that I fit in and don't seem like a downer.

I'm gonna be the one who gets it right
I want to feel like I'm succeeding in social situations and not be the odd one out.

You better know when you're swingin' 'round the room
You may be having fun, but I'm not feeling it.

Looks like magic's solely yours tonight
You're the only one experiencing the magic and joy of this moment.

But I don't feel like dancin' when the old Joanna plays
I don't want to dance even though it's a familiar and well-liked song.

My heart could take a chance but my two feet can't find a way
I might be willing to try dancing, but I don't know how to dance and don't feel comfortable trying.

You think that I could muster up a little soft shoe gentle sway
You expect me to try dancing and move with the music, but I'm not feeling it and it's not that simple.

Don't feel like dancin', dancin'
I really don't feel like dancing and nothing will change that.

Even if I find nothin' better to do
I won't dance even if I don't have anything else to do.

Why'd you break it down when I'm not in the mood?
Why did you start dancing and expect me to join in when I'm clearly not in the mood?

Rather be home with no-one if I can't get down with you-ou-ou
I would rather be alone at home than feel forced to dance and pretend to enjoy myself.

Cities come and cities go just like the old empires
Things change quickly, including our tastes and preferences, just like entire cities and empires can rise and fall.

When all you do is change your clothes and call that versatile
You might think you're versatile because you change your clothes and style, but that's not true versatility.

You got so many colors make a blind man so confused
You have so many different aspects to your personality that even someone not blind would be confused.

Then why can't I keep up when you're the only thing I lose?
I can't keep up with your constantly changing self and I feel like I'm losing you because of it.

So I'll just pretend that I know which way to bend
I'll pretend to understand you and your different sides even when I really don't.

And I'm gonna tell the whole world that you're mine
I want to make it crystal clear that you're my partner and that we're together.

Just please understand when I see you clap your hands
I may not feel like dancing myself, but I still appreciate and admire your dancing.

If you stick around I'm sure that you'll be fine
I may not always be able to keep up with you, but I know that you'll be successful and happy no matter what.

You can't make me dance around
I won't be forced to dance or pretend to enjoy something I'm not.

But your two-step makes my chest pound
Even though I don't want to dance, I can't deny that your dancing and energy make me feel something.

Just lay me down
I may not want to dance, but I still want to be close to you and feel your energy and rhythm.

As you float away into the shimmer light
As you dance and move with the music, it's almost as if you're disappearing into the light and becoming something magical.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jason Forbes Sellards, Scott David Hoffman, Elton John

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it