Nothing Matters When We're Dancing
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics
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Once before we go
Let's pretend this song won't end
And we never have to go home
And we'll dance along the chandeliers
And nothing matters when we're dancing (When we're dancing)
In tatter-tatters you're entrancing (You're entrancing)
Be we in Paris or in Lansing (Or in Lansing)
Nothing matters when we're dancing (When we're dancing)
(Nothing matters when we're dancing)
You've never been more beautiful
Your eyes like two full moons
As here in this poor old dance hall
Among the dreadful twos
The awful songs we don't even hear
And nothing matters when we're dancing (When we're dancing)
In tatter-tatters you're entrancing (You're entrancing)
Be we in Paris or in Lansing (Or in Lansing)
Nothing matters when we're dancing (Wehen we're dancing)
(Nothing matters when we're dancing)
And nothing matters when we're dancing (When we're dancing)
In tatter-tatters you're entrancing (You're entrancing)
Be we in Paris or in Lansing (Or in Lansing)
Nothing matters when we're dancing (When we're dancing)
Nothing matters when we're dancing
The Magnetic Fields' song "Nothing Matters When We're Dancing" is a poetic tribute to the exhilarating feeling of losing oneself in the dance-floor, where nothing else matters apart from the rhythm, movement and the moment shared with an old and dear friend. The song encourages the listener to forget about the world outside, and to embrace the present moment, creating a space of complete immersion in the music and the joy of dancing. The lyrics play with the idea of timelessness, inviting us to "pretend this song won't end", highlighting the ephemeral nature of the musical experience, which can only be captured in fleeting moments of pure emotional release.
The use of poetic devices such as alliteration ("tatter-tatters you're entrancing") and metaphors ("Your eyes like two full moons") add to the dreamy and nostalgic quality of the song, enhancing the feeling of being transported to a magical, timeless place. Moreover, the song's title is repeated throughout the lyrics, emphasising the underlying message that when we dance, nothing else truly matters.
In summary, "Nothing Matters When We're Dancing" is a beautiful ode to the transforming power of music and dance, capturing the essence of the euphoric state that we experience when we lose ourselves in the moment and dance freely.
Line by Line Meaning
Dance with me, my old friend
Let's enjoy this dance together, reminiscing about the past and cherishing our friendship.
Once before we go
Before this moment passes and this night ends, let's make the most of it.
Let's pretend this song won't end
For this brief moment, let's suspend our reality and imagine that the music will never stop playing.
And we never have to go home
We don't want to leave this moment, so let's just keep dancing and never stop.
And we'll dance along the chandeliers
We will dance with such joy and abandon that we might as well be dancing on the chandeliers themselves.
And nothing matters when we're dancing (When we're dancing)
The worries and stresses of the outside world fade away when we're dancing, and all that matters is the moment we're in right now.
In tatter-tatters you're entrancing (You're entrancing)
Even in our worn-out clothes, you are still captivating and beautiful.
Be we in Paris or in Lansing (Or in Lansing)
It doesn't matter where we are or what our circumstances are - as long as we're dancing together, we're happy.
You've never been more beautiful
In this moment, you are radiantly happy and that makes you glow with beauty.
Your eyes like two full moons
Your eyes are shining so brightly that they could be two full moons in the sky.
As here in this poor old dance hall
Despite the shabby surroundings, we're having the time of our lives.
Among the dreadful twos
Despite the terrible music and the mediocre surroundings, we're still enjoying ourselves.
The awful songs we don't even hear
We're dancing so joyfully that we don't even notice the bad music playing around us.
Nothing matters when we're dancing
Once again, the troubles of the outside world fade away when we're caught up in the joy of dance.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Stephin Merritt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind