Well I was dancing at a night club one Friday night
And that night club bar was a little uptight
Yeah, I was dancing all alone a little self conscious
When some kids came up and said, "for dancing come with us."
And soon

I was dancing in a lesbian bar.
I was dancing in a lesbian bar.

Well I was dancing in the lesbian bar
In the industrial zone.
I was dancing with my friends
And dancing alone.
Well the first bar things were alright
But in this bar, things were Friday night.
In the first bar things were just alright.
This bar things were Friday night.

I was dancing in a lesbian bar.
I was dancing in a lesbian bar.

Well I was dancing in the lesbian bar
Way downtown
I was there to check the scene
And hang around
Well the first bar things were stop and stare
But in this bar things were laissez faire
In the first bar things were stop and stare
In this bar things were lassez faire.

I was dancing in a lesbian bar.
I was dancing in a lesbian bar.

In the first bar folks were drinking sips
But in this bar they could shake their hips,
In the first bar they were drinking sips
In this bar they could shake their hips.

I was dancing in a lesbian bar.
I was dancing in a lesbian bar.

I was dancing in a lesbian bar.
I was dancing in a lesbian bar.

Well in the first bar, things were okay
But in this bar things were more my way
In the first bar things were just okay
But in this bar things were done my way.

I was dancing in a lesbian bar.
I was dancing in a lesbian bar.

Well in the first bar things were controlled
But in this bar things were Rock and Roll
In the first bar things were so controlled
In this bar things were way way bold.

I was dancing in a lesbian bar.
I was dancing in a lesbian bar.

Overall Meaning

The meaning behind Jonathan Richman’s “I Was Dancing In The Lesbian Bar” has often been debated since its release in 1992, and it can be interpreted in a variety of ways. At its core, it is a story of a night out that leads to a fun time in a bar where the singer feels comfortable and free to let loose. The first bar is uptight, where people were self-conscious and watched each other. However, the second bar, the one in the industrial zone, is a lesbian bar where the vibe is relaxed, and people can freely move their hips and express themselves without any restraint.

The singer was initially nervous, dancing alone and feeling self-conscious. But then some strangers invited him to come to this “lesbian bar” where he felt transformed. He changed from being self-conscious to feeling respected, as no one bothered him there or made him feel uncomfortable. He describes how in the first bar, people were just sipping their drinks, but in the lesbian bar, people were moving their bodies, and he felt free to dance in a judgment-free environment.

The song deals with issues such as sexuality, gender identity, and societal norms regarding how one should dance, but it also allows for individual expression and personal freedom in a safe space. For Richman, who has been known for his quirky songwriting style focusing on love, friendship, and nostalgia, the song offers an insightful commentary on the need for inclusivity, acceptance, and a space where people can just have fun without any constraints.

Line by Line Meaning

Well I was dancing at a night club one Friday night
I was enjoying myself at a nightclub on a Friday night

And that night club bar was a little uptight
The atmosphere at the bar was tense and not relaxed

Yeah, I was dancing all alone a little self conscious
I was dancing by myself and feeling a bit insecure

When some kids came up and said, "for dancing come with us."
A group of people approached and invited me to dance with them

And soon
Before I knew it

I was dancing in a lesbian bar.
I found myself dancing in a bar that primarily catered to lesbians

Well I was dancing in the lesbian bar
I continued to dance in the lesbian bar

In the industrial zone.
The bar was located in an industrial area

I was dancing with my friends
I was dancing with my companions

And dancing alone.
At times, I was also dancing by myself

Well the first bar things were alright
The first bar I went to was decent and had no major issues

But in this bar, things were Friday night.
The lesbian bar had a very lively and energetic atmosphere

In the first bar things were just alright.
The first bar didn't offer anything particularly special

This bar things were Friday night.
The lesbian bar was full of excitement and energy

Well I was dancing in the lesbian bar
I continued to dance in the lesbian bar

Way downtown
The lesbian bar was located far away from the city center

I was there to check the scene
I went to the bar to see what it was like

And hang around
I also stayed to socialize and spend time there

Well the first bar things were stop and stare
The first bar I went to was filled with gawkers and people staring

But in this bar things were laissez faire
The lesbian bar had a relaxed and open-minded atmosphere

In the first bar things were stop and stare
The first bar was very judgmental and didn't allow people to be themselves

In this bar things were lassez faire.
In contrast, the lesbian bar was much more accepting and laid-back

In the first bar folks were drinking sips
People at the first bar were having a few drinks here and there

But in this bar they could shake their hips,
People at the lesbian bar were free to dance and express themselves without judgement

I was dancing in a lesbian bar.
I enjoyed myself by dancing and being part of the atmosphere at the lesbian bar

Well in the first bar, things were okay
Although the first bar was not exceptional, it was decent enough

But in this bar things were more my way
The lesbian bar suited me more based on its open-minded and free-spirited atmosphere

In the first bar things were just okay
The first bar didn't have anything special that stood out

But in this bar things were done my way.
In contrast, the lesbian bar was much more in line with my tastes and preferences

Well in the first bar things were controlled
The first bar had strict rules and was heavily monitored

But in this bar things were Rock and Roll
The lesbian bar was much looser and relaxed, with a much more open and casual attitude

In the first bar things were so controlled
The first bar was very strict and rules-driven

In this bar things were way way bold.
In contrast, the lesbian bar was willing to take risks and be a bit bolder

I was dancing in a lesbian bar.
Once again, I enjoyed dancing and being part of the scene at the lesbian bar

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