Rio
-Duran Duran Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Moving on the floor now, babe
You're a bird of paradise
Cherry ice cream smile
I suppose it's very nice
With a step to your left and a flick to the right
You catch that mirror way out west
You know you're something special
And you look like you're the best

Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand
Just like that river twisting through a dusty land
And when she shines, she really shows you all she can
Oh Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande

I've seen you on the beach
And I've seen you on TV
Two, of a billion stars
It means so much to me
Like a birthday or a pretty view
But then I'm sure that you know it's just for you

Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand
Just like that river twisting through a dusty land
And when she shines, she really shows you all she can
Oh Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande

Hey now (woo)
Look at that did he nearly run you down
At the end of the drive the lawmen arrive
You make me feel alive, alive, alive

I'll take my chance 'cause luck is on my side
Or something, I know what you're thinking
I'll tell you something, I know what you're thinking

Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand
Just like that river twists across a dusty land
And when she shines, she really shows you all she can
Oh Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande

Her name is Rio, she don't need to understand
And I might find her if I'm looking like I can
Oh Rio, Rio hear them shout across the land
From mountains in the north, down to the Rio Grande

Doo doo doo doo doo doo




Doo doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo

Overall Meaning

The song Rio, by Duran Duran, is an upbeat and celebratory tribute to a woman named Rio. The lyrics convey the admiration and fascination that the singer has for Rio, describing her as a bird of paradise with a cherry ice cream smile. He watches her dance, mesmerized by her movements and captivated by her beauty. Through the lyrics, the singer acknowledges how special Rio is and how she stands out among a billion stars. He sees her as a symbol of freedom and adventure, comparing her to the Rio Grande river that twists across a dusty land.


The singer also alludes to the dangers that surround Rio in the form of law enforcement or reckless drivers. However, he insists on taking a chance to be near her, convinced that luck is on his side. He believes that he knows what Rio is thinking, and he promises to find her if he can, as she dances across the Rio Grande.


Overall, the song Rio is a celebration of a woman who embodies beauty, freedom, and adventure. The lyrics describe her with symbolic metaphors, including birds, rivers, and stars. The upbeat tempo of the music, paired with the singer's praise and admiration, creates a sense of excitement and wonder.


Line by Line Meaning

Moving on the floor now, babe
You're dancing gracefully and confidently


You're a bird of paradise
You're an exotic and beautiful creature


Cherry ice cream smile
Your smile is sweet and refreshing


I suppose it's very nice
It's pleasant, but not particularly remarkable


With a step to your left and a flick to the right
You move with ease and style


You catch that mirror way out west
You see yourself clearly and confidently


You know you're something special
You're aware of your unique qualities and value


And you look like you're the best
You exude confidence and excellence


Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand
Rio is a beautiful woman who dances gracefully


Just like that river twisting through a dusty land
Her dancing is reminiscent of the twists and turns of a river


And when she shines, she really shows you all she can
When she is at her best, she truly impresses


Oh Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande
Keep dancing, Rio, and let your spirit soar


I've seen you on the beach
I've admired you in your natural element


And I've seen you on TV
I've seen you in the public eye, shining bright


Two, of a billion stars
You stand out among many other talented individuals


It means so much to me
You have an impact on my life


Like a birthday or a pretty view
You bring joy and beauty into my life


But then I'm sure that you know it's just for you
You are aware that my admiration is just for you


Hey now (woo) Look at that did he nearly run you down
I am captivated by your beauty and almost missed seeing you


At the end of the drive the lawmen arrive
There are forces that can interfere with your freedom and beauty


You make me feel alive, alive, alive
Your presence is invigorating and life-affirming


I'll take my chance 'cause luck is on my side
I will take risks because I believe I will succeed


Or something, I know what you're thinking
I have a sense of what's going through your head


I'll tell you something, I know what you're thinking
I am confident in my ability to read your thoughts


Her name is Rio, she don't need to understand
Rio doesn't need to understand the impact she has on others


And I might find her if I'm looking like I can
I may have a chance with Rio if I present myself well


Oh Rio, Rio hear them shout across the land
Your influence and beauty are noticed and celebrated far and wide


From mountains in the north, down to the Rio Grande
Your impact is felt across the whole region, from north to south


Doo doo doo doo doo doo Doo doo doo doo doo doo Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
Instrumental outro




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Andy Taylor, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jones1068

Her name is Rio.

@aigcfabio

Antigua

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