Adam Levine (born Adam Noah Levine; March 18, 1979 in Los Angeles, Californ… Read Full Bio ↴Adam Levine (born Adam Noah Levine; March 18, 1979 in Los Angeles, California, U.S.) is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and actor, widely known as the lead vocalist for the Los Angeles pop rock band, Maroon 5.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Levine began his musical career in 1994, when he co-founded the alternative rock band Kara's Flowers, of which he was the lead vocalist and guitarist. After the commercial failure of their only album, The Fourth World (1997), the band split up. In 2001, the group was reformed – with guitarist James Valentine joining the line-up – and began a new, musical chapter, changing their name to Maroon 5. In 2002, the band released their first album, Songs About Jane, which went multi-platinum in the US. Since then, they have released four more albums, It Won't Be Soon Before Long (2007), Hands All Over (2010), Overexposed (2012) and V (2014). As part of Maroon 5, Levine has received three Grammy Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award and a World Music Award.

Since 2011, Levine has served as a coach on NBC's reality talent show The Voice. The winners of the first and fifth seasons, Javier Colon and Tessanne Chin, were on his team. In 2012, he made his acting debut as a recurring character in the horror television show American Horror Story: Asylum for the series' second season. He also appeared in the film Begin Again.

As an entrepreneur, Levine launched his own eponymous fragrance line in 2013. The same year, he collaborated with Kmart and ShopYourWay.com to develop his menswear collection. He also owns a record label, 222 Records. In 2013, The Hollywood Reporter reported that "sources familiar with his many business dealings" estimated Levine would earn more than $35 million that year.

Tiny Dancer
Adam Levine Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Blue jean baby, L.A. Lady,
Seamstress for the band
Pretty eyed, pirate smile,
You'll marry a music man
Ballerina, you must have seen her
Dancing in the sand
And now she's in me, always with me,
Tiny dancer in my hand, oh, ooh

Jesus freaks out in the street
Handing tickets out for God
Turning back she just laughs
The boulevard is not that bad, oh

Piano man he takes his stand
In the auditorium
Looking on she sings the songs
The words she knows the tune she hums, oh

But oh how it feels so real
Lying here with no one near
Only you and you can hear me
When I say softly slowly, yeah

Hold me closer tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
You had a busy day today

Hold me closer tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
You had a busy day today, oh yeah

Oh, ooh hole me closer

Overall Meaning

"Tiny Dancer" by Adam Levine is a cover of the original song by Elton John. The lyrics tell the story of a young woman who is part of the Los Angeles music scene. She is described as a "blue jean baby," a nickname that reflects her casual, down-to-earth nature. As a seamstress for the band, she is involved in the behind-the-scenes work that brings the magic to life.

The song emphasizes the beauty and allure of this woman, with her captivating "pretty eyed, pirate smile." It suggests that she will eventually marry a musician due to her deep connection with music. The line "Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand" highlights her graceful nature and hints at her free-spirited and spontaneous personality.

The singer reveals that this woman is always with him, as she has become his muse, his "tiny dancer." It implies that she has inspired him creatively and emotionally, and her presence is felt even when she is not physically there.

The song further takes a detour in the second verse, where it describes "Jesus freaks" handing out tickets for God on the street. The woman laughs off their attempt to convert her, implying that she has a broader understanding and acceptance of the world around her. This is symbolized by the line "the boulevard is not that bad," suggesting that she sees the beauty and potential in the sometimes chaotic and overwhelming city life.

As the piano man performs in the auditorium, the woman joins him in singing the songs. It implies a shared passion for music and a deep connection between them. The singer expresses his vulnerability, lying there with no one near, but feeling heard and understood by the woman. He asks her to hold him closer, symbolizing a desire for intimacy and emotional support.

The chorus repeats the plea for the tiny dancer to hold the singer closer, while they count the headlights on the highway. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for taking comfort in the mundane and everyday moments of life. The singer wants to be laid down in sheets of linen, a soothing and peaceful image after what is assumed to be a tiring day.

Overall, "Tiny Dancer" is a heartfelt tribute to a woman who symbolizes inspiration, connection, and solace in the chaotic world of music and life.

Line by Line Meaning

Blue jean baby, L.A. Lady, Seamstress for the band
A woman who is dressed casually but still exudes a sense of elegance, living in Los Angeles. She is skilled in making clothes for the band members.

Pretty eyed, pirate smile, You'll marry a music man
She has attractive eyes and a mischievous smile. It is predicted that she will eventually marry a musician.

Ballerina, you must have seen her, Dancing in the sand
She has witnessed the beauty and grace of a ballerina dancing on the sandy beach.

And now she's in me, always with me, Tiny dancer in my hand, oh, ooh
She has become deeply ingrained in the singer's thoughts and emotions. She represents a small but significant part of his life.

Jesus freaks out in the street, Handing tickets out for God
Religious individuals passionately share their beliefs in the streets, offering tickets to salvation.

Turning back she just laughs, The boulevard is not that bad, oh
Despite facing religious evangelism, she dismisses it with laughter, implying that she doesn't find it bothersome or threatening.

Piano man he takes his stand, In the auditorium
A skilled pianist confidently positions himself in the auditorium, ready to perform.

Looking on she sings the songs, The words she knows the tune she hums, oh
She observes the performance and sings along, familiar with the lyrics and melody of the songs.

But oh how it feels so real, Lying here with no one near
The singer expresses the intensity of his emotions while lying alone, emphasizing the authenticity of his experience.

Only you and you can hear me, When I say softly slowly, yeah
He believes that only she can truly understand him when he speaks softly and gently.

Hold me closer tiny dancer, Count the headlights on the highway
He yearns for her physical presence and asks her to embrace him. Together, they count the passing headlights on the highway, perhaps representing moments shared together.

Lay me down in sheets of linen, You had a busy day today
He desires to rest with her, surrounded by luxurious linen sheets, acknowledging that she has had a hectic day.

Oh, ooh hole me closer
Reiterating his plea for her to hold him closer.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bernie Taupin, Elton John

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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