ALQUIN were an innovative Dutch band who released four studio albums during… Read Full Bio ↴ALQUIN were an innovative Dutch band who released four studio albums during the early to mid-70's, their first two being of particular interest to progsters. With a mixture of rock, jazz and classical music, they show elements of SOFT MACHINE, CARAVAN, PINK FLOYD, CURVED AIR with tinges of ROXY MUSIC. The band split up in 1977 following line-up changes and differences in musical direction - some of its members went on to form a new wave/punk band called The METEORS, although they made a comeback in 2003 releasing two more new albums.

"Marks" (1972), their first release, is mostly instrumental with a highly jazzy feel. Quite versatile, it features snippets of calypso, circus music, Dixieland and (of all things!) country music. Their best progressive effort, however, is their second album "Mountain Queen" (1973) which features long instrumental passages with prominent lead guitar, whirling Hammond organ, dual saxophones, electric violin and catchy choruses in a slightly Canterbury style. With the release of "Nobody Can Wait Forever" (1975) and "Best Kept Secret" (1976), however, the band went for a more hard rock sound with shorter, more accessible tunes. Two live albums as well as six compilation cd's of their material were subsequently released by Polydor and various other record labels.With the band's cameback in 2003 they released "Blue Planet" (2005) and "Sailors & Sinners" (2009).

The symphonic style of "Mountain Queen" should appeal to progsters; "Nobody Can Wait Forever" is recommended if you like a more bluesy/funky approach.
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www.progarchives.com

The dance
Alquin Lyrics

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The dance.

Cry if you want. And dance if you can, but never look at me again, with eyes like that. Cry if you want. And dance if you can, but never look at me again, with eyes like that.

Where will you be tonight? Where will you be tomorrow?
You fly your silver kite. But you're leaving me in sorrow.

Hey stew, see what you've done to me. Oh I am feeling so bad.

Yes you make me feel blue.

There 'll be no flight tonight. It ain't no use debating. So put out your landing light. 'Cause Captain Brown is waiting.

Where will you be tonight? Where will you be tomorrow?
Fly your silver kite, and your leaving me with my sorrow.

I thought I saw a coloured leaf falling upwards to the tree, but no it was a butterfly. A fly, fly fly, fly...

Overall Meaning

"The Dance" by Alquin is a poignant song that expresses the pain and sadness that come with a breakup. The song suggests that if one wants to cry, they should cry, and if they want to dance, they should dance, but they should never look at their ex-partner with eyes that show their hurt. The song conveys the message that it's time to let go and move on from the relationship.

The lyrics also portray a sense of confusion and uncertainty about the future. The singer asks the question, "Where will you be tonight? Where will you be tomorrow?" indicating a feeling of loss and not knowing where they stand with their former lover. The song also hints at the idea that the person left behind is struggling to let go, as they are left in sorrow and regret.

The song takes on a more upbeat tone towards the end, with a reference to a butterfly flying. The metaphor of flight suggests that it's time to soar above the hurt and pain and move forward. The song leaves a bittersweet feeling, as though the final release from the heartbreak is painful but necessary.

Line by Line Meaning

Cry if you want. And dance if you can, but never look at me again, with eyes like that.
You can express your emotions however you wish, but don't look at me with eyes that betray the love we once shared.

Where will you be tonight? Where will you be tomorrow?
I wonder where you'll be tonight and in the future.

You fly your silver kite. But you're leaving me in sorrow.
You're moving on with your life, but I'm left feeling sad and alone.

Hey stew, see what you've done to me. Oh I am feeling so bad.
You've hurt me deeply, and it's taking a toll on my emotional state.

Yes you make me feel blue.
You're making me feel sad and depressed.

There 'll be no flight tonight. It ain't no use debating. So put out your landing light. 'Cause Captain Brown is waiting.
It's pointless to argue about it, there won't be any flights tonight. Turn off your plane's lights because the captain is waiting for you.

Fly your silver kite, and your leaving me with my sorrow.
You're moving on with your life, and I'm left feeling sad and alone.

I thought I saw a coloured leaf falling upwards to the tree, but no it was a butterfly. A fly, fly fly, fly...
I thought I saw something impossible, but it turned out to be something beautiful and simple that reminded me of how amazing life can be.

Contributed by Evelyn R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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