Dancing Shoes
Arctic Monkeys / Arctic Monkeys Lyrics
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There's one thing on your mind
Hoping they're looking for you
Sure you'll be rummaging through
And the shit, shock, horror
You've seen your future bride
Oh, but it's oh so absurd
So you're waiting and waiting
The only reason that you came
So what you scared for
Don't you always do the same
It's what you there for, don't you know
The lights are flashing
Down in here tonight
And some might exchange a glance
But keep pretending to dance
Don't act like it's not happening
As if it's impolite
To go and mention your name
Instead you'll just do the same
As they all do, and hope for the best ...
The only reason that you came
So what you scared for
Well don't you always do the same
It's what you're there for but no
Get on your dancing shoes
You sexy little swine
Hoping they're looking for you
Sure you'll be rummaging through
Oh and the shit, shock, horror
You've seen your future bride
Oh, but it's oh so absurd
For you to say the first word
So you're waiting and waiting
The lyrics of Arctic Monkeys’ “Dancing Shoes” draws one's mind to the idea of going out with a sole intention of seeking attention, someone else’s attention that is. The song speaks of getting on your dancing shoes and going out hoping to be noticed by someone you’ve had your eyes on. The first verse sets the scene for the rest of the song, painting a picture of a person who has been looking forward to going out to a party to catch the attention of their newly-found crush. However, they are too shy to say a thing, and so they keep waiting and hoping for something to happen.
The chorus of the song highlights the irony of the situation, as it states that the person has come to the party solely for the purpose of finding love but is too scared to make a move, even though they’ve done this before. The following line “It's what you're there for, don't you know” solidifies the idea that the person is used to coming to parties for the sole purpose of finding someone else but gets too scared to make a move.
The second verse reinforces the idea of not wanting to make the first move, hinting that the person is more comfortable with just hoping that their crush will make the move for them. In the end, the song emphasizes the idea that the person should just let their dancing shoes lead the way, keep an open mind, and let the night surprise them.
Line by Line Meaning
Get on your dancing shoes
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to dance
There's one thing on your mind
You have only one thing on your mind - finding someone attractive to dance with
Hoping they're looking for you
You hope that someone out there is looking for someone like you to dance with
Sure you'll be rummaging through
You are confident that you'll find someone to dance with if you keep searching
And the shit, shock, horror
Suddenly, something happens that shocks you
You've seen your future bride
You see someone you are attracted to and envision a future with them
Oh, but it's oh so absurd
It seems ridiculous to you to say the first word to them
For you to say the first word
It's difficult for you to initiate a conversation with them
So you're waiting and waiting
You choose to wait for them to make the first move instead
The only reason that you came
You came to this event for only one reason - to find someone to dance with
So what you scared for
You wonder why you're afraid to initiate a conversation with someone you're attracted to
Don't you always do the same
You realize that you often find yourself in this situation and always react the same way
It's what you there for, don't you know
This is why you attend events like this - to find someone to dance with or potentially date
The lights are flashing
The lights at the event are flashing and creating a fun atmosphere
Down in here tonight
Inside the event venue
And some might exchange a glance
You may catch someone's eye and they will briefly look at you
But keep pretending to dance
But they will keep dancing and not initiate any interaction
Don't act like it's not happening
Don't pretend that people aren't interested in each other at events like these
As if it's impolite
As if it's rude to show interest in someone else
To go and mention your name
To go up to someone and introduce yourself
Instead you'll just do the same
You'll just keep dancing and hoping someone will approach you
As they all do, and hope for the best
As everyone else at the event does, and hope that someone will initiate interaction with them
You sexy little swine
You're feeling confident and attractive
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALEX TURNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind