Dance With a Stranger
Bananarama Lyrics


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Scarlett lips, a silk embrace
But there's no laughter in her face
A crowded room is a lonely place full of lies

A wicked smile a shifting glance
The passion light you feel at last
Her pleasure somehow eased the pain
Too late to chance it all again

Before we kiss the world goodbye
It's only a breath away
One more dance before you die
So tender as the music plays

There's no emotion
Only passion in your crime
Killing the love that drives you out of your mind
When you dance with a stranger

A spinning room a cool caress
A try to hide my loneliness
Cheek to cheek we let the evening drift by

The hollow mask has disappeared
We drown our love through salty tears
We speed at night like a racing car
And now I see you as you really are

Before we kiss the world goodbye
It's only a breath away
One more dance before you die
So tender as the music plays

There's no emotion
Only passion in your crime
Love is the last thing on your mind
When you dance with a stranger

Dance
Dance with a stranger
Dance

Before we kiss the world goodbye
It's only a breath away
One more dance before you die
So tender as the music plays

There's no emotion
Only passion in your crime
Love is the last thing on your mind
When you dance with a stranger

Watching and waiting
For the moment to arrive
Dance with a stranger
Love is the last thing on your mind
When you dance with a stranger

There's no emotion
Only passion in your crime




Love is the last thing on your mind
When you dance with a stranger

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bananarama's "Dance With a Stranger" describe a surreal, almost otherworldly experience of meeting and dancing with a stranger. The first verse paints a picture of a beautiful and seductive woman with "scarlett lips" and a "silk embrace," who nonetheless seems cold and empty inside. The chorus invites the listener to take one more dance before they die, in a moment that is both tender and ominous.


The second verse shifts the focus to the singer, who also seems to be a lonely and lost soul in a "crowded room." They find temporary solace in the arms of the stranger they are dancing with, but the connection is hollow and doesn't truly fill the void inside them. The bridge highlights the theme of passion over emotion, with the suggestion that the act of dancing with a stranger involves "killing the love that drives you out of your mind." The final chorus reiterates that love is not present in this scenario, only passion and the thrill of living dangerously.


Overall, "Dance With a Stranger" can be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing pleasure and excitement at the expense of meaningful connections with others. The lyrics suggest that while dancing with a stranger might be thrilling in the moment, it ultimately leaves the participants unfulfilled and alone.


Line by Line Meaning

Scarlett lips, a silk embrace
Describing the physical appearance of the person they are dancing with, emphasizing on the sensual nature of the experience.


But there's no laughter in her face
Despite the sensual setting, the person they're dancing with appears emotionally distant or unhappy.


A crowded room is a lonely place full of lies
The crowded dance floor hides the lack of genuine connections and meaningful relationships, leading to a lonely and unsatisfying experience.


A wicked smile a shifting glance
The person they're dancing with seems mischievous and unpredictable, adding to the thrill and excitement of the moment.


The passion light you feel at last
Despite the emotional distance, the physical intimacy of the dance creates a sense of passion and excitement.


Her pleasure somehow eased the pain
The pleasure and enjoyment of the other person alleviates the emotional pain of feeling isolated in the crowded dance floor.


Too late to chance it all again
Acknowledging that it's too late to change the situation or take a different path, accepting the consequences of the choices made thus far.


Before we kiss the world goodbye
Reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and how every moment counts, urging to make the most of the current situation.


It's only a breath away
Emphasizing the immediacy and urgency of the moment, reminding that life can change in the blink of an eye.


One more dance before you die
Encouraging to embrace life and enjoy every moment before it's too late, inspired by the intense and ephemeral nature of the current experience.


So tender as the music plays
The music and the dance create a tender and intimate atmosphere, allowing to connect with the other person on a deeper level.


There's no emotion
Despite the physical attraction and the sense of passion, the emotional connection is lacking or nonexistent.


Only passion in your crime
The passion and excitement of the moment can feel like a guilty pleasure or a transgression of some sort, adding to its allure.


Killing the love that drives you out of your mind
The intense and overwhelming emotions and desires can feel like a threat or a burden, leading to self-destructive behavior.


When you dance with a stranger
The experience of dancing with a stranger can feel thrilling and exciting, but also lonely and detached.


A spinning room a cool caress
Describing the disorienting and dizzying effects of the dance and the atmosphere, creating a sense of detachment from reality.


A try to hide my loneliness
Despite the sense of physical and emotional distance, there is a desire to mask the feelings of loneliness and isolation through the dance.


Cheek to cheek we let the evening drift by
Despite the lack of deep emotional connection, the physical closeness and the mutual surrender to the atmosphere allow the evening to pass by in a dreamlike state.


The hollow mask has disappeared
The facade of detachment and nonchalance drops, revealing the true emotions and desires underneath.


We drown our love through salty tears
Despite the lack of love or emotional connection, the intensity of the moment and the fear of losing it can lead to tears and overwhelming emotions.


We speed at night like a racing car
Describing the thrill and excitement of the moment as a fast and exhilarating ride, further emphasizing the fleeting nature of the experience.


And now I see you as you really are
The intensity and intimacy of the dance reveal the true nature and personality of the other person, leading to a deeper understanding and connection.


Watching and waiting
The anticipation and expectation of the moment create a sense of excitement and thrill.


For the moment to arrive
Urging to live in the present and embrace the moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.


Dance with a stranger
Encouraging to take risks and embrace the unknown and unfamiliar, rather than staying in one's comfort zone.


Love is the last thing on your mind
Despite the intense and intimate nature of the experience, the focus is on the immediate pleasure and excitement, rather than long-term emotional connection.




Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sarah Elizabeth Dallin, Keren Jane Woodward, Siobhan Maire Deirdre Fahey, Steven Jolley, Tony Swain

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Jes Zimmerman

This track always takes me to a certain place of mysterious wonder, romance & sensual delight. Simply mouldering aural sensation. Definitely 1 of Bananarama's all time best. And that very sexy sax bit...perfection.๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘Œ๐ŸŽท๐ŸŽผ๐ŸŽถ๐ŸŽง๐Ÿ˜Œ๐Ÿฅฐ

Triadafillos Orfanos

the most sophisticated pop Bananarama album. I love this track too. It creates a certain ambient, and it has nice vocal harmonies too

MargauxHemingway

I love the song lyrics on this album.

Dan Shorb

Someone said this is their best song. They are right! Another sad example of a song better than the ones that got more airplay and became hits.

CURTIS MCNEIL

Absolutely I think this was easily the best song not only on this album but of there careers. I mean it has a great opening lyrics a good chorus and a great saxophone solo. This song would have been a great follow up to Venus which went No.1. All it needed was a good video to promote it. No doubt it would have hit top 10.

MargauxHemingway

It reminds me of Sade or George M Careless Whispers, great song.

Greg Kim

I get Goosebumps when I hear this masterpiece

Smart.Robot

1 of their best songs...ever...everything is spot on!...

Maria Kelly

This is so damn gorgeous!

Major Hinton Jr

Wow! I'm comment 13? This group and in particularly this song never got the recognition both deserved. From the lyrics, the harmony of the ladies voices, and the background music..this song is a wonderful piece. Personally while some of their other songs got massive radio play, I think "Dance With A Stranger" is the best thing they ever did. Watching and waiting for the moment to arrive....Beautiful.

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