In 1958, Ben Nelson joined a doo wop group, The Five Crowns. Later that same year, The Drifters' manager fired the members of the group and replaced them with The Five Crowns, who had performed several engagements with The Drifters. He co-wrote the first hit by the new version of The Drifters, "There Goes My Baby" (1959). He also sang lead, using his birth name, on "Save the Last Dance for Me," a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, "Dance With Me," "This Magic Moment," "I Count the Tears," and other The Drifters hits.
In 1960 he left the group after failing to gain a salary increase and a fairer share of the group's royalties. At this point he assumed the more memorable stage name Ben E. King in preparation for a solo career. Remaining on Atlantic, King scored his first solo hit with the stylish, Latin-tinged ballad "Spanish Harlem" (1961). "Stand by Me" was his next recording. "Stand by Me", written by King along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller was voted one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America. "Stand by Me" and "Spanish Harlem" were named as two of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and were both also given a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.
King's records continued to place well on the pop charts until 1963, when British pop bands began to dominate the popular music scene. His hits after 1963 were "What is Soul?" (1967), "Supernatural Thing, part 1" (1975), and the re-issue in 1986 of "Stand by Me" following the song's use as the theme music to the movie of the same name.
Music Trance
Ben E. King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, yeah
(You′re in a music trance)
(Even if you can't dance)
(You′re in a music trance)
(Even if you can't dance)
We're in a new star aligned
People working hard, trying to get that dollar
Just to buy somethings to make a better life
Won′t talk about the one′s that's running now
Ripping us off (ripping us off), blind to reality (reality)
Lord, I think that music is the answer
That′s gonna save our sanity
It's the rhythm that makes you move
You clap your hands
You can get in the groove
You′re in a music trance
Even if you can't dance
It′s the rhythm that makes you move
You can clap your hands
You can get in the groove
You're in a music trance
Even if you can't dance
How I wish I was the man who went to the moon
(Went to the moon, went to the moon)
Oh, one of my friends is too high
If I could take myself way up to the moon
(Way up to the moon)
I′d look back on earth and find out why
And people (people), I mean people (people)
Just up to the way the thing was plan
(The thing was plan, the thing was plan) get to
Get yourself in a right direction, come on, come on!
Come get down with me and my band, me and my band
It′s the rhythm that makes you move
You clap your hands
You can get in the groove
You're in a music trance
Even if you can′t dance
It's the rhythm that makes you move
You can clap your hands
You can get in the groove
You′re in a music trance
Even if you can't dance
Won′t you get on up?
Get up (get up, get on up)
Won't you get on up? (Get up, get on up)
Won't you get on up? (Get up, get on up)
Won′t you get on up? (Get up, get on up)
Won′t you get on up?
Get up, get up, a-get up, a-get on up!
Get up, a-get up, a-get up
Everybody, get up!
(Get up, get up, get on up, get up, get up, get up, get on up)
Everybody get on up
(Get up, get up, get on up) (you're in a music trance)
(Get up, get up) you′re in a music trance (get up, get on up)
(Even if you can't dance) (get up, get up, get on up)
Even if you can′t dance
(You're in a music trance) (get up, get up, get up, get on up)
You can find love (love)
Joy (joy)
So much happiness (happiness)
Pleasure in my music
You can find love (love)
Oh, lots of joy (joy)
So much happiness (happiness)
Nothing but pleasure in my music
Day by day, this world has changed
We′re in a new star aligned
People working hard, trying to get that dollar
Just to buy something that brings a better life
Won't talk about the one's that′s running now
Ripping us off (ripping us off), blind to reality (reality)
I think that music is the answer
That′s gonna save our sanity
It's the rhythm that makes you move
You can clap your hands, get in the groove
You′re in a music trance
Even if you can't dance
It′s the rhythm that makes you move
You can clap your hands
You can get in the groove
You're in a music trance
Even if you can′t dance
It's the rhythm that makes you move
You can clap your hands
You can get in the groove
You're in a music trance
Even if you can′t dance
(It′s the rhythm) it's the rhythm that makes you move
You can clap your hands, get in the groove
(You′re not it's the rhythm) you′re in a music trance
Even if you can't dance
(Ayy, it′s the rhythm) it's the rhythm that makes you move
You can clap your hands get in the groove
(Nothing but the rhythm) you're in a music trance
(Nothing but the rhythm) even if you can′t dance
(Nothing but the rhythm) it′s the rhythm that makes you move
(Well, well) clap your hands, get in the groove
You're in a music trance
Even if you can′t dance
(I say, it's the rhythm) it′s the rhythm that makes you move
(Nothing but the rhythm) clap your hands
(Nothing but the rhythm) get in the groove
You're in a music trance
Even if you can′t dance
(I say, it's the rhythm) it's the rhythm that makes you move
(Nothing but the rhythm) clap your hands
(Nothing but the rhythm) get in the groove
You′re in a music trance
Even if you can′t dance
I say, it's the rhythm that makes you move
You can clap your hands
Get in the groove
You′re in a music trance
Even if you can't dance
The lyrics of Ben E. King’s “Music Trance” talk about the transformative power of music. The song suggests that music can save our sanity and offer us love, joy, happiness and pleasure no matter what our dancing abilities or economic circumstances may be. The lyrics convey a message that music can provide an escape from the daily grind and existential concerns in a world that is constantly evolving, and where one may feel like they are being ripped off or blinded to reality. The song encourages listeners to get up, get in the groove and join the band to find the right direction, no matter their dance moves.
The lyrics are set to a rhythm-driven, catchy melody that is almost impossible not to dance to. The chorus is easy to sing along to, with lyrics that proclaim “It’s the rhythm that makes you move, you can clap your hands and get in the groove”. The song also possesses a sense of nostalgia, suggesting that music has the power to transport people, and imagining a world where one can escape up to the moon to contemplate what is happening on Earth. Overall, Music Trance is a joyous celebration of music, and an ode to its capacity to uplift and connect people, regardless of circumstance or status.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh
Expression of excitement, anticipation, or admiration.
Oh, yeah
Expression of excitement or agreement.
(You′re in a music trance)
You are captivated by music's spell.
(Even if you can't dance)
You do not need to dance to feel the power of music.
Day by day, the world has changed
The world is constantly evolving and adapting.
We're in a new star aligned
Things are coming together in a new and promising way.
People working hard, trying to get that dollar
People are striving for financial stability and security.
Just to buy somethings to make a better life
People work hard to acquire material possessions to improve their lives.
Won′t talk about the one′s that's running now
Will not discuss the current political leaders.
Ripping us off (ripping us off), blind to reality (reality)
Leaders are exploiting us and ignoring the truth.
Lord, I think that music is the answer
The singer believes music can solve our problems.
That′s gonna save our sanity
Music can help people maintain their mental health.
It's the rhythm that makes you move
The beat of the music is what drives you.
You clap your hands
You show your appreciation for the music with clapping.
You can get in the groove
You can get into the rhythm of the music.
How I wish I was the man who went to the moon
The artist wishes they could have gone to the moon.
(Went to the moon, went to the moon)
Reaffirmation of the first line.
Oh, one of my friends is too high
One of the singer's friends is intoxicated.
If I could take myself way up to the moon
The singer wants to escape the problems on earth.
(Way up to the moon)
Further emphasis on the artist's desire to go to the moon.
I′d look back on earth and find out why
The artist would reflect on the state on earth and seek answers.
And people (people), I mean people (people)
The artist wants to address people in general.
Just up to the way the thing was plan
People should strive to improve the way things are organized.
(The thing was plan, the thing was plan) get to
Emphasis on the importance of better planning.
Get yourself in a right direction, come on, come on!
People should aim for a better direction and take action to achieve it.
Come get down with me and my band, me and my band
The singer invites others to enjoy music with them.
Even if you can′t dance
You can still enjoy music even if you cannot dance.
Won′t you get on up?
Encouragement to stand up and enjoy the music.
(Get up, get on up)
Reaffirms the previous line.
Won′t you get on up? (Get up, get on up)
Repetition to emphasize the point.
(Nothing but the rhythm) you're in a music trance
The power of music is all-consuming.
(I say, it's the rhythm) it′s the rhythm that makes you move
Reaffirmation of the earlier line.
Everybody, get up!
Invitation for everyone to stand up and enjoy the music.
(Get up, get up, get on up, get up, get up, get up, get on up)
Repeated calls to action.
(you're in a music trance)
People are under the spell of music.
(Even if you can't dance)
You do not have to dance to enjoy the music.
You can find love (love)
Music brings people together and fosters love.
Joy (joy)
Music can bring joy to people's lives.
So much happiness (happiness)
Music provides a great deal of happiness.
Pleasure in my music
The artist takes pleasure in their music.
Oh, lots of joy (joy)
Reaffirmation of the earlier line about joy.
Nothing but pleasure in my music
The singer finds only pleasure in their music.
I say, it's the rhythm that makes you move
Reaffirmation of the line about the power of rhythm.
Get in the groove
Imperative to get into the rhythm of the music.
Writer(s): Ben E. King
Contributed by Camden F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.