Ben Selvin (March 5, 1898 - July 15, 1980), son of Russian-immigrant Jewish… Read Full Bio ↴Ben Selvin (March 5, 1898 - July 15, 1980), son of Russian-immigrant Jewish parents, was a musician, bandleader, record producer and innovator in recorded music. He was known as The Dean of Recorded Music.

Selvin started his professional life at age 15 as a fiddle player in New York City night clubs. A "husky" lad, he looked older than he was and as such was permitted into such establishments.

A mere six years later, as leader of his own dance band, the "Novelty Orchestra," Selvin released the biggest-selling popular song in the first quarter-century of recorded music. That single, "Dardanella", eventually went on to sell more than 5 million copies and an additional 2 million pieces of sheet music.

According to The Guinness Book of World Records, Selvin recorded more musical sides (on 78-rpm discs) than any other person. One reason for this prolific output is that he recorded for dozens of different labels during this high-growth time in the industry, using a different name (or slightly different name) for each label.
Selvin's output has been estimated at 13,000 to 20,000 song titles.

dancing with tears in my eyes
Ben Selvin Lyrics

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Those who dance and romance while they dance
They seem so happy and gay
Though they sing and they swing as they sway
Somehow I can't feel that way

For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
Dancing with somebody new

When it's you that my heart's calling to

Trying to smile once in a while
But I find it so hard to do
For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you

While the throng's in the spell of a song
My thoughts keep drifting to you
While each pair seems to share their affair
They're making me blue

For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
Dancing with somebody new
When it's you that my heart's calling to

Trying to smile once in a while
But I find it so hard to do

For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ben Selvin’s song Dancing With Tears In My Eyes describe a person who is dancing with someone new, but can’t find happiness in what they’re doing because their heart longs for someone else. The first stanza sets up the contrast between the happy dance atmosphere and the singer’s melancholy mood. The second stanza delves deeper into the singer’s thoughts and emotions, highlighting their struggle to put on a brave face while dancing with someone who isn’t their true love. The third stanza further emphasizes the singer’s longing for their love, as they watch other couples dancing together and feel lonely and blue.

The lyrics in Dancing With Tears In My Eyes are relatable to anyone who has experienced heartbreak, particularly when it comes to trying to move on and find happiness with another person. The song evokes powerful feelings of sadness and yearning, and the contrast between the upbeat melody and the lyrical content creates a powerful emotional impact. The use of the phrase “dancing with tears in my eyes” is particularly poignant, as it perfectly captures the contradiction of trying to find joy in the midst of sadness.

Line by Line Meaning

Those who dance and romance while they dance
People who dance and express love while dancing

They seem so happy and gay
They look joyful and carefree

Though they sing and they swing as they sway
Even though they sing and swing while dancing

Somehow I can't feel that way
Somehow I can't feel happy and carefree like them

For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
Because I am dancing while crying

'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
Because the person I am dancing with is not you

Dancing with somebody new
Dancing with someone I don't love like I love you

When it's you that my heart's calling to
When my heart desires to dance with you specifically

Trying to smile once in a while
Attempting to smile and be happy sometimes

But I find it so hard to do
But I struggle to be genuinely happy

While the throng's in the spell of a song
While everyone is captivated by the music