The Dancer
Billy J.Williams Lyrics
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Who hold a gun that fires "cost"
And people die from being cold
Or left alone because they're old
And bombs are dropped on fighting cats
And children's dreams are run with rats
If you complain you disappear
No one can love without the grace
Of some unseen and distant face
And you get beaten up by blacks
Who though they worked still got the sack
And when your soul tells you to hide
Your very right to die denied
And in the battle on the streets
You fight computers and receipts
And when a man is trying to change
But only causes further pain
You realize that all along
Something in us going wrong.
You stop dancing.
Billy J. Williams's song The Dancer is a powerful commentary on the injustices present in our world. The song highlights a number of social issues, including gun violence, poverty, ageism, war, discrimination based on sexual orientation and race, and societal pressure to conform. The lyrics describe a world in which people are struggling to survive, often through no fault of their own, and where those who seek to bring about change are met with resistance.
The opening lines of the song describe a man who is fleeing from a gun-wielding boss, who has the power to determine the cost of his life. The lyrics then shift to highlight the plight of the vulnerable, including the elderly and the homeless. We are then confronted with the grim reality of war, where innocent people are killed and dreams are destroyed. The lyrics also touch on discrimination against marginalized groups, including lesbians, queers, and blacks who find themselves out of work despite their efforts.
The song suggests that there is a pervasive feeling of hopelessness and despair in the world, which is exacerbated by the pressures of modern life. The line "You fight computers and receipts" suggests that people are weighed down by the demands of bureaucracy and technology, which can feel dehumanizing. The final lines of the song, "And when a man is trying to change / But only causes further pain / You realize that all along / Something in us going wrong", suggest that even those who seek to bring about positive change in the world often end up causing harm.
Overall, The Dancer is a moving and thought-provoking song that encourages listeners to reflect on some of the most pressing social issues of our time. While the lyrics describe a bleak and challenging reality, the music itself is hopeful and inspiring, suggesting that even in the face of adversity, there is always the possibility of change and growth.
Line by Line Meaning
When a man is running from his boss
A person feels compelled to flee from their superior at work
Who hold a gun that fires "cost"
The boss has the power to affect the employee's financial situation
And people die from being cold
Death occurs due to poverty and lack of resources
Or left alone because they're old
Elderly individuals are sometimes neglected and isolated
And bombs are dropped on fighting cats
Warfare is waged upon animals and/or people unjustly
And children's dreams are run with rats
Innocent children are exposed to negative influences
If you complain you disappear
Speaking out against injustice may lead to oppression
Just like the lesbians and queers
Members of the LGBTQ+ community are also marginalized
No one can love without the grace
Love requires a divine or ethereal quality
Of some unseen and distant face
This quality is not tangible or present in the physical world
And you get beaten up by blacks
Racism leads to violence against Black individuals
Who though they worked still got the sack
Even if they contribute to society, they may still face discrimination in employment
And when your soul tells you to hide
One may feel compelled to suppress their true self and live in fear
Your very right to die denied
Even the decision to end one's own suffering is not always respected
And in the battle on the streets
Society can feel like a warzone with struggles for survival
You fight computers and receipts
Technology and bureaucracy contribute to a dehumanizing system
And when a man is trying to change
An individual attempts to make a positive difference
But only causes further pain
Their good intentions lead to unintended negative consequences
You realize that all along
The individual comes to a profound realization
Something in us going wrong.
There is a pervasive issue that affects society as a whole
You stop dancing.
The individual loses their will to be joyful and carefree
Lyrics © ABKCO MUSIC INC PETE TOWNSHEND CATALOG , FABULOUS MUSIC LTD , SPIRIT MUSIC GROUP
Written by: PETER DENNIS BLANDFOR TOWNSHEND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind