Blood, Sweat & Tears (also known as "BS&T") is an American music group, ori… Read Full Bio ↴Blood, Sweat & Tears (also known as "BS&T") is an American music group, originally formed in 1967 in New York City. Since its beginnings in 1967, the band has gone through numerous iterations with varying personnel and has encompassed a multitude of musical styles. What the band is most known for, from its start, is the fusing of rock, blues, pop music, horn arrangements and jazz improvisation into a hybrid that came to be known as "jazz-rock". Unlike "jazz fusion" bands, which tend toward virtuostic displays of instrumental facility and some experimentation with electric instruments, the songs of Blood, Sweat & Tears merged the stylings of rock, pop and R&B/soul music with big band, while also adding elements of 20th Century Classical and small combo jazz traditions.

Applause
Blood Sweat & Tears Lyrics

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I'll sell my soul for a song
Pay the price and carry on
And share with you some memories of dreams I can't forget
Lovers I have met
Applause, applause, let's give the prize
To the little lady with the stars in her eyes
Applause, applause, give the singer a chance
Treat him right

Be polite
Maybe he will dance
Applause, applause, give the singer a break
How much ca n you give, how much can you take
Give the singer a chance, give the singer a chance
Anything to buy your soul, and maybe he will dance
Applause, applause, he will stand upon his head
Applause, applause, he'll take you to his bed
And share with you the memories of dreams he can't forget
Applause, applause, let's give the prize
To the little lady with the stars in her eyes
And I'll sell my soul for a song
Pay the price and carry on
And share with you the memories of dreams I can't forget
Lovers I have met
Applause, applause, let's give the prize
To the little lady with the stars in her eyes
Applause, applaus, give the singer a chance
Treat him right, be polite
And maybe he will dance
Applause, applause, give the singer a break
How much can you give, how much can you take
Oh, give the singer a chance, give the singer a chance
Anyhting to buy your soul, and maybe he will dance

Maybe he will dance
Maybe he will dance, yeah

Overall Meaning

The song "Applause" by Blood Sweat & Tears is essentially a reflection on the dedication and passion required to succeed in the music industry. The opening lines "I'll sell my soul for a song, pay the price and carry on" suggest that the artist is willing to make any sacrifice in order to pursue their dreams, even if it means sacrificing their own values and integrity.

The chorus, "Applause, applause, let's give the prize to the little lady with the stars in her eyes" suggests that the artist is not only seeking recognition for their own efforts, but also validation from others. In a way, the applause represents a sort of currency that the artist must accumulate in order to achieve their goals.

The line "give the singer a chance, treat him right, be polite" highlights the importance of respect and kindness in the industry, as it can often make or break a career. Ultimately, the song conveys the message that success in the music industry is not a guarantee, but rather a product of hard work, determination, and a fair amount of luck.

Line by Line Meaning

I'll sell my soul for a song
I am willing to give up everything for the sake of music and art.

Pay the price and carry on
It takes dedication and sacrifice to pursue one's passion.

And share with you some memories of dreams I can't forget
Art is a way of expressing one's innermost thoughts and emotions to others.

Lovers I have met
Artists draw inspiration from past relationships and experiences.

Applause, applause, let's give the prize
Acknowledging and rewarding someone's talent is essential in encouraging and motivating creativity.

To the little lady with the stars in her eyes
Those who are passionate about their craft possess a certain glow and spark that draws attention to their work.

Applause, applause, give the singer a chance
Everyone deserves a fair opportunity to showcase their talents.

Treat him right, be polite
Respect and courtesy should be shown towards all performers, regardless of their level of skill or popularity.

Maybe he will dance
If given the right conditions and support, an artist can exceed expectations and bring joy to their audience.

Applause, applause, give the singer a break
Performing can be physically and emotionally draining, and artists deserve rest and appreciation for their efforts.

How much can you give, how much can you take
Artists must balance their personal limits and boundaries with the expectations and demands of their audience and industry.

Anything to buy your soul, and maybe he will dance
The entertainment industry can be unforgiving, and performers may feel like they have to compromise their values and identities in order to succeed.

He'll take you to his bed
Artists often express their vulnerability and intimacy through their work, and may use it to connect with their fans in a deeper way.

And share with you the memories of dreams he can't forget
Through their art, artists can revisit the most significant and impactful moments of their lives and share them with their audience.

Maybe he will dance, yeah
If given the right support and freedom, an artist can create something truly remarkable and captivating.

Contributed by Sadie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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