Blue Öyster Cult have been described as heavy metal, light metal, psychedelic rock, occult rock, acid rock, and progressive rock. They have also been recognized for helping pioneer genres such as stoner metal and speed metal.
The band is influenced by artists such as Alice Cooper, Grateful Dead, The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, MC5, The Blues Project, Jimi Hendrix, and Black Sabbath.
While Blue Öyster Cult has been noted for heavy rock, they would often add their own tongue-in-cheek style. Keeping with their image, the band would often include out-of-context fragments of Pearlman’s The Soft Doctrines of Imaginos into their lyrics, giving their songs cryptic meanings. Additionally, the band would keep a folder of Meltzer’s and Pearlman’s word associations to insert into their music.
Blue Öyster Cult's longest-lasting and most commercially successful lineup included Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (lead guitar, vocals), Eric Bloom (lead vocals, "stun guitar," keyboards, synthesizers), Allen Lanier (keyboards, rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Joe Bouchard (bass, backing vocals), Albert Bouchard (drums, percussion, backing vocals). The band's current lineup includes Roeser and Bloom, as well as Danny Miranda (bass, backing vocals), Jules Radino (drums, percussion) and Richie Castellano (keyboard, rhythm guitar, backing vocals).
Dance On Stilts
Blue Öyster Cult Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Headin' for a meeting, shining up my greeting
See me in a white suit with a mirror tie
And you you-you-you
Elevate me
You throw off the shame
And you dance on stilts with me
And on the inside, I'm on my knees
Crawling an aching mile, living on the Bowery
Too sick to stand, to try to understand
But you you-you-you
Elevate me
You lift me high, just high enough to see
You you-you-you
Elevate me
You throw off the shame
And you dance on stilts with me
You throw off the shame
And you dance on stilts with me
And no one suspects a thing
They're all hiding just the same
They ache for an outbound train
And the wheels stopped turning in their brains
And you you-you-you
Elevate me
You lift me high, just high enough to see
You you-you-you
Elevate me
You throw off the shame
And you
You throw off the shame
And you dance on stilts with me
You elevate me
You elevate me
C'mon baby, dance on stilts, dance on stilts with me
You elevate me
You elevate me
The lyrics of "Dance On Stilts" by Blue Öyster Cult contain a metaphorical meaning of social status, desire for approval, and individual empowerment. In the first verse, the singer describes his appearance as a successful businessman, complete with a white suit and mirror tie, on his way to an important meeting. This façade is a representation of the societal pressure to conform and project a certain image to gain acceptance and recognition. The second verse changes the scenery, and the singer reveals his true self in a vulnerable state of mind, crawling on his knees on the Bowery living a difficult life. The pre-chorus and chorus depict the power of an empowering relationship, the power of two people supporting and uplifting each other through difficult times. The phrase "elevate me" suggests a higher sense of awareness, an ability to lift the mind and soul out of the negative traps of reality. The dance on stilts is a metaphor for overcoming difficulties and achieving success, but with the help of another person. The song's overall meaning suggests that through support and encouragement, people can overcome the setbacks of society and the burdens of life.
Line by Line Meaning
On the outside I'm in the high rise
I'm dressed up and ready to attend a meeting in a tall building
Headin' for a meeting, shining up my greeting
I'm preparing myself to meet and greet people in the meeting
See me in a white suit with a mirror tie
I'm wearing a fancy suit and tie that reflect my elevated status
And you you-you-you
Elevate me
You throw off the shame
And you dance on stilts with me
You make me feel better about myself and we embark on an elevated journey together
And on the inside, I'm on my knees
Crawling an aching mile, living on the Bowery
Too sick to stand, to try to understand
I'm struggling internally and feeling sick while living a difficult life
And no one suspects a thing
They're all hiding just the same
They ache for an outbound train
And the wheels stopped turning in their brains
Everyone is hiding their true feelings and desires, longing for an escape but feeling mentally stuck
You elevate me
You boost my spirits and make me feel better
C'mon baby, dance on stilts, dance on stilts with me
Let's continue to elevate each other and dance on stilts, living an elevated life together
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALLEN D. JOURGENSEN, LOUIS JAMES, JR. SVITEK, MAX BRODY, PAUL G. BARKER, REYNOLDS WASHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Queerienlannister
On the outside I'm in the high rise
Headin' for a meeting, shining up my greeting
See me in a white suit with a mirror tie
And you you-you-you
Elevate me
You throw off the shame
And you dance on stilts with me
And on the inside, I'm on my knees
Crawling an aching mile, living on the Bowery
Too sick to stand, to try to understand
But you you-you-you
Elevate me
You lift me high, just high enough to see
You you-you-you
Elevate me
You throw off the shame
And you dance on stilts with me
You throw off the shame
And you dance on stilts with me
And no one suspects a thing
They're all hiding just the same
They ache for an outbound train
And the wheels stopped turning in their brains
And you you-you-you
Elevate me
You lift me high, just high enough to see
You you-you-you
Elevate me
You throw off the shame
And you
You throw off the shame
And you dance on stilts with me
You elevate me
You elevate me
C'mon baby, dance on stilts, dance on stilts with me
You elevate me
You elevate me
@NondescriptMammal
BOC definitely qualifies for most under-recognized rock band ever. Too many great songs throughout their catalog to count, almost. So much great guitar to be had.
@nickbattershill1371
They are as unique as the cosmos. It pains me when "Don"t Fear The Reaper" is put on various artists albums as if its the only song they ever wrote! Why weren"t songs like Godzilla .. Dr. Music..Death Valley Nights ...etc.hits?
@NondescriptMammal
Last Days of May for sure! also The Red and the Black, Transmaniacon MC, Hot Rails to Hell, Black Blade... Yeah it's ridiculous that Reaper was such a big hit... I can think of like 27 of their songs I like better...
@nickbattershill1371
Their arcane song lyrics added to the mystique that was/is BOC> What is the cult of the Blue "Oyster, i wonder?
@CornerTalker
Mitchell R
Thanx - Just added "Golden Age of Leather" and "Fireworks" to my "Best of Blue Oyster Cult" Playlist. Guess I was not familiar enough with that album.
@theGiantworm86
@@CornerTalker check out Black Blade and Sole Survivor as well.
@barahholloway4037
Crispy and clean... BOC is my all-time favorite band hands down!!
@williamroot8076
Always dug this band! This song, unheard by a lot still rips
@alfrescodimieary6580
Incredible song! These guys are SO much better then 95 % of the classic rock bands that get more attention then BOC. It’s criminal!!!!
@salvatoredebella4502
Awesome song! The .Best. Band.Ever. Period.