In February 2011, the band announced they would be going on an indefinite hiatus. On November 17th, 2011, Martin Johnson tweeted "#boyslikegirlsisback", revealing that the group has not broken up but members are taking a rest and engaging in various side projects. The band has released three studio albums: 'Boys Like Girls' (2006), 'Love Drunk' (2009) and 'Crazy World' (2012). They have had three U.S. Top 40 singles as well: "The Great Escape", "Love Drunk", and "Two is Better Than One" (featuring Taylor Swift). In 2022, they started touring again. In 2023, they released "BLOOD AND SUGAR", their first new song in 11 years, and teased a new album.
Dance Hall Drug
Boys Like Girls Lyrics
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She just turned 16
Stuck in the moment
Dead at the scene
And it's on tonight
This is the life that you wanted, right?
So turn off all the lights
Dressed up just like a movie star
Wouldn't it be great, to be fashionably late?
So why don't you wait, till you're sedated
Don't it feel like something's not right in his kiss tonight?
Yeah what I'm saying is do you, do you want to lose it all?
Cause this is more than just a dance hall drug
You can't wait to fall in love
All I'm saying is do you, do you want to learn to fly?
Then you should pack it up and say goodbye
Cause when the push comes to the shove
It's just a dance hall drug
Step in and you can lock the door
The candles are lit and the clothes on the floor
You could take a chance on finding romance
Now you're holding hands
But he's got other plans
Tick-tock, the clock is turning red
The room won't stop spinning and thoughts in your head
And it's too late
You feel like you're making a big mistake
You should've waited
Don't it feel like something's not right in his kiss tonight?
Yeah what I'm saying is do you, do you want to lose it all?
Cause this is more than just a dance hall drug
You can't wait to fall in love
All I'm saying is do you, do you want to learn to fly?
Then you should pack it up and say goodbye
Cause when the push comes to the shove
It's just a dance hall drug
Just wait love
Show 'em what you're made of
Don't it feel like something's not right in his kiss tonight?
Do you, do you want to lose it all?
Cause this is more than just a dance hall drug
You can't wait to fall in love
All I'm saying is do you, do you want to learn to fly?
Then you should pack it up and say goodbye
Cause when the push comes to the shove
It's just a dance hall drug
Do you, do you want to lose it all?
Cause this is more than just a dance hall drug
You can't wait to fall in love
All I'm saying is do you, do you want to learn to fly?
Then you should pack it up and say goodbye
Cause when the push comes to the shove
It's just a dance hall drug
The “Dance Hall Drug” by Boys Like Girls is a song about temptation, desire, and recklessness. The lyrics tell the story of a young girl who is seduced by the idea of fame and popularity. She is just 16 but she wants to be like the movie stars and go to all the parties. The singer is caught up in the moment and doesn't think about the consequences of her actions. She's doing something that she knows is not right, and feels like she's making a mistake, but still goes through with it anyway.
The chorus of the song is an appeal to the girl to reconsider her choices. The lead singer asks her if she wants to lose everything she has, and then admits that the drug she is taking is more than just a “dance hall drug”. He suggests that she should leave and learn to fly on her own. The lyrics are designed to appeal to young people who are going through a similar situation. The song encourages them to think about their choices and the path they want to take in life.
Overall, the “Dance Hall Drug” is a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving in to temptation. It's a reminder that we should be careful about the decisions we make, and that sometimes it's better to say no, even if it means missing out on something.
Line by Line Meaning
Grown up
Starting the song by implying that even with age, one can still make naïve mistakes
She just turned 16
Setting the scene for a young teenager who is excited to be growing up
Stuck in the moment
The character is living in the moment, without thinking about the consequences of her actions
Dead at the scene
A metaphorical indication that a part of her is about to die with what’s about to happen
And it's on tonight
Highlighting that the character is ready to act on her impulses
This is the life that you wanted, right?
Introducing the possibility that the main character might not be aware of what she truly wants in life
So turn off all the lights
Encouraging the listener to lower inhibitions and embrace this moment
Dressed up just like a movie star
The character is over the top in her outfit, reflecting her grandiose aspirations
At all the parties they'll know who you are
Implying the character thinks that with this lifestyle, she will become known and successful
Wouldn't it be great, to be fashionably late?
The character is more concerned with being the center of attention than valuing punctuality
So why don't you wait, till you're sedated
The character is seeking an escape from reality by relying on drugs or alcohol
Don't it feel like something's not right in his kiss tonight?
Suggesting that the character is having doubts about the situation and her partner
Yeah what I'm saying is do you, do you want to lose it all?
Asking the character to evaluate the potential consequences of her actions
Cause this is more than just a dance hall drug
Implying that this lifestyle is addictive and could lead to bigger problems
You can't wait to fall in love
The character is eager to experience romance even though it could lead to pain or trouble
All I'm saying is do you, do you want to learn to fly?
Asking the character to consider whether this lifestyle is truly fulfilling or just a temporary high
Then you should pack it up and say goodbye
Encouraging the character to walk away from this dangerous situation
Cause when the push comes to the shove
Suggesting that when things get tough, the character could end up alone and with no support
Step in and you can lock the door
The character is taking a significant risk that could have negative consequences
The candles are lit and the clothes on the floor
Describing the physical setting of a romantic encounter
You could take a chance on finding romance
Highlighting that the character is hoping for a romantic experience
Now you're holding hands
Illustrating the physical intimacy between the character and her partner
But he's got other plans
The character is unaware of her partner’s real intentions
Tick-tock, the clock is turning red
Indicating that things are escalating and time is running out
The room won't stop spinning and thoughts in your head
The singer is feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable
And it's too late
The character feels trapped and like there is no way to escape the consequences of her actions
You feel like you're making a big mistake
The character is realizing the gravity of the situation she has found herself in
You should've waited
The character should have taken more time to think about her actions before making any life-altering decisions
Just wait love, Show 'em what you're made of
A final reminder for the character to be patient and realistic about what the future holds
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARTIN JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind