He joined his first band, The Legends, at the age of 13, with his brother Dave. Hartman played keyboards and wrote much of the band's music. The band released several records but none were hits. He joined The Edgar Winter Group and played on three of their albums; Dan wrote the band's second biggest pop hit Free Ride in 1972. He launched a solo career in 1976.
In 1978 Hartman reached number-one on the Dance chart with the single "Instant Replay", which crossed over to #29 on Billboard's Hot 100; musicians Hartman worked with on the associated album include Vinnie Vincent and G.E. Smith. This was followed by his second chart topper on the Dance charts with "Relight My Fire" (1979). Both tracks are considered by many to be anthems of the disco era. There was also a cover version of Instant Replay which was a one-hit wonder for a boy duo called Yell! (Paul Varney and Daniel James) in January 1990.
He was back in the charts yet again with the top-10 single "I Can Dream About You" from the Streets of Fire soundtrack in 1984. Hartman was not featured in the video for the track, which received heavy rotation on MTV; instead, his vocals were convincingly lip-synched by Stoney Jackson,an African-American actor. Hartman then scored a third number 1 single on the Dance charts, "We Are The Young." During the next decade he worked as a songwriter and producer, and collaborated with such artists as Tina Turner, Dusty Springfield, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Tyler, Paul Young, James Brown, Nona Hendryx and Steve Winwood.
He died at age 43 in Westport, Connecticut from a brain tumor caused by AIDS. At the time of his death, Hartman's music was enjoying a revival; a cover version of his song "Relight My Fire" became a British number-one hit for Take That and Lulu. Sales of Hartman's solo recordings, group efforts, production, songwriting and compilation inclusions exceed 50 million records worldwide.
More information can be found at www.danhartman.com
We Are The Young
Dan Hartman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
with the runaway eyes
Were the ones
who can improvise
is there doom
in the hard situation?
We believe in
positive stipulations
Log on.
We are the young
with the modern attitude
breaking down the walls
breaking all the rules
Tomorrow comes
and we might go away
so we dont worry
bout the price we pay
We are the young
oh!
we are the young
Every street
is an arcade of dreams
I go on downtown
exploding at the seams
with lights and sounds
and a soul parade
light and blue color
promenade
We are the young
with the modern attitude
breaking down the walls
breaking all the rules
Tomorrow comes
and we might go away
so we dont worry
bout the price we pay
Another way to gain control
a brand new day to rock and roll
Another way to gain control
brand new day to rock and roll
We are the young
with the modern attitude
breaking down the walls
breaking all the rules
Tomorrow comes
and we might go away
so we dont worry
bout the price we pay
We are the young
In Dan Hartman's song "We Are The Young" the lyrics describe a group of young people who are defined as having "runaway eyes" and an ability to improvise. They are not afraid of difficult situations, and they believe in positive outcomes. The song emphasises the importance of living in the present, without worrying about the future consequences, as they recognise that tomorrow may not come for them. They are breaking down walls and rules and have a modern attitude that is full of confidence and determination.
The lyrics are filled with imagery that emphasises the energy and vibrancy of youth. For example, "Every street is an arcade of dreams" suggests that everything is possible and within reach. The lights and sounds that are described in the lyrics convey a sense of excitement and wonder that is often associated with being young. Despite this excitement and energy, the song acknowledges the fact that there are consequences to living in the moment, and that sometimes control needs to be gained.
Overall, the song celebrates youth and the freedom that it brings, whilst also acknowledging the realities of growing up and taking responsibility. The lyrics suggest that whilst youth brings with it possibilities and opportunities, it's important to take ownership of one's actions and live with a positive attitude.
Line by Line Meaning
Were the ones with the runaway eyes
We are the ones with the constant longing in our eyes.
Were the ones who can improvise
We are the ones who can adapt and make do with what we have.
Is there doom in the hard situation?
Is there no hope in the difficult circumstances?
We believe in positive stipulations
We believe in the power of positive thinking and hope for the best outcomes.
Log on.
Connect with us online to experience our mindset.
We are the young with the modern attitude
We are the young people who have a modern, progressive approach to life.
Breaking down the walls, breaking all the rules
We rebel against outdated societal norms and restrictions.
Tomorrow comes and we might go away
We acknowledge that our time is limited and we might not be around tomorrow.
So we dont worry bout the price we pay
Therefore, we don't focus on the negative consequences and live in the moment instead.
Every street is an arcade of dreams
For us, every street is filled with endless possibilities and opportunities waiting to be seized.
I go on downtown exploding at the seams
We move through the city center bursting with energy and enthusiasm.
With lights and sounds and a soul parade, light and blue color promenade
We are surrounded by a vibrant and colorful atmosphere teeming with life and joy.
Another way to gain control, a brand new day to rock and roll
We find new ways to take charge of our lives and strive for success each day.
We are the young
We represent the youth, full of dreams and aspirations.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLIE MIDNIGHT, DAN HARTMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jack Spry
RIP Dan Hartman (December 8, 1950 – March 22, 1994), aged 43
You will always be remembered as a legend.
Jessie M
He is still missed! Such a talented man ❤
Red Dragon
I Love this Gem 💎. Dan Hartman was so very talented. From writing Free Ride, Relight My Fire, and Coming to America for James Brown. He was a songwriter, singer, producer. He worked for so many different artists there is too many to name. He was an amazing talent in every way. He touched Motown, Disco, Pop, and had hits in almost every genre. He may have been forgotten by most, but his music lives on and is heard by millions shared to this day. I felt bad for the time he grew up in. He was what's known as a closeted gay. So he wasn't able to truly live the personal part of his life that he wanted to in the open. And having been born in the time that he was died from AIDS. Today he would still be alive I'm sure with the medication we have and be living a wonderful productive Happy Life. I remember seeing him in all the major shows at the time midnight special, American bandstand, soul train, all of the major music shows that were on during the seventies and '80s. I miss his talent I miss his music and is entertainment.
Randy B. Hughes
Should have been s bigger Hit
Kostas
R.I.P Dan Hartman.. never forgotten. I will always be an 80's kid no matter what. 😔
Rick Suegreen
If Michael Jackson had recorded this it would be a world wide anthem by now.
This is a mighty rousing recording.
Great vocal from Dan.
Toe Kid
true.
Jessie M
I'm glad Dan sang it! I love his voice ❤
5ezOqeku655RitusohI
Yep, name recognition is everything in the music biz. MJ could have recorded himself farting for 3 min and it would have gone double platinum.
Joe Queer
Absolutely. I left another comment on Instant Replay saying I wish MJ and Dan had collaborated. That would have been amazing. Love seeing these comments on here showing Dan Hartman isn't forgotten.