Dancing in the Street
David Bowie/Pat Metheny Group Lyrics
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South America, Australia, France, Germany, U.K, Africa
Calling out around the world
Are you ready for a brand new beat?
Summer's here and the time is right
For dancing in the street
They're dancing in Chicago (dancing in the street)
In New York City (dancing in the street)
All we need is music, sweet music
There'll be music everywhere
They'll be swinging, swaying, records playing
Dancing in the street, oh
It doesn't matter what you wear
Just as long as you are there
So come on, every guy, grab a girl
Everywhere, around the world
They'll be dancing, dancing in the street (dancing in the street)
It's an invitation across the nation
A chance for folks to meet
They'll be laughing and singing, music swinging
Dancing in the street
Philadelphia, PA (dancing in the street)
Baltimore in DC now (dancing in the street)
Don't forget the Motor City (dancing in the street)
On the streets of Brazil (dancing in the street)
Back in the USSR (dancing in the street)
Don't matter where you are (dancing in the street)
All we need is music, sweet music
There'll be music everywhere
They'll be swinging, swaying, records playing
Dancing in the street, oh
It doesn't matter what you wear
Just as long as you are there
So come on every guy, grab a girl
Everywhere, around the world
They'll be dancing, dancing in the street
Way down in L.A., everyday
Dancing in the street
Cross in China too
Me and you
Dancing in the street
Don't you know
They'll be dancing
Dancing in the street
Don't you know
They'll be da-da-da-da-da-da-dancing
Dancing in the street
The song "Dancing in the Street" by David Bowie and Pat Metheny Group is a celebration of music and dancing. It begins with a call to action, as though the song is an announcement to the world that it's time to dance. The lyrics mention various places where people are dancing, including Chicago, New Orleans, and New York City. The song suggests that all that is needed for people to come together and dance is music, which will create a joyful and exuberant atmosphere.
The song goes on to describe how anyone can participate in the dancing, no matter what they're wearing – the important thing is simply to be present and dance with others. The chorus repeats the message that people will be dancing in the street, encouraging listeners to join in. The song finishes with a reminder that, no matter where people are in the world, there will always be dancing taking place.
In summary, "Dancing in the Street" is a rallying cry to come together and dance, emphasizing the universality of music and the joy that it can bring.
Line by Line Meaning
OK, talk to you
Starting the song by acknowledging the listeners
South America, Australia, France, Germany, U.K, Africa
Naming different continents of the world
Calling out around the world
Announcing the message of the song to the world
Are you ready for a brand new beat?
Asking listeners if they are ready to enjoy the new music
Summer's here and the time is right
Indicating it's summertime and the perfect timing to dance
For dancing in the street
For dancing on the public streets with joy
They're dancing in Chicago (dancing in the street)
Describing people dancing in Chicago through repetition of the line
Down in New Orleans (dancing in the street)
Describing people dancing in New Orleans through repetition of the line
In New York City (dancing in the street)
Describing people dancing in New York City through repetition of the line
All we need is music, sweet music
Music is the only thing required to dance
There'll be music everywhere
Music will be prevalent everywhere
They'll be swinging, swaying, records playing
People will sway, swing and enjoy in the music played through records
Dancing in the street, oh
With music playing, people will dance on the streets with excitement
It doesn't matter what you wear
What people wear is insignificant. People should wear what they like
Just as long as you are there
As long as people participate in the dancing, their dress doesn't matter
So come on, every guy, grab a girl
Everyone should participate and dance with their partners
Everywhere, around the world
The activity will take place all around the globe
It's an invitation across the nation
It's a call to everybody to come and participate
A chance for folks to meet
An opportunity for people to meet and have fun together
They'll be laughing and singing, music swinging
People will also sing, laugh and music will be entertaining them
Philadelphia, PA (dancing in the street)
Describing people dancing in Philadelphia through repetition of the line
Baltimore in DC now (dancing in the street)
Describing people dancing in Baltimore and DC areas through repetition of the line
Don't forget the Motor City (dancing in the street)
Describing people dancing in the Motor City through repetition of the line
On the streets of Brazil (dancing in the street)
Describing people dancing in Brazil through repetition of the line
Back in the USSR (dancing in the street)
Describing people dancing in the USSR areas through repetition of the line
Don't matter where you are (dancing in the street)
Wherever people are, they can dance in the street with others
Way down in L.A., everyday
Dancing in the street happens every day in Los Angeles
Cross in China too
People in China also participate in this activity
Me and you
Everybody can participate, including the listeners
Dancing in the street
It's all about dancing on the streets
Don't you know They'll be dancing
A reassurance that people will keep dancing
Dancing in the street
The song ends with the positive message of dancing on the streets with music
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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