Dancing in the Street
David Bowie & Mick Jagger / David Bowie & Mick Jagger Lyrics
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Tokyo, South America, Australia, France, Germany, UK, 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
Down in New Orleans (dancing in the street)
In New York City (dancing in the street)
All we need is music, sweet music ( sweet sweet music)
There'll be music everywhere (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 and music swinging
Dancing in the street
Philadelphia, PA (dancing in the street)
Baltimore and 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 (sweet sweet music)
There'll be music everywhere (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)
Way down in L.A., everyday
Dancing in the street (dancing in the street)
Crossin' China, too, me and you
Dancing in the street (dancing in the street)
Don't you know they'll be dancing
Dancing in the street (dancing in the street)
Don't you know they'll be d-d-d-d-dancing
Dancing in the street (dancing in the street)
The lyrics to “Dancing in the Street” by David Bowie and Mick Jagger is a fun, upbeat song that is all about dancing and having a good time. The song is a call out to people all around the world, from South America to Australia, France to Germany, the UK to Africa, inviting them to dance in the streets. The song is all about celebrating the joy and power of music, and how it can bring people together. The first stanza of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, calling out to people all around the world to a “brand new beat” that is perfect for the summer. The song then goes on to describe people dancing in various cities across the United States as well as Brazil, China, and the USSR. The chorus of the song highlights how music is the only thing that is needed for people to dance together, regardless of what they are wearing. The lyrics repeat the importance of music, and how it can bring people from different countries and cultures together.
The song was initially released in 1964, written by Marvin Gaye, William "Mickey" Stevenson, and Ivy Jo Hunter, and performed by Martha and the Vandellas. However, David Bowie and Mick Jagger released their cover of the song in 1985, and it became a huge hit, reaching number one on the UK charts within weeks of its release. The song’s video, which features Bowie and Jagger dancing and singing through the streets of London, became an instant classic, and the song’s popularity has remained high ever since.
Line by Line Meaning
Ok, talk to you
Let's start this song with some friendly words and call out to people all over the world
South america, australia, france, germany, uk, africa
We're naming different regions, but our message is for everybody, everywhere
Calling out around the world
We’re making a global announcement to everyone, in any language or culture
Are you ready for a brand new beat
We're introducing something fresh, a new rhythm that will make people want to move
Summer's here and the time is right
Since it's warm and sunny outside, there's no better moment to celebrate with music and dance
For dancing in the streets
We want to encourage people to come together and groove outside, in public spaces
They're dancing in chicago
We're giving examples of cities where people are already having fun with this idea
Down in new orleans
In this specific city, which has a rich musical heritage, our invitation is resonating well
In new york city
Even in the Big Apple, where things can be hectic, there's a chance to let loose and join the party
All we need is music, sweet music
The most important ingredient for this celebration is the sound, the melody, the harmony that brings us together
There'll be music everywhere
We expect our call to be answered by talented musicians who will create an atmosphere of joy and excitement in many places
They'll be swinging, swaying, records playing,
No matter what style of music they choose, people will be moving their bodies to the beat, being carried by the groove, the tempo, the mood
Dancing in the street, oh
The title of the song is repeated as a chorus, a catchy phrase that everyone can sing along
It doesn't matter what you wear, just as long as you are there
We're emphasizing the inclusiveness of our message, that people from all walks of life are welcome to join us, and that fashion is not a barrier
So come on, every guy, grab a girl, everywhere, around the world
We're suggesting a fun and flirtatious way to participate, to link arms and enjoy the shared experience with a partner, or a friend, or a stranger
They'll be dancing, dancing in the street
The chorus is repeated again, reinforcing the image of people having lots of fun outside, day or night
It's an invitation across the nation, a chance for folks to meet
We're framing our call as an open invitation, a social opportunity, a way to connect with other people who might become friends, allies, or collaborators
They'll be laughing and singing, music swinging
In addition to dancing, we expect that people will also express their happiness and camaraderie by laughing together, singing along, and feeling the uplifting power of music
Philadelphia, pa
We're adding more geographical diversity to our list, mentioning a city in the USA
Baltimore in dc now
We're naming two cities close to each other, but also referencing the capital of the United States
Don't forget the motor city
We're highlighting the importance of Detroit, a hub of automotive industry and musical innovation, as a place where dancing in the street is not a new thing
On the streets of brazil
We're acknowledging the vibrant culture and music scene of Brazil, which has a long tradition of street carnivals and festivals
Back in the ussr
We're making a reference to the Soviet Union, a country that no longer exists, but had a cultural influence on the world
No matter where you are
We're repeating our message that this is a universal exhortation, that people shouldn't feel left out or excluded because of their location
Way down in L.A., everyday
We're highlighting the idiosyncrasies of Los Angeles, a city where entertainment is a big industry and a way of life, and where dancing might happen every day
Cross in china too
We're bringing the focus to Asia, and suggesting that even in places with a different language, alphabet, or culture, our invitation to dance will have resonance
Me and you
We're ending the song with a note of intimacy and friendship, that if only two people end up dancing in the street, it's still a good thing
Don't you know
They'll be dancing
Dancing in the street (repeat)
The chorus is repeated again and again, as a promise, a prophecy, a vision of a better world, where people can express themselves freely, joyfully, and creatively in public spaces
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Marvin Gaye, William Stevenson, Ivy Hunter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind