Mayer recounts that in 2011 he was listening to Pandora and happened upon the song "Althea" by the Grateful Dead, and that soon Grateful Dead music was all he would listen to. In February 2015, while Mayer was guest hosting The Late Late Show, he invited Grateful Dead guitar player Bob Weir to join him in a studio performance. A bond developed between the two, and while Weir and the other three surviving core members of the Grateful Dead were preparing for their 50th anniversary shows, dubbed Fare Thee Well, Mayer began practicing the band's large catalog of songs. That August, Mayer and original Grateful Dead members Weir, Hart, and Kreutzmann formed the band, along with keyboardist Jeff Chimenti and bassist Oteil Burbridge. Mayer expressed a particularly strong enthusiasm toward playing with the new band.
Phil Lesh, the bassist for the Grateful Dead, did not join Dead & Company. Instead he continued to perform with his band Phil Lesh and Friends. Mike Gordon of Phish briefly auditioned for the bassist role but had to withdraw due to being too busy with other matters.
The band has not released any studio recordings, but all of the concerts from their 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022 tours have been (or are being) released on CD, iTunes, streaming services, and through their Livedead.co website.
https://deadandcompany.com/
Dancing in the Street
Dead & Company Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
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 streets
Down in New Orleans
New York City
All we need is music, sweet music
There'll be music everywhere
There'll be laughing and singing, music swinging
And dancing in the streets
It doesn't matter what you wear
Just as long as you are there
Come on, every guy grab a girl
Everywhere around the world
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
This is an invitation, across the nation
The chance for folks to meet
There'll be swinging and swaying, music playing
Dancing in the streets
Philadelphia, PA
Baltimore and D.C. now
Can't forget that Motor City
All we need is music, sweet music
There'll be music everywhere
There'll be laughing and singing, music swinging
And dancing in the streets
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
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
"Dancing in the Street" by Dead & Company is a joyful and inviting song that celebrates the power of music and dance to unite people across different cities and cultures. The repeated mantra of "dancing in the streets" conveys the exhilaration and sense of freedom that comes with letting go and expressing oneself through movement. The song encourages listeners to join in and be part of this collective celebration.
The lyrics emphasize the universal nature of music and dance, transcending geographical boundaries. The mention of cities like Chicago, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, D.C., and Motor City (Detroit) highlights the diversity of places where people are coming together to dance. It reflects how music has the ability to bring people from all walks of life together, regardless of their backgrounds, and create a shared experience of joy and connection.
The lines "All we need is music, sweet music" and "There'll be laughing and singing, music swinging" underline the transformative power of music. It suggests that music has the ability to create a carefree and uplifting atmosphere wherever it is played. The intention is to create a sense of unity and togetherness by encouraging laughter, singing, and dancing. The lyrics stress that it doesn't matter what one wears; everyone is welcome and invited. The focus is on the shared experience of coming together and enjoying the music, rather than superficial differences.
Overall, "Dancing in the Street" is a call to embrace the joy and freedom that music and dance can bring. It encourages listeners to let loose and join in the celebration no matter where they are in the world. The song celebrates the universal language of music, the power of community, and the ability for people to come together and create moments of pure joy and connection through movement.
Line by Line Meaning
Dancing, dancing, dancing in the streets
Engaging in joyful movement and celebration in the public spaces of cities
Calling out around the world
Announcing and spreading the message globally
Are you ready for a brand new beat?
Are you prepared for a fresh and exciting rhythm?
Summer's here and the time is right
The season of summer has arrived, and it is the perfect moment
For dancing in the streets
To engage in joyful movement and celebration outdoors
They're dancing in Chicago
People are celebrating through dancing in the city of Chicago
Down in New Orleans
Also in New Orleans, people are engaging in dancing
New York City
Even the bustling city of New York is filled with dancing
All we need is music, sweet music
The fundamental requirement for this joyous celebration is delightful music
There'll be music everywhere
Melodies will resonate throughout all locations
There'll be laughing and singing, music swinging
There will be joyful laughter and singing, and the music will create a lively atmosphere
And dancing in the streets
Resulting in an environment where people are joyfully moving and celebrating outdoors
It doesn't matter what you wear
The clothing you choose for this celebration is inconsequential
Just as long as you are there
The most important aspect is your presence and participation
Come on, every guy grab a girl
Encouraging all males to find a female partner and join in the celebration
Everywhere around the world
This invitation extends to all locations globally
This is an invitation, across the nation
Sending out a call to all people across the entire country
The chance for folks to meet
Providing an opportunity for individuals to come together
There'll be swinging and swaying, music playing
There will be rhythmic movement and dance, accompanied by music
Dancing in the streets
Engaging in joyful movement and celebration in the public spaces of cities
Philadelphia, PA
Specifically, the city of Philadelphia in the state of Pennsylvania
Baltimore and D.C. now
Also including the cities of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Can't forget that Motor City
Not to be overlooked is the city known as the Motor City, referring to Detroit
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