Shannon followed up with "Hats Off to Larry", another big hit, and the less popular "So Long, Baby", another song of breakup bitterness. "Little Town Flirt", released in 1962 reached #12 in 1963 as did the album of the same name. After these hits, Shannon was unable to keep his momentum in the US, but became a sensation in England. In 1963, he became the first American artist to record a cover version of a Beatles song with "From Me to You".
Shannon returned to the charts in 1964 with "Handy Man", "Do You Wanna Dance", "Keep Searchin'", and "Stranger in Town" (1965), with the latter two songs themed about flight from pursuit in a dangerous world. A 1966 chart offering was Shannon's cover of the Rolling Stones' "Under My Thumb". In the late 1960s after a dry spell of hits, he turned to production. In 1969 he discovered a group called Smith and arranged their hit "Baby It's You". He then produced his friend Brian Hyland's million seller "Gypsy Woman" in 1970.
In the 1970s, Shannon's career slowed down greatly; the hates and fears he had turned into art in his earlier songs were turning into full-blown mental illness, and he was self-medicating with alcohol. He finally put the bottle down in 1978, and he was able to return to mainstream audiences with "Sea of Love" in the early 1980s from the album "Drop Down And Get Me" produced by Tom Petty.
In December, 1983, Shannon served as Grand Marshal of the Coopersville, Michigan Christmas parade and also performed a benefit concert at Coopersville High School.
Shannon enjoyed a resurgence in audience interest after re-recording a portion of his song "Runaway" (with new lyrics) as the theme for the television program Crime Story. Producer Michael Mann felt that this was one of the definitive songs of the era in which the program was set. Some fans of the show prefer the sharper lyrics ("Some live, and others die") as an alternate to the original words.
On 8 February 1990, while working on a comeback album with Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra, Shannon fatally shot himself in the head with a .22 calibre rifle. His wife thought his death might have been related to his recent use of the prescription drug Prozac. The album was released after his death and titled "Rock On!".
Shannon is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and his pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Do You Want to Dance
Del Shannon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you wanna dance and hold my hand?
Tell me that I'm your man
Baby, do you wanna dance?
Do you wanna dance under the moonlight?
Squeeze and kiss me all through the night
Baby, do you wanna dance?
Tell me that I'm your man
Baby, do you wanna dance?
Do you wanna dance under the moonlight?
Love me girl all through the night
Baby, do you wanna dance?
[Chorus 2:]
Girl now do you do you do you do you wanna dance?
Do you do you do you do you wanna dance?
Do you do you wanna dance?
[Chorus 1]
Yes, do you wanna dance I mean under the moonlight?
Squeeze and kiss me all through the night
Baby, do you wanna dance?
[Chorus 2]
In Del Shannon's classic song "Do You Want to Dance," the lyrics depict a simple yet romantic proposal to dance with a potential partner under the moonlight. The first chorus asks the question directly, inquiring if the addressee would like to dance and hold hands, declaring the singer's desire to be this person's partner. The second chorus repeats the question with more emphasis, and the final verse doubles down on the offer, expressing hope that the potential partner will respond. The lyrics suggest that the song's protagonist sees dancing as a way to deepen a romantic connection and to express affection towards the other person.
Throughout the song, the lyrics' relaxed and happy tone create an uplifting and joyful atmosphere. The use of repetition throughout the song, especially in the second chorus, drives home the singer's eagerness to dance with this person. The simple rhyming scheme also gives the lyrics a charming and endearing quality.
Overall, "Do You Want to Dance" is a celebration of young love and the excitement of taking the first steps towards a deeper connection. The lyrics capture the feeling of a warm summer evening, spent dancing under the stars, and the sense of anticipation that comes with falling in love.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you wanna dance and hold my hand?
Would you like to dance with me while holding my hand?
Tell me that I'm your man
Express to me that I am the one for you
Baby, do you wanna dance?
My sweet love, would you like to dance with me?
Do you wanna dance under the moonlight?
Will you join me in dancing with the light of the moon shining down on us?
Squeeze and kiss me all through the night
Hold me tight and give me affection throughout the entire night
Girl and hold my hand?
Lady, would you like to dance with me while holding my hand?
Love me girl all through the night
Show me love and affection throughout the entire night, my dear
Girl now do you do you do you do you wanna dance?
Young lady, do you want to dance with me?
Do you do you do you do you wanna dance?
Do you want to dance with me?
Do you do you wanna dance?
Is dancing with me something you desire?
Yes, do you wanna dance I mean under the moonlight?
Indeed, would you like to dance with me while the moon's light shines upon us?
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: Robert Freeman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lisa InOz
The ultimate encore of his later shows. This guy was the ultimate entertainer. Amazing vocals, guitar playing and brilliant writer. No matter what he sang, it was brilliant.
Philip Hartley
Can not add to that comment. Del was indeed a supreme performer, so sadly missed.
Ken Hatchett
This was the first version I heard of this great classic and still believe it’s the best.
westentrance
Yeah I like it too plus it was one of the earliest recordings featuring the great bassist Bob Babbitt.
Louie Witoski
Del Shannon - Do You Wanna Dance. First recorded by Bobby Freeman in 1958. It was also recorded by The Beach Boys in 1965. Del Shannon had his version released in the fall of 1964.
LicMegags
And later, the best version ever, by The Ramones.
A Pa
Thx for that, & everyone has their memories.
Alan Clarke
Great voice Rip del
Where did my other account go?
I've always thought the Beach Boys version was the best. and I can see alot of their version in this release from Del Shannon. I'm sure, Brian Wilson was influenced by this.
howie9751
I like the BBs version of this song, but Del rocks more.