The Electric Light Orchestra and Olivia Newton-John collaborated to produce… Read Full Bio ↴The Electric Light Orchestra and Olivia Newton-John collaborated to produce the soundtrack to Xanadu. While the movie was poorly recieved, the soundtrack was more successful. Each artist contributed five tracks to the effort, and the final track, aptly titled Xanadu was a collaboration. The ELO provided the music, with Newton-John singing the lyrics.

Dancin'
Electric Light Orchestra & Olivia Newton-John Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm gonna go out tonight
Gonna feel alright
If it tears me right in two
'Cause I just can't stay feeling this way
With a heart that's full of you
I'm gonna go right down
To a part of town
Where I've never been before

And in some small place
Find a brand new face
And step out on the floor

And I'll be dancing 'round and 'round
And I'll be satisfied if I can just hold my ground
And if he helps me to keep your memory down
I'll be dancing 'round and 'round

Well you put some distance 'round you
I know I meant to see
There's a space inside for someone
But I know it isn't me
So among the boys who are searching
And the girls who hope they're found
If you look for me, I'm the one you'll see
Who's dancing 'round and 'round

And I'll be dancing 'round and 'round
And I'll be satisfied if I can just hold my ground
And if he helps me to keep your memory down
I'll be dancing 'round and 'round

Come on music, wash my tears away
Come on darkness, cover up the day

Dancing 'round and 'round
And I'll be satisfied if I can just hold my ground
And if he helps me to keep your memory down

I'll be dancing 'round and 'round
I'll be dancing 'round and 'round

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Electric Light Orchestra's "Dancin'” depict a person who is grappling with the pain of a failed relationship. The singer decides to go out, have fun, and find a new face, essentially trying to forget their past and move on. The first verse talks about the decision to go out and how it might hurt, yet it's necessary as they can’t continue feeling the way they do with a heart that's full of their ex.

In the second verse, the singer acknowledges that their ex has moved on and found someone else. They are left with the realization that there was always a space, but not for them. The lyrics talk about how, among the people looking to be found or searching, the one the ex will come across is the one who's "dancing 'round and 'round."

The chorus of the song emphasizes how the singer is "dancing 'round and 'round" and how they'll be satisfied if they can just hold their ground. The lyrics suggest a desire to forget and move on, wanting to let the music and darkness wash away their tears and cover up the day. In essence, the song talks about how one can often find solace in dancing and music, and that it’s a way to forget their sorrows.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna go out tonight
The singer is planning to go out for the night

Gonna feel alright
The singer hopes that going out will make them feel better

If it tears me right in two
The singer is willing to risk emotional pain to move on

'Cause I just can't stay feeling this way
The artist can't continue to feel the way they do

With a heart that's full of you
The artist's heart is still consumed with thoughts of someone they can't be with

I'm gonna go right down
The singer is going to travel to a different part of town

To a part of town
The singer is specifically traveling to a different area

Where I've never been before
The artist is visiting an unfamiliar place

And in some small place
The artist is looking for a low-key location

Find a brand new face
The artist is hoping to meet someone new

And step out on the floor
The singer will dance with the new person they meet

And I'll be dancing 'round and 'round
The artist is using dance as a way to cope and move on

And I'll be satisfied if I can just hold my ground
The singer will be content if they can maintain their emotional stability

And if he helps me to keep your memory down
The new person the singer meets may be a way to forget the past

Well you put some distance 'round you
The person the singer can't be with has created space between them

I know I meant to see
The artist understands that this separation was intentional

There's a space inside for someone
The person the artist can't be with may have room in their heart for another

But I know it isn't me
The singer understands that they will never be that person

So among the boys who are searching
The singer is in a place where others are also looking for someone

And the girls who hope they're found
The artist is in a place where people are also hoping to be noticed

If you look for me, I'm the one you'll see
The artist will be visible on the dance floor

Come on music, wash my tears away
The artist is hoping that the music will help them forget their troubles

Come on darkness, cover up the day
The change in environment is a way for the singer to escape reality for a night

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ADAM MITCHELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

denise -

4y↑8

Anybody blue
Anybody needin' someone too
Anyone feelin' cold,
No one there
You can hold
Don't wait to get old and gray
I'm gonna blow all the clouds away
'Cos there is nothing I would rather do
Forget about the blues tonight,
Sweet thing
Forget about the rules tonight
Sweet thing
I wanna dance with you
Until the sun comes creepin' through
I wanna dance with you
I won't stop pleasin' you
Ah...
Honey for awhile
Give a girl a chance to show some style
If you got no love to spare
Tell me lies
I don't care
You better believe that I
I know some moves that we've got to try
'Cos there is nothing I would rather do
Forget about the blues tonight,
Sweet thing
Forget about the rules tonight
Sweet thing
I wanna dance with you
Until the sun comes creepin' through
I wanna dance with you
I won't stop pleasin' you
Ah...
THE TUBES:
Lover I want to let you know
I won't take a back seat
Ain't willin' to let you go
I won't take a back seat
Don't wanna hear what you want
It's gotta be all my way
And I'm makin' sure you stay to see
I'm really a selfish man
I've gotta get right to it
And lover tonight I'm thinkin' of me
Lover
I won't take a back seat tonight
Oooh...
Lover gettin' on my two feet tonight
Oooh...
Got some dancin' to do
Got some dancin' to do
Got some dancin' to do,
Got some dancin' to do
Can't let anyone get to you
I won't take a back seat
Let me show you what I can do
I won't take a back seat
It ain't funny to fool with me
I'd be a bad loser
You're gettin' me mad using me
You tried puttin' a spell on me
'Cos I had a strange feelin'
You'd better get down to healin' me
Lover
I won't take a back seat tonight
Oooh...
Lover gettin' on my two feet tonight
Oooh...
Got some dancin' to do
Got some dancin' to do
Got some dancin' to do,
Got some dancin' to do
GIRLS: THE TUBES:
Aaah...
Forget about the blues tonight, Lover
Sweet thing I won't take a back seat tonight
Forget about the rules tonight Oooh...
Sweet thing Lover gettin' on my two feet tonight
I wanna dance with you Oooh... Got some dancin' to do
Until the sun comes creepin' through Got some dancin' to do
I wanna dance with you Got some dancin' to do
I won't stop pleasin' you Got some dancin' to do
Forget about the blues tonight, Lover
Sweet thing I won't take a back seat tonight
Forget about the rules tonight Oooh...
Sweet thing Lover gettin' on my two feet tonight
I wanna dance with you Oooh... Got some dancin' to do
Until the sun comes creepin' through Got some dancin' to do
I wanna dance with you Got some dancin' to do
I won't stop pleasin' you Got some dancin' to do
Ah...

Kerrington Jackson

Anybody blue?
Anybody needin' someone too?
Anyone feelin' cold?
No one there you can hold?
Don't wait to get old and gray
I'm gonna blow all the clouds away
'Cause there is nothing I would rather do
Forget about the blues tonight, sweet thing
Forget about the rules tonight, sweet thing
I wanna dance with you
Until the sun comes creepin' through
I wanna dance with you
I won't stop pleasin' you
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Honey, for awhile
Give a girl a chance to show some style
If you got no love to spare
Tell me lies, I don't care
You better believe that I
I know some moves that we've got to try
'Cause there is nothing I would rather do
Forget about the blues tonight, sweet thing
Forget about the rules tonight, sweet thing
I wanna dance with you
Until the sun comes creepin' through
I wanna dance with you
I won't stop pleasin' you
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Lover, I want to let you know
I won't take a backseat
Ain't willin' to let you go
I won't take a backseat
Don't wanna hear what you want
It's gotta be all my way
And I'm makin' sure you stay to see
I'm really a selfish man
I've gotta get right to it
And lover, tonight I'm thinkin' of me
Lover, I won't take a backseat tonight, ooh
Lover, gettin' on my two feet tonight, ooh
Got some dancin' to do
Got some dancin' to do
Got some dancin' to do
Got some dancin' to do
Can't let anyone get to you
I won't take a backseat
Let me show you what I can do
I won't take a backseat
Ain't funny to fool with me
I'll be a bad loser
You're gettin' me mad, using me
You tried puttin' a spell on me
'Cause I had a strange feelin'
You'd better get down to healin' me
Lover, I won't take a backseat tonight, ooh
Lover, gettin' on my two feet tonight, ooh
Got some dancin' to do
Got some dancin' to do
Got some dancin' to do
Got some dancin' to do
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Forget about the blues tonight, sweet thing (Lover, I won't take a backseat tonight, ooh)
Forget about the rules tonight, sweet thing (Lover, gettin' on my two feet tonight, ooh)
I wanna dance with you (Got some dancin' to do)
Until the sun comes creepin' through (Got some dancin' to do)
I wanna dance with you (Got some dancin' to do)
I won't stop pleasin' you (Got some dancin' to do)
Forget about the blues tonight, sweet thing (Lover, I won't take a backseat tonight, ooh)
Forget about the rules tonight, sweet thing (Lover, gettin' on my two feet tonight, ooh)
I wanna dance with you (Got some dancin' to do)
Until the sun comes creepin' through (Got some dancin' to do)
I wanna dance with you (Got some dancin' to do)
I won't stop pleasin' you (Got some dancin' to do)
Ah-ah-ah-ah

All comments from YouTube:

Martin Reid

2y↑7

When Olivia' kicks on at 4:20 is just sublime, I loved this track and her voice, so special.

schizoidboy

9y↑110

This was probably one of the more interesting scenes in the movie where they were comparing the music from the two generations and as the it starts with the swing music of the 40s and then blending with the music of the early 80s and the melodies blend in perfectly. Reading into all this it seems they're saying there really isn't all that much difference between the generations where music is concerned, things change but stay the same; it's all music we can dance too.

Sentinel66able

3y↑5

I totally agree. The sailor's dancing moves were almost as suggestive as the '80s dancers. I guess you could say the '80s theme went up a notch.

fcm1065

3y↑1

Indeed, when Danny and Sonny were exchanging their visions for "Xanadu", I think the idea is to tell us nothing is incompatible and greatness can be merged with great results... As of the scene, it is per sé a metaphor for the whole movie, specially at the end where both stages merge into one and the song works just perfectly... I was watching how the cinematographer didn't catch the choreographies with good angles making them look campy, but still it was so so good.

Carrie Williams

2y↑1

And the timespan between the 1940s and 1980s is the same as the 1980s and 2020s. Hard to fathom!🤔

Saulius Simcikas

6y↑61

This song is so bloody impressive. There must've been a conversation like
- Hey John, so for this movie scene we need you to compose two songs in these different genres, performed by different artists that would both be enjoyable on their own but even better when they are both played at the same time
- Sure, no prob.
And boy did he delivered. Respect.

Tim Mercer

3y↑1

Thank you! This is so musically clever it is ridiculous.

fcm1065

3y↑2

@Greg Palmer Lyrics and music by John Farrar...

Greg Palmer

@fcm1065 Apparently, I stand corrected.

denise -

4y↑8

Caroline Victory

4y↑2

Thank you- the mash up lyrics are perfect, you got it right! That's hard.🌹

Victor Hernandez

9y↑39

The perfect blend of 1940's big band swing music and 1980's new wave rock!

metalserfo

7y↑1

It's not new wave, is hard rock (a bit of hard rock)

Luis LLorens

This song is absolutely a bliss to listen...the medley of the 2 bands togheter in harmony....WONDERFUL

Ricardo R Gonzalez Martinez

3y↑2

Hasta que encontré esta canción, me fascina la música swing de los 40s y luego se fusionó con la música de principios de los 80s.

Mau Ferreira

3y↑2

Lo sé, es una canción muy pegajosa. Aparte la voz que le da Olivia en Swing suena espectacular con el tema rockero de los 80.

Mikayla C

8y↑33

I love Xanadu, the music is great!

Mikey

6y↑1

omg same

Richard Picone

4y↑1

I enjoy every piece Jeff Lynne has ever composed.
ELO ROCKS :-)

Blue Thunder73

2y↑1

The best song of the movie, the way they blended this two genre was too perfect.

alan burge

2y↑1

Love the whole album but this song is very special indeed. My favourite I think yes.

Anizio do Carmo

3y↑1

A melhor cena de cinema que já vi: as bandas de jazz e rock se encontrando. Incrível!

Mattia Dell'Amico

3y↑1

How I love this song! Great jazz/rock union.

Ken Rutherford

3y↑1

The new wave portion of the song where The Tubes sing almost brings tears to my eyes, but I like the final portion of the song where the girls' vocals and The Tubes vocals overlap each other

Quantum Mechanic

1y↑1

Just watched Xanadu again after 43 years and it's amazing how I'd got the story line mixed up. I thought that Xanadu was throught the wall with the sisters! Anyway I loved the film, my girlfriend was not so impressed, but then I did spend all my time obsessing over Olivia Newton-John. I think at seven years old I fancied her then haha. Great film, great music, love ELO, uplifting and just what I needed to cheer me up. Highly recommended watching and this mash up is fantastic. Thanks for posting it❤

Euroviking (formerly setheurovision94)

7y↑36

On their own they're already great, but together, hoo boy!

Wildcat Kelly

5y↑9

The soundtrack was probably better than the movie itself. The music was awesome.

Vanessa STARS

3y↑4

I love how the music from the 1940s is about pleasing another. The music from the 1980s is about pleasing yourself. 😊

BlackPhoenix77

6y↑32

This was my favorite part of the movie

Kerrington Jackson

2013venjix

2y↑1

I LOVE IT!

Coyotius

4y↑4

4:29 is amazing! Love ONJ, The Tubes and ELO (in other songs).

Ari Kay

I remember this song from when I was *young*, like my first time watching this movie when I was 3 or 4. And it's had that staying power decades later, because it is such a phenomenal blend of 40s and 80s, a lovely showcase!

Flashback80's

7y↑10

Did the tubes ever release this song on their own? I love this hard rock tune

Federico Niche

2y↑1

Never, It’s a shame that they not even played it live.

Precious Fox

Ya know, everybody's talking about Encanto's We Don't Talk About Bruno's big mash-up at the song's end (with about 4 different verses goin' at the same time, it really was spectacular,) but when I think about mash-ups, I just gotta come back to this song, cause this really was a good one, with two completely different types of songs mixing well together

Vegeburger Productions

8y↑16

I don't know who composed it, but i bet it was Jeff Lynne....nobody else could compose such a genial piece with multiple modal mixtures....

Sandra Laterizi

+Vegeburger Productions ´Yes i agree with you ! Anyhow multiple modal mixtures you can find in a kick thru
e.g. Iki Maská written and vocalized by Nina Hagen .

andrew Baker

8y↑7

+Vegeburger Productions it was john farrar

Federico Niche

John Farrar

Robbin_art

2y↑2

Why is this not on Spotify :(((

razberrysky12

Mega awesome - just lost it in the car to this song (mainly the rock song) So fun!!!!

Rick Sparks

7y↑5

Literally one of the first mash-ups, but only genre.

Ivana Black

7y↑15

I swear this was my favorite movie of all time

Naressa Zabuta

Simply epic

Irenee Shubert

This is actually the predecessor to what Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers would produce!

William Smith

10y↑14

Ooooh hell yes, 480p? I've been waiting so long to hear The Tubes rocking out at this quality. Thanks :D

Jvokal

5y↑1

As a musician and singer this is probly the best song I've ever heard sonically this is beautiful as fuck

ME

7y↑12

My Dad took me to see XANADU Because I wanted to see it so bad. Should of been a sign for ya right there Mr. now dad and I don’t speak and haven’t spoke for over 30 years lol
Love ya Dad thank you for loving me when u knew I was a little GAY and then mum died and you switched off and detached. I get it. Dad u and I haven’t spoken for over 30 years ( step mother involved) but thank you Dad for the platform shoes, and abba arrival, and took me to Grease the movie and then Xanadu. You must be in your 80s now. Love u Dad 🌺

Caroline Victory

4y↑1

Oh gosh, I hope your dad comes around- I know how they can be, gay, straight or whatever- I've spent years with no contact with my father and I'm a straight woman. But yeah, he did take me to see this as a kid- I even got the cake- Dad's patient did it-it even had Olivia with the skates and everything! I ❤ my dad too but he treated me really bad. I just wanna remember the good things you know? You can't help being who u are and you don't wanna change for ANYONE- it just hurts when it's someone you ❤ so much...and yeah, I understand about the step- mother thing- had two by the time I was 16 and they were EVIL. But, hey my Dad turned me on to some good music- still ❤ him for it you know?❤🌈Caroline.

I AM JERR

7y↑9

Lol only 18 year old here, but this is my jam!

TownCountryMotors

4y↑4

same but i'm 12

M.E.L.S aniepic

3y↑2

This is three years old now you can drink congrats

Rodolphe Chanel

5y↑1

GREAT! This mix beetwin rock and jazz it's a very good idéa!

victor diaz

This interpretation from the tubes and the sound of the guitar early on 1980 its pure hard rock like metallica Queensryche Firehouse thers no diference

Rodolphe Chanel

5y↑1

I saw this film, the producer is a genius and actors are excellent, not excellent, great!

Robert Fishman

5y↑4

I’ve often said that Xanadu’s soundtrack is great to the same degree that the movie’s storyline is weak.

Paul Nguyên

4y↑2

Happy 40th to "Xanadu". I have the DVD.

Caireen Bourlot

Oh you have to upload it to youtube! We would all be so grateful!

Spameggssausage

9y↑47

first mashup ever

Sandra Laterizi

+Spameggssausage Not so first ! Try " Iki Maská" by Nina Hagen .

Peter Hüber

4y↑6

@Sandra Laterizi Xanadu "Dancin'" is from 1980 preceding "Iki Maská" (1982) by two years.

Ken Rutherford

3y↑1

It's actually 2 genres in 1 song

Livmylifelivi

2y↑1

Rest In Peace Olivia

CatzBestFriend

😄❤️

foreign warren

3y↑2

Always thought it was "I won't take a taxi tonight"

M.E.L.S aniepic

3y↑1

ain't willin' to let you know I won't take a taxi
ooo taxi secrets

Phil Piotr

Haha... And I always thought it was "Together by the rules tonight" and it is "Forget about the rules tonight"...exactly the opposite thing :P

genera28

9y↑5

a mashup from the days of yore

ME

Love U Darren 🌺⭐️❤️

Shannon J. Morgan

Ok...hes playing Xanadu...beer 5...hes drunk...send out an a.p.b. "dangerous individual"..to all...and commence heart parpulation..."lights"...."roll the sound effects"...love

Caroline Victory

4y↑1

Okay, wish I had a beer! Calling out a 51-50 for all!!! ❤

Anthony Leighton

5y↑1

old timey ....... woah 2 mins 30 gear change .........

Les DeLawder

5y↑1

Two words..The Tubes

Mark Herbert

5y↑1

Great sound track, not so great film!

Michael Beck

Wie heißt das Lied von elo?

metalserfo

7y↑1

This movie is a rollerboogie 💩

Salthazar Chamagana

9y↑2

One out of ten likes on YouTube are thumbs down

More Comments

just now