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' Round And Round
Electric Light Orchestra & Olivia Newton-John Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 feat. Olivia Newton-John's song 'Dancin' in 2-3' tell a story of a woman who is trying to overcome a heartbreak by going out and dancing. The first stanza talks about her need to feel alright, even if it means tearing her heart in two. She cannot continue feeling the way she does with a heart that is full of the person who broke it. She decides to go out to a new part of town and find a brand new face, all to help her forget the person who hurt her. The chorus talks about how dancing around and finding a new love can help her keep the memory of the person who broke her heart down. She wants to be satisfied with holding her ground.

The second stanza talks about the distance that the person who hurt her has put between them. The singer knows that there is space inside that person for someone else to fill, but it cannot be her. She decides to look for someone new while dancing 'round and 'round with faith that she will find someone who will help her forget the memory of her heartbreak. The final chorus repeats the idea that dancing 'round and 'round can help her forget and cover up the day with darkness and wash her tears away with music.

In summary, the song talks about a woman's attempt to overcome a heartbreak by going out, finding a new love, and dancing her way to happiness.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna go out tonight
I plan to leave my home this evening

Gonna feel alright
I hope to feel good and happy

If it tears me right in two
Even if this action causes emotional pain

'Cause I just can't stay feeling this way
I am unable to continue feeling the way I do now

With a heart that's full of you
My heart is consumed by thoughts of you

I'm gonna go right down
I will head immediately

To a part of town
To a district of the city

Where I've never been before
An area I've never explored

And in some small place
In a tiny locale

Find a brand new face
Come across a person I've never met

And step out on the floor
Dance triumphantly on the dance floor

And I'll be dancing 'round and 'round
I will move in circles with joy and exhilaration

And I'll be satisfied if I can just hold my ground
I will be content if I can simply stand firm

And if he helps me to keep your memory down
If my dance partner helps me to forget my memories of you

I'll be dancing 'round and 'round
I will dance in a circle of happiness

Well you put some distance 'round you
You created a gap between us

I know I meant to see
Although I did not see it before, I now recognize this fact

There's a space inside for someone
You have room for another person in your heart

But I know it isn't me
I realize I am not that person

So among the boys who are searching
I will be amidst the males seeking a partner

And the girls who hope they're found
and the females anticipating being discovered

If you look for me, I'm the one you'll see
If you wish to find me, I'm the one dancing

Who's dancing 'round and 'round
I'm the one who will be swirling to the beat

Come on music, wash my tears away
Music, please cleanse my eyes of my sorrows

Come on darkness, cover up the day
Fall of night, envelop the day with your cloak

I'll be dancing 'round and 'round
I will continue to dance in a circular motion

And I'll be satisfied if I can just hold my ground
I will be content with only standing on my feet

And if he helps me to keep your memory down
If my dance partner assists me in forgetting you

I'll be dancing 'round and 'round
I will twirl around with bliss

I'll be dancing 'round and 'round
I will keep on dancing with fervor

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

María Paz Zúñiga

5y↑23

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

María Paz Zúñiga

5y↑4

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

riri Zimmermann

4y↑2

'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

All comments from YouTube:

Rusty Blackwood

2y↑26

One of your most touching and beautiful pieces. I sang this one, and a few more of yours. I am so saddened to learn of your passing, dear Olivia, your music, and your beautiful voice will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace.

Tina Stanley

50w

Imo this is her best Album. Great songs on it! RIP SWEET OLIVIA.

Barbara Routliffe

2y↑20

Rest in peace Olivia. Thank you for the many, many years of beautiful music...❤

ascoltocorpusdomini italia

❤❤❤❤

Sabrina Dawn

2y↑22

I was 10 yrs old, in 1978, playing this album over and over. Every song is a sweet memory for me. I'm still in love with that beautiful voice!

Peter Heinzman

She was the greatest and still the still is the first song of hers I heard was banks of the Ohio

amagicalmuse

2y↑12

I love this song...and the artist just makes it all the better.

Greg Crossfield

2y↑6

A voice as beautiful as the lady herself. She is beautiful inside as well. She will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We will always love you Olivia! Thank you for the beautiful music. Rest in sweet blessed peace. For ever in our memories.

O Tamandua

2y↑8

I fervently hope she is now dancing for Jesus - this one is the first I thought of when I learned of her passing minutes ago. Thank you for all the songs, Ms. Newton-John.

COBYKOEHL2

4y↑18

THIS ALBUM FROM TOP TO BOTTOM IS FLAWLESS. ONE OF MY FAVORITES OF ALL TIME

Kym Schutz

1y↑1

My favourite album of Olivia's.❤️❤️💕💕

Rex Hollinger

7y↑35

I have loved and admired her for 40 years. Thanks for the amazing music Olivia!

Geoff Crump

2y↑8

This has got to be one of Olivias best songs..sadly missed gal

Blue G

6y↑22

One of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. Instantly recognizable.

CANAL R+

2y↑4

I remember the songs on this album. Olivia will forever be in our memories through your songs. RIP OLIVIA ♥😢

WhatsInAName

2y↑3

I haven't been able to listen to this song since Olivia passed. It is my all time favorite Ballard of hers. Today I listen to it in honor of your Birthday Olivia. I know your up there with the Angels. <3

Mike Dibari

7y↑15

One of my favs from this incredibly beautiful woman! Always humble and classy. God bless you Olivia!!

Aoi Teruhiko Fan Club by Bill Lee

2y↑5

😢Personally I think what's so saddened it's not just a loss of a superstar/ pop singer but also a loss part of our body and soul of every of her die hard fans cuz Olivia's songs have accompanied us during almost all our ups and downs in life. And today we've lost this life battling companion. And whenever we plug and play any of her songs dictating so much about her life and our footprints, the sadness and tears would just come along together...cuz she sang from every beat of her heart with full sentiment and strength giving us consolation, the power and energy to heal and go on ourselves. Before we could render her anything back, this life savior and long companion had to say goodbye to us. The understanding and acceptance of this inevitable human life process hurt the most. Whenever we look back those footprint we had together, it tears almost everything apart in our heart just like a jigsaw with pieces so out of place... 😢

Making a Good Thing Better

2y↑2

Very well said.....😥

Aoi Teruhiko Fan Club by Bill Lee

@Making a Good Thing Better thank you so much... You enlightened me that I should have named myself as @ Come On Over...😅... Olivia would be so glad and relieved to see us fans being so supportive to each other... This is a Precious Love and consolation she left for us ... We are made to embody her. She's just always here, seemed never left us before...🥺

Austin Teutsch

5y↑44

Along with Karen Carpenter, ONJ has one of the greatest voices of all time.

Tina Stanley

3y↑1

Marshmallow voice they used to call her in the 70s. She's Amazing

Lucetta Butt

2y↑2

ONJ and Karen were also great friends....

Caroline Godden

1y↑2

Thank you... I AM BOTH . SAME SPIRIT. IMMORTAL.
Nice to meet you 🤝 ♥ 🌌 ⛪ ➕ 🌏 🗺 🌌

DigitalSoda

11y↑41

This whole album is wonderful!!

Austin Teutsch

4y↑5

I agree.

Match Made In Heaven

3y↑5

42 years since we found this album, and still loving it!! ❤️

Tina Stanley

3y↑1

@Match Made In Heaven i still have it

Tina Stanley

3y↑1

@Austin Teutsch ❤ ONJ

María Paz Zúñiga

5y↑23

Match Made In Heaven

3y↑2

Thank you, I know every word, too! Beautiful, deepfelt lyrics. A heartbreak support, time and time again!

Michelle H

3y↑1

Still a top singing in the shower song 30 years later…

chercherry1968

2y↑4

Love her voice.. ❤ such a talent. Love this album.

Julie X

4y↑8

One of my all time favorites by a very beautiful and very talented jewel!

Ginette González Latorraca

3y↑6

Este es uno de mis álbumes preferidos de la vida. Tenía 12 años cuando me lo compró mi padre mientras vivíamos en los EE.UU y todavía recuerdo la letras de las canciones! Olivia for ever!!!!

litocornejo

4y↑7

One on her best album
Love this song.

Rowan Chandler

2y↑4

RIP wonderful woman. Lovely voice...

Alexio Verdo

2y↑2

God bless you Livy!What a fantastic album!God bless you my girl.

Steph Smith

2y↑3

She was a part of my childhood and my teen years. I was JUST listening to CDs of her last week! I am so saddened -and I was already sad because Judith Durham died too. 😞

Nigel 1958

6y↑9

This has got to be my favourite Olivia recording of all time been a fan since Country Roads

Nigel 1958

5y↑15

Never ever has it got any better than this . Totally Hot and brilliant 👍❤️

Sheri Heffner

2y↑3

Now here Iam tearing up hearing this song. I loved this song. I learned it word for word and would fantasize I was on a stage singing and someone would love it. Even better my Idol, Olivia would hear me singing it and like it. I will miss her.

greco romano

11y↑7

great touch ... great voice ... great feeling

Sabrina Nascimento

Great song 🎵. I still remember having this album years ago,on vinyl 😇🎵😄

jkb1904

6y↑10

Beautiful song from a beautiful singer.

Erik Ramaekers

11y↑13

Her music makes me feel forever young! Wonderful voice, beautiful woman. Now my kids love looking her movies 'Grease' and 'Xanadu'. My little daughter knows her songs by heart!

luvyesmusic I

52w

I was in middle school in Okinawa, Japan when this album came out. Olivia was my forever favorite singer since I was seven. We had a kick-ass stereo system in Okinawa, and this song in particular was just so clean, and wonderful sounding on it.

Isabelle Gaury

4y↑2

Très belle voix, très belle chanson !!

Making a Good Thing Better

2y↑2

Best album ever .... On my umpteenth copy after wearing them out for years...I knew all the skips when I was a kid.

ProFessa Parrot

6y↑5

I must have first heard this over 30 years ago. No wonder I thought it was good !! It;s still utterly amazing. Thanks for posting.

Bellinda Notari

2y↑2

ONE OF HER BEST CD OR LP ❤️🎁❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😂

Rinske Vos

8y↑6

love this album

Jose Melendez

4y↑3

I bought this album when it came out , loved it
Olivia was the first nice girl trying to go for bad girl image

Russ Grunert

8y↑30

she has the voice of an angel.

Vince Kloss

3y↑2

Timeless and Beautiful - person and song ... may God keep smiling on you.

María Paz Zúñiga

5y↑4

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

Annie F Lalremruati

💕

Lasse 1964

6y↑6

one of the best country song ever....mythical 70s! Amazing and beautiful olivia...I will always one big real star for me.

Austin Teutsch

5y↑1

I just realized as a musician of 50 years how inprovasion is so important to a steel guitar player. He can be the ultimate rhythm section of a song as he is here in this song.

slcrawford2003

This song peaked at #29 on the country charts

1959kashik

2y↑3

R.I.P Olivia,,,,Thank you for the one of my favorite song composed
by Adam Mitchel !

Match Made In Heaven

2y↑4

1978. My girfriend and I, + Olivia with Totally Hot. We were 13, and had the LP on repeat, knowing every word! 🥰

R.I.P. dearest Olivia! I will never forget you, your angelic voice, and beautiful personality! 💔❤️
Forever thank you!

Dianne Hall

3y↑1

Awww one of my favorites,fell in love with song the first time I heard it.still love it.

riri Zimmermann

4y↑2

Cida Ramos

3y↑1

Saudades ♥♥♥

Elia Hanitriniaina

7y↑1

I love it a lot !

Antonio Antonio

5y↑1

Esta mujer es adorable ,le ruego a Dios que se recupere.

Kelly Sutton

8y↑6

beautiful song

Sheri Heffner

When I was a teenager up until I was in my 20s I wanted to look, sing, talk just like Olivia. 😢

Michelle Finnegan-Nixon Promoter Digital Marketer

4y↑2

I won first place singing this song in a Talent Show Contest at age 12. ONJ my favorite singer....

don hanner

10y↑25

What a Angel, That Voice Tho!

Annie Valentine

9y↑5

Yes, an angelic voice ..

Elma Lim

5y↑6

yes...really love her voice so light and can bring out the best melodies in every song she sings

Andrew Baker

5y↑14

i went to this concert Totally Hot i was 14 still love her and always will ONJ

Match Made In Heaven

Oh, how lucky you were! My girfriend and I loved this whole record at 14, and we still do. Where are you Spotify, not having this available? I really must hear it from to time, and it unleashes feelings and visions I had then. It’s like timetravelling, and I cry as I write this! Bless you Olivia, we thank you, beautiful soul! ❤️

Rick Robitaille

2y↑4

So underrated 😁🇨🇦

Swampzoid

2y↑4

Rest In Peace Olivia

Tony Darbyshire

4y↑2

Just beautiful

momo tilt

2y↑2

Rip, Olivia forever 💕😞

Cris Sparts

2y↑2

best singer best person best everything love you Livi

Percival Jarin

Rest in peace to my pretty idol Olivia...🙏❤️

Eddy

5y↑14

OMG this song reminds me when i was a kid riding in the back of my dad's car. back in 1979 .Gawd..lol

Séb

7y↑2

Une femme dotée d'une si belle voix et d'une plastique si parfaite devrait être élevée au rang de déesse immortelle !

Tony Adams

2y↑1

My 2 favorite ONJ songs ever are on here. Boats against the current and Never enough

Kai Thor

1y↑1

Super chanson que de souvenir a jamais

秋本康博

Toujours il me semble que l'on embarque de longues distances en avion, en écoutant cette chanson impressionnante où la technique du contrepoint est utilisée effectivement et merveilleusement.

MyDreamside

2y↑4

farewell, that's the song that came in my mind when i heard she passed away today :(

Photo80'sJeff

❤😥

Jim Thomas

2y↑3

So sad to hear she lost the battle with cancer , R.I.P Australia has lost one great all time singer and personality ,

Chillah R

I’ll be dancing round and round ❤️

C C

8y↑5

Always makes me cry..memories.......

Claudia Roebbelen

4y↑2

Das waren noch echte Lieder!

patricia randriamaromanana

5y↑1

Like it so much👌👌

Mariaraquel Oliver

8y↑2

bellísimo

Sabrina Nascimento

2y↑1

I can’t believe that she is gone. 😇😫

Martin Farny

2y↑1

Album rating 10 / 10 x

Bardia DelShad

9y↑6

:) dont tired of listening to it

Brunodion Dion

6y↑2

Beautiful olivia

Elma Lim

5y↑1

me too..its her voice so pure smooth and light!!

sandra boumajane

❤❤❤

PorcelainOne

3y↑2

She may not be Aretha, but make no mistake, this gal can sing any trick.
Only delivered in sweet lemon chiffon.

Haven SMM

Much more than sweet lemon chiffon IMO. Even though she is not a belter, ONJ has great range and enough belting ability with her high soprano voice. If interested, please check out this video on her recording studio vocal range: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2kHuy7Uu-Q

PorcelainOne

@Haven SMM It was meant as a high compliment. I sang for a living for over 22 years.

Joy Navarit N

2y↑1

Rip Olivia..

ProFessa Parrot

This track was on an LP I borrowed from a library, Haven't heard it in decades so great to find it on here. Anyone know the name of the LP that it was released on in the UK ?

Alex Cockell

5y↑1

Was track 2 of Totally Hot. Released on EMI in the UK. HAd the album myself.

MrMUSIC1981

10y↑8

I was on my way home from work,listening to AM 740 from Toronto,Ontario and heard this song,I loved it,but I didn't know who was singing it,when I got home I went on there web sight and they have a place there called what was that song,clicked on it and there it was,song and singer and I live in the USA listening to a great station playing songs from the 60,70 and 80's.they even stream over the web.

Patricio Campos

2y↑2

THIS IS LOVE SONG...I FROM CHILE

Kathy Jarvis

2y↑2

R.I.P. Olivia

Karin 7.London

4y↑1

I know the lyrics must've been listening to my parents music after all

Joseph Bitton

2y↑1

Can add it to Grease. Totally Hot 1978.

Sergio Rivera

5y↑1

Olivia Newton John
"Dancing Round And Round"
1979.

Glen Olson

5y↑1

I've got her best of and greatest hits c.d's and this song is not on them 😕

Kai Thor

51w

Souvenir avec mon pere a jamais

Enn Rose

2y↑1

🕊️🕊️🕊️

Mahsan Mohebi

5y↑2

My photo that i bought when i was in school

Caroline Godden

🧚‍♀️ 🕊 ♥ 🌌 🙀 👑

figbat oswald

2y↑3

The people of Australia and the world suggest as an appropriate gesture for the appreciation of her body of work......Olivia be given a sainthood....patron saint of breast cancer survivors.

Day 6355. 5 x 31 x 41. All my urine and distilled water til 1.10pm then dried figs and a grapefruit and sprouts and bites of a carrot then more urine then fresh fruit and vegetables and other foods at 6.20pm. No change.