Berlin, who was Jewish, was one of the few Tin Pan Alley/Broadway songwriters who wrote both lyrics and music for his songs. Although he never learned to read music beyond a rudimentary level, he composed over 3,000 songs. Many of his songs, including "God Bless America", "White Christmas", "Alexander's Ragtime Band", and "There's No Business Like Show Business," left an indelible mark on American music and culture. He produced 17 film scores and 21 Broadway scores, in addition to his individual songs.
Something to Dance About
Irving Berlin Lyrics
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And I've learned an awful lot
The best reason for a party
And what keeps it boiling hot
An occasion when you've got
Something to dance about
Someone to dance it with
To a fox-trot or a waltz
Put on your dancing shoes
Here comes some happy news
Break up in twos and twos
To a fox-trot or a waltz
You and someone have parted
And your lonely heart yearns
While you're there broken hearted
Suddenly he returns
That's something to dance about
With someone to dance it with
Pick something to dance it to
To a fox-trot or a waltz
To a Charleston or a waltz
To a Tango or a waltz
Dance to the blues
Something to dance about
Someone to dance it with
Something to dance it to Blues
Dance it to a rhumba
Ah
To a fox-trot, Charleston, Tango or a waltz
Ooh-ah, ooh-ah
In the song Something to Dance About by Irving Berlin, the singer is expressing their knowledge of what makes a good party. As an experienced party host, they explain that the key to keeping the party alive is by having something to dance about, someone to dance with, and something to dance to. The lyrics suggest that dancing is essential to a successful party, and it is the responsibility of the host to provide the right atmosphere to encourage guests to let loose and enjoy themselves. Things that can be danced to include a fox-trot, waltz, Charleston, Tango or even blues, rhumba and more!
The song also touches on how dancing can be a form of emotional release. For instance, a person who has just experienced heartbreak can find something to dance about when their former partner returns to reconcile. In this case, the song suggests that dancing can be a way to release the built-up emotions of sadness, anger or confusion. The choice of dance-style is also portrayed as a personal preference, with each individual being free to choose the style that suits their mood at that moment.
In conclusion, the lyrics in Something to Dance About convey the message that dancing is crucial to a successful party and can provide an outlet for emotions. The song implies that the right music, dancing partner and style can create an atmosphere of joy and happiness that turns any gathering into a memorable event.
Line by Line Meaning
An old hand at giving parties
I have organized many parties in the past and have a lot of experience
And I've learned an awful lot
I have gained valuable knowledge from being a party organizer
The best reason for a party
The ultimate motivation for throwing a party
And what keeps it boiling hot
The key to maintaining a vibrant, lively vibe at the party
An occasion when you've got
The necessary prerequisite for a successful party
Something to dance about
An event, emotion or moment that inspires you to move and groove
Someone to dance it with
A partner to share your joy and enthusiasm with
Something to dance it to
Music or a rhythm to match the feeling of the moment
To a fox-trot or a waltz
Dancing styles that suit the mood and tempo of the occasion
Put on your dancing shoes
Get yourselves ready to move and groove
Here comes some happy news
An announcement that brings joy and elation to the guests
Break up in twos and twos
Dance partners pair up and begin to dance
You and someone have parted
You and your partner have ended your relationship
And your lonely heart yearns
Your heart is full of loneliness and longing
While you're there broken hearted
You are still present at the party despite your heartache
Suddenly he returns
Your former partner unexpectedly shows up at the party
That's something to dance about
A delightful and unexpected turn of events that prompts you to dance
Pick something to dance it to
Select a style of music that matches the changing mood
To a fox-trot or a waltz
Perfect dancing styles for a joyful reunion
To a Charleston or a waltz
Other dancing styles that could also fit the ambience of the moment
To a Tango or a waltz
Yet another style of dance that you can choose to match the vibe
Dance to the blues
Dance to a slower and more melancholic rhythm
Something to dance about
Even during sad times, dance can be a source of therapy and relief
Someone to dance it with
A partner by your side to help you express and communicate your emotions
Something to dance it to Blues
Choosing blues music as a way to express your sadness and melancholy through dance
Dance it to a rhumba
Another music style that you can dance to and elevate your mood
To a fox-trot, Charleston, Tango or a waltz
A variety of dance styles to choose from, depending on your mood and emotions
Ooh-ah, ooh-ah
A playful and catchy expression used to emphasize the fun and enjoyment of dancing
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind