Gleason could not read or write music in a conventional sense; he was said to have conceived melodies in his head and described them vocally to staff help. He did likewise with the well-remembered themes of both The Jackie Gleason Show ("Melancholy Serenade") and The Honeymooners ("You're My Greatest Love"). There has been some controversy over the years as to how much credit Gleason should have received for the finished products; it has been written that beyond the possible conceptualizing of many of the songs, Gleason had no direct involvement such as conducting in the making of these recordings. However, his main musical companion, cornetist and trumpeter Bobby Hackett once said: "Jackie knows a lot more about music than people give him credit for. I have seen him conduct a sixty-piece orchestra and detect one discordant note in the brass section. He would immediately stop the music and locate the wrong note. It always amazed the professional musicians how a guy who technically did not know one note from another could do that. And he was never wrong."
Born February 26, 1916 in Brooklyn, New York, United States. He died on June 24, 1987
Dancing On The Ceiling
Jackie Gleason Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something is going on
That's not quite clear
Somebody turn on the light
We're gonna have a party
It's starting tonight
Oh, what a feeling!
The room is hot, that's good
some of my friends came
By from the neighborhood
People were starting
To climb the walls
Ooh, it looks like everybody
Is having a ball
Everybody starts to lose control
When the music is right
If you see somebody hanging around
Don't get upright
The only thing we wanna do tonight
Is go round and round
and turn upside down
Come on, let's get down
So come on, let's get loose
Don't hold back
Because it ain't no use
Hard to keep your feet on the ground
Because when we like to ball it
We only want to get down
what? You say what?
It's love now
Just get started
Everybody clap your hands, come on
Everybody have sense
"Dancing on the Ceiling" by Jackie Gleason is a lively and energetic song that portrays a sense of excitement and joy. The lyrics depict a scene where something mysterious and exciting is happening, yet it is not entirely clear what it is. The line "Somebody turn on the light" suggests that the atmosphere is electric and a party is about to begin.
As the song progresses, the feeling of exhilaration intensifies. The singer emphasizes the thrill of dancing on the ceiling, which creates an illusion of defying gravity and adds to the overall excitement in the room. The heat in the room is mentioned as a positive factor, indicating that everyone is enjoying themselves and having a great time.
The lyrics also mention friends from the neighborhood joining in, creating a sense of community and togetherness. People are described as starting to climb the walls, symbolizing their enthusiasm and willingness to let loose and have fun.
The chorus highlights the infectious nature of the music, stating that everybody starts to lose control when the music is just right. It encourages listeners not to judge or be surprised by the actions of others, as the main goal of the night is to enjoy oneself and let loose. The desire to go round and round and turn upside down suggests a carefree attitude towards life and a willingness to break free from societal norms.
The final section of the song emphasizes the collective nature of the experience. The lyrics encourage the audience to get loose and not hold back, as there is no point in restraining oneself. The phrase "It's love now" suggests that this energetic and carefree atmosphere is a result of the shared love for music and enjoyment. The song concludes by encouraging everyone to clap their hands and have sense, further emphasizing the unity and joyfulness of the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
What is happening here?
There is something happening and we need to understand it.
Something is going on
There is a happening or event taking place.
That's not quite clear
The situation is not fully understood or explained.
Somebody turn on the light
We need illumination or clarity on the matter.
We're gonna have a party
We are going to engage in a joyful celebration.
It's starting tonight
The festivities are commencing this evening.
Oh, what a feeling!
Experiencing immense joy or exhilaration.
When we're dancing on the ceiling
We are so elated that it feels like we are defying gravity.
The room is hot, that's good
The atmosphere is energetic and exciting.
some of my friends came
A few acquaintances of mine have arrived.
By from the neighborhood
They are from the nearby locality.
People were starting
Individuals were beginning or initiating.
To climb the walls
They were filled with enthusiasm and excitement.
Ooh, it looks like everybody
It seems that each person present
Is having a ball
Is thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Everybody starts to lose control
As the jubilation intensifies, everyone begins to relinquish restraint.
When the music is right
This occurs when the musical selection is befitting.
If you see somebody hanging around
Should you observe someone lingering nearby
Don't get upright
Don't become judgmental or uptight.
The only thing we wanna do tonight
Our sole desire for this evening
Is go round and round
Is to continuously rotate or spin.
and turn upside down
And invert our positions.
Come on, let's get down
Let's enthusiastically engage in the festivities.
So come on, let's get loose
Therefore, let us relax and let go of inhibitions.
Don't hold back
Do not restrain or suppress oneself.
Because it ain't no use
Because there is no point or benefit in doing so.
Hard to keep your feet on the ground
It is challenging to stay grounded or composed.
Because when we like to ball it
For we enjoy revelling with exuberance
We only want to get down
Our sole desire is to let loose.
What? You say what?
Pardon? Did you ask something?
It's love now
Now, it is all about love and positive vibes.
Just get started
Let's initiate the festivities.
Everybody clap your hands, come on
Each individual in attendance should rhythmically applaud with enthusiasm.
Everybody have sense
Everybody should possess good judgment and sensibility.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind