Dancing in the Moonlight
Jeff Buckley Lyrics


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When I passed you in the doorway
You took me with a glance
Should have took that last bus home
But I asked you for a dance

Now we were steady to the pictures
I always get chocolate stains on my pants
Father says, "He's going crazy"
Says, I'm livin' in a trance

Dancing in the moonlight
It's caught me in it's spotlight
It's alright, it's alright, the moonlight
This long, hot summer night

It's three o'clock in the morning
I'm on the streets again
Disobeyed another warning
Shoulda been home by ten

Now I stay out till Sunday
I have to say, I stayed with friends
It's a habit worth forming
It's a means to justify the end

Dancing in the moonlight
It's caught me in it's spotlight
It's alright, it's alright, the moonlight
This long, hot summer night





I'm walking home
Last bus is long gone

Overall Meaning

Jeff Buckley's "Dancing In The Moonlight" is a tale of youth, romance, and rebellion. The opening verse describes a chance encounter between two people in a doorway that leads to a dance and a night of reckless abandon. The singer's father expresses concern, leading the singer to be seen as going "crazy" and "livin' in a trance." However, the singer sees that their behavior is justified, as it provides meaning and happiness to their life.


The second verse delves deeper into the singer's rebellious behavior, as they stay out until 3 AM and ignore warnings to come home earlier. The singer justifies their actions by saying they stayed with friends and that the habit is worth forming because they are happier living this way. The narrative is one of youthful freedom and the desire to break free from societal expectations and constraints.


The chorus is a joyous celebration of dancing in the moonlight, captured in its spotlight on this long, hot summer night. It is an ode to youthful carefreeness, hedonism, and the desire to seize the moment and create unforgettable memories.


Line by Line Meaning

When I passed you in the doorway
I saw you in the doorway and I was immediately captivated by you.


You took me with a glance
You looked at me in a way that made me feel noticed and desired.


Should have took that last bus home
I should have left at that moment and gone home.


But I asked you for a dance
Instead, I took a chance and asked you to dance.


Now we were steady to the pictures
We started seeing each other regularly and going to movies together.


I always get chocolate stains on my pants
I have a tendency to be clumsy and spill chocolate on my clothes.


Father says, "He's going crazy"
My father thinks that my behavior is irrational and out of control.


Says, I'm livin' in a trance
He believes that I am under some kind of spell and not thinking clearly.


Dancing in the moonlight
Dancing under the moon's light.


It's caught me in its spotlight
The moon's light has captivated and drawn me in.


It's alright, it's alright, the moonlight
Everything is okay, because of the moonlight.


This long, hot summer night
The night is long and hot, and it feels like anything could happen.


It's three o'clock in the morning
It's very late at night or early in the morning.


I'm on the streets again
I'm outside, walking around again.


Disobeyed another warning
I didn't follow someone's advice or warning again.


Shoulda been home by ten
I should have gone home earlier, but I stayed out too late.


Now I stay out till Sunday
I stay out all weekend, until Sunday.


I have to say, I stayed with friends
I spent the time with my friends.


It's a habit worth forming
It's something I enjoy doing and want to continue doing.


It's a means to justify the end
It's a way to make my actions seem reasonable or acceptable.


I'm walking home
I'm heading back to my house on foot.


Last bus is long gone
I missed the last bus and now have to walk home.




Contributed by Joshua H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@leafyoutlook

Listened to this song years ago. And recently had it stuck in my head for days. Could not remember for the life of me what it was called. So glad I found it.

@MediAndClaire

jeff buckley was so beautiful.

@melissalangley6679

Whatever whoever appreciates this song…. Thin Lizzy🥰❤️💕💥✨👊🏻

@jaymi216

Whoever you are, THANK YOU, this is my fav. Jeff Buckley song, this one and "everybody here wants you"

@Beki_R

this song is not by jeff buckley,its dedicated to him. the song belong's to the band Thin Lizzy,and Billy Crogan,the lead singer of the band "Smashing Pumpkins" has made a cover for that song.

@ozgeum1740

Thanks for this life saving information! I've been listening this song for years but never find on Spotify. Now I found it :)

@melissalangley6679

After having a listen .. this is Jeff or maybe Billy crogan wow always thought it was Jeff!

@melissalangley6679

Apologies

@Beki_R

this is for sure billy corgan :)@@melissalangley6679

@fuulmoonlight

Wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!

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