McLaughlin was born on September 27, 1982 in Anderson, Indiana. Playing piano since early childhood, he was always finding ways to get out of piano lessons. While attending Highland High School, he shattered both wrists in an accident that interrupted his musical education. Nevertheless, McLaughlin attended Anderson University to study music. He released an independent album entitled Up until Now in 2003. This quickly led to McLaughlin becoming the first artist to sign on with the school's record label, Orangehaus Records. His self-titled album was released in 2004 to local and regional praise. He began touring, travelling throughout the U.S. Midwest, and working up a grassroots following.
He released Indiana in 2007, preceded earlier in the same year by the EP Industry, also known as Jon McL. In 2008, McLaughlin returned with lead single "Beating My Heart" from his album OK Now released in the same year. He gained fame with his cameo appearance in Disney's Enchanted. Released in early September 2011 in the U.S. Forever If Ever was McLaughlin's third major-label release. 2012's lead single "Summer Is Over" featured fellow singer-songwriter-pianist Sara Bareilles from Promising Promises which was a slightly reworked version of his 2011 album. There were no other singles released from the album. Jon released Holding My Breath on his website and iTunes on September 24, 2013. The mp3 version of the album is also available at Amazon.
Dance Your Life Away
Jon McLaughlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jamie says that she wants to stay in but she just don't
Understand
I worked all week at the restaurant and I just need to cut loose
So if you feel like me get your brand new shoes meet me at 1st avenue
No excuses let the music rock your body right
[Chorus]
No more sorrow
We might not be here tomorrow
So just live for the moment and dance your life away
The clock says it's a quarter past 2
But we just don't wanna leave
If we can't dance on the ceiling we'll be dancing in the street
No excuses let the music rock your body right
[Chorus]
The lyrics of Jon McLaughlin's song "Dance Your Life Away" are a call to live in the moment and make the most of life. The song narrates the story of a protagonist who has worked hard throughout the week at a restaurant and just needs to unwind on a Saturday night. Despite Jamie's reluctance to go out, the singer convinces her to join and hit the town. The decision to enjoy the weekend without any worries and let loose is a statement on how life is too short to stay indoors and miss all the fun.
The song's chorus unequivocally states that one should let go of all fears, stop worrying about the future, and instead live in the present by dancing their life away. The phrase "No more sorrow, we might not be here tomorrow" is a reminder that life is fleeting, and thus should be lived to the fullest. The lyrics exemplify how one should take advantage of the opportunities presented in life and enjoy every moment, without worrying about consequences.
The song encourages the listener to forget their troubles and to just dance, even if it's on the streets and not on the ceiling. McLaughlin's reminder is that life is precious, and it is essential to seize any opportunity to enjoy it, regardless of the circumstances. The vocals and music are upbeat and exuberant and encourage the listener to let loose and enjoy the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
The sun sets on a Saturday night and the keys are in my hand
It's the end of the week, and I have control of my car.
Jamie says that she wants to stay in but she just don't understand
My friend Jamie doesn't want to go out, but doesn't
I worked all week at the restaurant and I just need to cut loose
I spent my whole week working hard, and now it's time to have fun.
So if you feel like me get your brand new shoes meet me at 1st avenue
If you're feeling the same way, put on new shoes and meet me at 1st avenue.
No excuses let the music rock your body right
We don't need any excuses, let the music move our bodies.
[Chorus] No more sorrow We might not be here tomorrow So just live for the moment and dance your life away
Let go of your sorrows, we don't know if we will be here tomorrow, so live in the moment and dance like there's no tomorrow.
The clock says it's a quarter past 2 But we just don't wanna leave
It's already late, but we still don't want to go home.
If we can't dance on the ceiling we'll be dancing in the street
We can't dance on the ceiling, but we can dance on the street.
No excuses let the music rock your body right
No need for excuses, let the music move our bodies.
[Chorus]
Let go of your sorrows, we don't know if we will be here tomorrow, so live in the moment and dance like there's no tomorrow.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JONATHAN MICHAEL MCLAUGHLIN, WILLIAM JAMES III MCAULEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
LJ
Oh Jon, you always know the right words to say :) So glad I found this song. It was hidden from me for too long!
Miguel Soto
It's amazing. I'm addicted... it's got a great hook!
H A
We do a jazz combination (a small dance) to this dance and I love the song but I didn't know what it was called so this is the first time I have heard this whole song!
Ann Lundin Daniels
LOVE "this" song!!! ;-D
Alex Brandt
I like this song, its very upbeat.
Ferhnino Laxamana
It sounds like 80's dance music and church song xD
Ann Lundin Daniels
LOVE is song!!!!!! :-D
Nathan Mell
beast guitar solo
Dongled
This is totally "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" during the verse.
loveydovey1ful
@mreese1 his voice makes any genre sound good. ;)