Don't It Make You Wanna Dance?
Josh Abbott Band [feat. Flatland Cavalry] Lyrics
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It's sure good to get back home
Back to the familiar faces smiling right back at me
There's a rainbow in the sky
A certain twinkle in her eye
That makes me believe in what I am
what I want to be
Don't it make you wanna dance?Don't it make you wanna smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Pick and sing a while
Oh Lord, it feels so right
Just a-sittin' by the campfire light
Trading tunes and feeling my friends are pointing right back at me
You look around as you pick your song
Everybody's grinnin' and playin' along
And when that chorus rolls around everybody joins in
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Pick and sing a while
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Pick and sing a while
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Pick and sing a while
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Pick and sing a while
Don't it make you wanna dance?Don't it make you wanna smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Pick and sing a while
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Pick and sing a while
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Pick and sing a while
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Pick and sing a while
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Pick and sing a while
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Pick and sing a while
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Pick and sing a while
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
When you're down, down, down
down, down, down
When you're down, down, down in the country
Pick and sing a while
In "Don't It Make You Wanna Dance?" by Josh Abbott Band featuring Flatland Cavalry, the lyrics encapsulate a heartfelt return to familiar grounds that imbue a sense of nostalgia and belonging. The opening lines suggest a long absence and the profound relief that accompanies coming back home. The mention of “familiar faces smiling right back at me” highlights the importance of community and the comfort it brings. This sentiment resonates deeply with anyone who has been away from loved ones, emphasizing the joy found in reconnection. The imagery of a “rainbow in the sky” and “a certain twinkle in her eye” introduces a sense of hope and positivity, suggesting that the singer is not just returning to a physical place but to a state of mind where dreams are still alive, reinforcing a belief in personal aspirations.
As the song progresses, it delves deeper into the therapeutic nature of music and social gatherings that occur in rural settings. The lyrics invoke the idea of sitting by a campfire, a staple of country living that symbolizes warmth, togetherness, and shared experiences. "Trading tunes and feeling my friends are pointing right back at me" reflects a significant moment of mutual appreciation among friends, where music becomes a conduit for expression and connection. This environment of camaraderie is essential for lifting spirits, particularly during times when one feels "down." The repetition of “Don’t it make you wanna dance? Don’t it make you wanna smile?” acts as a catchy chorus, reflecting a collective experience where joy can spontaneously arise through music and companionship.
The visualization of playing music in a group—“you look around as you pick your song” and seeing “everybody grinnin' and playin' along”—captures the infectious nature of happiness and how it spreads among people. Here, the act of making music together is portrayed as a remedy for sadness, reinforcing the theme of community healing through shared moments. The emphasis on joining in during the chorus underscores a powerful sense of unity; it is often in these moments of participation that one can sense belonging and connection to others. The repetitive nature of asking, “Don't it make you wanna dance?” positions music not just as entertainment but as an essential part of life itself, something that compels people to express their feelings physically and emotionally.
Ultimately, the song celebrates the simplistic yet profound joys found in rural living and the power of music to transcend personal struggles. The repeated refrain serves not only as a catchy hook but also as an invitation for listeners to partake in this shared experience of releasing tension and finding joy in communal activities. "Pick and sing a while" becomes both a literal action and a metaphor for taking a break from life's burdens, encouraging a lighter disposition in the face of life's challenges. The warmth of the campfire, the acoustic melodies, and the shining faces combine to create an atmosphere where, despite any darkness in life, the instinct to dance and smile prevails—while inviting everyone to join in this revelry of life, love, and music.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been gone for so long
I have spent a considerable amount of time away from home.
It's sure good to get back home
Returning home brings me immense joy and relief.
Back to the familiar faces smiling right back at me
I am welcomed by the comforting presence and smiles of those I know well.
There's a rainbow in the sky
A symbol of hope and beauty appears in my surroundings.
A certain twinkle in her eye
She has a special sparkle in her eyes, suggesting happiness or excitement.
That makes me believe in what I am
This encourages me to embrace my identity and authenticity.
what I want to be
It inspires me to pursue my aspirations and dreams.
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Isn't this experience so joyful that it compels you to celebrate through dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
Doesn't the happiness around us make you want to smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
In times of sadness or struggle, especially when in a rural setting.
Pick and sing a while
Engage in music-making and singing to uplift your spirits.
Oh Lord, it feels so right
This moment feels deeply satisfying and aligned with my heart.
Just a-sittin' by the campfire light
Simply enjoying the warmth and ambiance provided by a campfire.
Trading tunes and feeling my friends are pointing right back at me
Sharing music with friends and sensing their supportive presence directed towards me.
You look around as you pick your song
Observing the surroundings while choosing what to play next musically.
Everybody's grinnin' and playin' along
All my friends are joyfully participating and enjoying the music together.
And when that chorus rolls around everybody joins in
At the chorus, everyone enthusiastically comes together to sing.
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Isn't the joy infectious enough to make you want to move?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
Doesn’t the cheerful atmosphere inspire you to show joy through smiling?
When you're down, down, down in the country
During challenging times in a rural setting.
Pick and sing a while
Engage in playing and singing to brighten your mood.
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Isn't this happiness so compelling that it invites you to dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
Isn’t this blissful moment making you feel like smiling?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Finding oneself in low spirits, particularly in a rural context.
Pick and sing a while
Partake in music as a way to lift your spirits.
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Do you feel the urge to express joy through dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
Isn't the situation so uplifting that it makes you want to smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Experiencing sadness in a countryside setting.
Pick and sing a while
Participate in making music to help uplift your mood.
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Doesn’t it inspire you to celebrate joyfully through dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
Isn't this all so joyful that it encourages smiling?
When you're down, down, down in the country
During tough times when you're feeling low in a rural location.
Pick and sing a while
Engage in music-making to lift your mood.
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Isn’t the happy atmosphere inviting you to dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
Doesn't this beautiful experience urge you to smile?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Being in a state of sadness in a countryside atmosphere.
Pick and sing a while
Participate in musical activities to brighten your mood.
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Isn’t this joy so palpable that you just have to dance?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
Isn’t the joy overflowing enough to bring a smile to your face?
When you're down, down, down in the country
Feeling sad while surrounded by rural landscapes.
Pick and sing a while
Engage in a spontaneous jam session to alleviate your sorrows.
Don't it make you wanna dance?
Doesn’t it make you want to express your happiness through movement?
Don't it make you wanna smile?
Doesn't this joyful atmosphere ignite a desire to smile?
When you're down, down, down, down, down, down
Reiterating the feeling of being heavily burdened by sadness.
When you're down, down, down in the country
Experiencing low spirits while situated in the countryside.
Pick and sing a while
Engage in music as a method for emotional upliftment.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Rusty Wier
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind