In 1973 they had already recorded the album Full Moon and in 1978 they would team up once more for Natural Act.
Dakota
Kris Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge Lyrics
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Crimson clouds to the eastward painted by the setting sun
Oh Jesse drove the pickup I slipped to the radio
With some good time behind us and some good times ago
Well we pulled into the station for some water and some gasoline
I jumped when I heard sweet Jesse from the pong when she let out of scream
Oh come here quick I said hon grab your boots and comb your hair
Do believe the fellow here′s got an old pet dancin' bear
Me and sweet Jesse ain′t never seen a bear like that dance that well
It's a one step two step three step four
A bottle of soda and he'll dance some more
Dance dance Dakota dance dance around the country store
There was set up camp in the pick up and we stayed a better day or two
Me and my baby are ramblin′ around we couldn′t think of nothing better to do
Jesse blow the mouth harp Dakota done the pack and wing
I broke all the strings off my Fender guitar and we began to sing
Dance dance Dakota dance...
Dance dance Dakota dance dance around the country store
The song "Dakota" by Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge talks about a road trip adventure that they went on, taking in the beautiful sights of the setting sun over the Black Hills, as well as the Crimson clouds painted by it to the east. The song also describes their encounter with an old pet dancing bear, which amazed the both of them. They pull into a gas station and hear screams coming from the pong area. As they investigate, they come across a man with an old pet dancing bear, which they had never seen dance like that before. The lyrics go on to tell how everyone was so impressed, they started singing and dancing along with the bear. The adventure continues as they set up camp and spend a few days singing and playing music together.
The song speaks about the importance of life's simple pleasures, and the value of taking time out to appreciate and enjoy them. It also conveys a sense of freedom and carelessness, suggesting that life should not always be taken so seriously, but instead, we should allow ourselves to let loose and have some fun sometimes. The song does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of the trip through the Black Hills and their fun encounter with the dancing bear, making it easy for the listener to close their eyes and feel like they are right there with them.
Line by Line Meaning
Midnight touch the black hills westward on the run
At midnight, the Black Hills were moving quickly past us as we drove towards the West.
Crimson clouds to the eastward painted by the setting sun
As the sun set, the clouds to the East were painted a deep red.
Oh Jesse drove the pickup I slipped to the radio
Jesse was driving the pickup truck while I turned on the radio.
With some good time behind us and some good times ago
We had some good times in the past and were currently having a good time on our journey.
Well we pulled into the station for some water and some gasoline
We stopped at a gas station to get some water and fill up on gasoline.
I jumped when I heard sweet Jesse from the pong when she let out of scream
I was startled when Jesse screamed because of something she saw at the pond.
Oh come here quick I said hon grab your boots and comb your hair
I told Jesse to come see what was happening and to get ready by putting on her boots and combing her hair.
Do believe the fellow here′s got an old pet dancin' bear
I couldn't believe it, but there was a guy with a dancing bear.
Dance dance Dakota dance dance until the break of day
The bear danced all night until sunrise.
Me and sweet Jesse ain′t never seen a bear like that dance that well
Jesse and I had never seen a bear dance so well before.
It's a one step two step three step four
The bear had a specific sequence of steps that it followed while dancing.
A bottle of soda and he'll dance some more
Even after being given a bottle of soda, the bear continued to dance.
There was set up camp in the pick up and we stayed a better day or two
We set up a camp in the pickup truck and stayed for a day or two.
Me and my baby are ramblin′ around we couldn′t think of nothing better to do
Jesse and I were wandering around without a plan and couldn't think of anything better to do.
Jesse blow the mouth harp Dakota done the pack and wing
Jesse played the mouth harp while Dakota played the pack and wing.
I broke all the strings off my Fender guitar and we began to sing
I broke all the strings on my guitar, but we still started singing together.
Dance dance Dakota dance...
The song ends by repeating the chorus about the dancing bear.
Writer(s): Jones Kelly
Contributed by Sophia M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.