Dancing with Tears in My Eyes
Layton & Johnstone Lyrics


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I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
Dancing with somebody new
When it's you that my heart's calling to

Trying to smile once in a while
But I find it so hard to do
So I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you

Those who dance and romance while they dance
They seem so happy and gay
Though they sing while they swing as they sway
Somehow I can't feel that way

For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
Dancing with somebody new
When it's you that my heart's calling to

Trying to smile once in a while
But I find it so hard to do
For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you

Dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
Dancing with somebody new
When it's you that my heart's calling to

Trying to smile once in a while
But I find it so hard to do




For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Layton & Johnstone's song "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes" describe the feeling of heartbreak and longing for a lost love. The singer is expressing their sorrow and pain as they try to move on with someone new while dancing, but deep down, their heart still yearns for their former partner.


The lyrics convey a sense of loneliness and sadness as the singer reminisces about the person they are dancing with not being their true love. They try to put on a brave face and smile, but it becomes increasingly difficult to do so, as their heartache is still very present. The mention of others who appear happy and joyous while dancing only intensifies their feelings of loneliness and inability to fully let go of their lost love.


The repetition of the phrase "dancing with tears in my eyes" emphasizes the deep emotional pain the singer is experiencing. Despite the external appearance of moving on and being with someone else, their heart still longs for the person who is no longer with them. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing, regret, and the struggle to find happiness in the midst of heartbreak.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
I am outwardly appearing happy and engaged, but deep down I am consumed by sadness and my tears are a symbol of the pain I am feeling


'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
The person I am dancing with and holding does not hold the same significance or emotional connection as you


Dancing with somebody new
I am trying to move on and find solace in the company of someone else


When it's you that my heart's calling to
Despite my attempts to distract myself, my heart still longs and yearns for your presence and affection


Trying to smile once in a while
I am making an effort to put on a happy face and pretend that everything is alright


But I find it so hard to do
However, it is a struggle for me to genuinely feel joy or find happiness in this situation


So I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
Therefore, my tears remain as I continue to dance, symbolizing the sorrow that still resides within me


Those who dance and romance while they dance
Observing others who engage in dancing and romance during their dancing


They seem so happy and gay
Those individuals appear joyful and carefree


Though they sing while they swing as they sway
Even though they express happiness through singing and rhythmic movements


Somehow I can't feel that way
I am unable to experience the same sense of happiness and contentment as those around me


Dancing with tears in my eyes
Despite participating in the act of dancing, my tears continue to fall, symbolizing my underlying sorrow


'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
Because the person I am holding in my arms does not possess the same emotional significance as you do


Dancing with somebody new
Attempting to move on by engaging with a different person


When it's you that my heart's calling to
Despite these attempts, my heart still calls out for you and desires your presence


Trying to smile once in a while
Making an effort to display happiness occasionally


But I find it so hard to do
However, I struggle to genuinely find joy or contentment in these moments


For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
Because my eyes are filled with tears, I continue to dance, symbolizing my ongoing sadness


'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
The person I am holding in my arms is not you, the one I truly desire


Dancing with tears in my eyes
Continuing to dance while my tears flow, representing the pain and sorrow I still carry


'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
The person I am holding does not possess the same emotional significance as you do


Dancing with somebody new
Attempting to find solace and move on by dancing with a different person


When it's you that my heart's calling to
However, deep down, my heart still yearns and calls out for you


Trying to smile once in a while
Making an effort to smile occasionally


But I find it so hard to do
Nevertheless, it is challenging for me to genuinely feel happiness or find reasons to smile


For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
Because my eyes are filled with tears, I continue to dance, symbolizing my unresolved sadness


'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
The person I am holding in my arms is not the one I truly desire




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Joe Burke, Al Dubin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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