Dancer
Leo Sayer Lyrics

Jeanette was a dancer
The singer knew a woman named Jeanette who was a skilled dancer.

I suppose I knew her well
The singer had a vague sense of familiarity with Jeanette.

Her feet danced miracles
Jeanette's dancing was awe-inspiring and incredible to watch.

I was lost within her spell
The artist was captivated by Jeanette's presence and talent.

Jeanette knew a singer
Jeanette was acquainted with a male singer.

Was the leader of some band
The male singer was the frontman of a musical group.

Looked just like a boy
The male singer had youthful features.

And stood just like a man
Despite his boyish appearance, the male singer exuded confidence and maturity on stage.

And it rains all down the avenue
It is raining heavily outside.

Yes it rains all down the avenue
The rain is widespread and affecting many people.

Just for you
The rain is symbolic and specifically significant to the singer.

Just for you boy
The rain carries a personal meaning for the artist, who is male.

The kids in the back street cry
Children are audibly upset in a nearby area.

You hear their voices in your brain
The singer is acutely aware of the children's distress and empathizes with them.

The world is full of hungry souls
There are many people who are struggling and unfulfilled.

Behind the window panes
These people are largely hidden from view within their own homes or buildings.

Little Jenny on the high wire
A young girl named Jenny is performing a dangerous feat on a tightrope.

Slow motion as she fell
Jenny's fall, potentially to her death, is depicted in slow motion for dramatic effect.

Sometimes I think the wire is me
The singer draws a comparison between his own precarious existence and that of Jenny on the tightrope.

The tragedy as well
The potential for suffering and loss is present in both the artist's life and Jenny's, creating a sense of shared tragedy.

I work on the west side
The artist is employed on the western side of wherever they are.

Jeanette I pulled your strings
The artist had some level of control or influence over Jeanette.

I stood upon the pavement
The singer spent time outside, presumably walking or waiting for something.

I never owned a thing
The artist did not have any material possessions to their name.

And still I am the singer
Despite their lack of worldly success, the singer identifies as a musician or performer in some way.

I know my song so well
The singer is confident in their artistic abilities and has a deep understanding of their craft.

The rain falls through my eyes
The singer is emotionally affected by the rain, potentially crying.

And lands below the shell
The artist's emotional turmoil is hidden or contained within them, perhaps to avoid being vulnerable in front of others.