Richie quit the band in 1981 for a solo career. He released his self-titled debut in 1982. The album hit No. 3 on the charts and sold over 4 million copies. His follow up album, Can't Slow Down, sold over twice as many copies and won the Grammy for Album of the Year in '84. His third album, '86's Dancing on the Ceiling spawned such hits as Say You, Say Me, Dancing on the Ceiling, and Se La, but would be the end of his commercial success.
His 90's albums such as Back to Front, Louder Than Words, and Time all failed to achieve the previous decade's commercial success. Some of his recent work, such as the album Renaissance, has returned to his older style, hoping to achieve more success.
Dancing on the Ceiling
Lionel Richie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What is happening here
Something's going on that's not quite clear
Somebody turn on the lights
We're gonna have a party
It's starting tonight
When we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling
The room is hot and that's good
Some of my friends came by from the neighborhood
The people startin' a climb the walls
Ooh, it looks like everybody is having a ball
Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling
Come on
Woo
Alright
Everybody starts to lose control
When the music is right
If you see somebody hangin' around
Don't get uptight
The only thing we wanna do tonight
Is go 'round and 'round
And turn upside down
Come on, let's get down
(Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey)
So come on, let's get loose
Don't hold back 'cause it ain't no use
Hard to keep your feet on the ground
'Cause when we like to party
We only wanna get down
Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling, baby
When we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling, whoa
Say what?
Can't stop now
Just getting started
Everybody, clap your hands
Come on
Everybody, let's dance
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
The song Dancing on the Ceiling by Lionel Richie is an upbeat and lively tune that celebrates the joy of dancing with friends. The lyrics depict a party where the energy is high and everyone is having a great time, which is reflected in the catchy melody and rhythm of the song. The opening lines of "Woo, what is happening here? Something's going on that's not quite clear," suggest a sense of mystery and spontaneity, which adds to the excitement of the party. The singer then urges someone to turn on the lights so that the fun can truly begin. The chorus "Oh, what a feeling when we're dancing on the ceiling," expresses the euphoria of dancing in a room so full of energy that it feels like the whole room is upside down.
The lyrics go on to describe the heat of the room and the presence of the singer's friends from the neighborhood. People are climbing up the walls, and everyone is having a good time. The beat of the song matches this energy, prompting the listener to tap their feet and get up and dance. The lines "Hard to keep your feet on the ground 'cause when we like to party we only wanna get down," reinforce this message and suggest that when the music is good, it's impossible to hold back.
Overall, Lionel Richie's Dancing on the Ceiling is a celebration of dance parties, energy, and letting loose with friends. The spirited lyrics and melody make it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by music lovers of all ages.
Line by Line Meaning
What is happening here
Something is going on, but we're not sure what it is.
Something's going on that's not quite clear
There's something happening that's unclear or undefined at the moment.
Somebody turn on the lights
We need some light in here to see what's going on.
We're gonna have a party
We're going to have a fun and lively gathering.
It's starting tonight
The party is going to begin tonight.
Oh, what a feeling
This is an expression of strong emotion in response to the situation at hand.
When we're dancing on the ceiling
When we are in a state of pure joy, excitement, and exuberance.
The room is hot and that's good
The atmosphere in the room is lively and warm, which is conducive to having a good time.
Some of my friends came by from the neighborhood
Some friends who live nearby have stopped by to join the party.
The people startin' a climb the walls
People are getting excited and energetic, and starting to become a bit chaotic in their behaviour.
Ooh, it looks like everybody is having a ball
Everyone seems to be having a lot of fun and enjoying themselves immensely.
Come on
Encouragement to join in the celebration and have a good time.
Everybody starts to lose control
People are getting caught up in the moment, feeling uninhibited and free.
When the music is right
The right song can transform the atmosphere and get people into a state of pure enjoyment.
If you see somebody hangin' around
Don't judge or criticize someone who may not be dancing - they may still be having fun in their own way.
Don't get uptight
Relax and enjoy the moment, don't let anything ruin your experience.
The only thing we wanna do tonight
Everyone is focused on having a good time and nothing else matters in this moment and time.
Is go 'round and 'round
Keep dancing and having fun in a carefree way.
And turn upside down
Just like the excitement, we need to turn the routine upside down and have fun.
So come on, let's get loose
Relax, have fun and enjoy the moment.
Don't hold back 'cause it ain't no use
There's no reason to keep yourself from enjoying this time and having fun.
Hard to keep your feet on the ground
It's challenging to stay grounded and not get too caught up in the excitement of the moment.
When we like to party
We enjoy partying and having a good time without any restraint.
Oh, what a feeling, baby
A feeling of pure pleasure and enjoyment, without any hesitation or suffering.
Say what?
A phrase to express disbelief or shock at what is occurring or being said.
Can't stop now
We're too caught up in the moment to even consider stopping the fun.
Just getting started
This is just the beginning of the fun that is to be had.
Everybody, clap your hands
Let's take a moment and joyfully praise this moment with applause.
Everybody, let's dance
The encouragement that the entire group should have fun and dance together.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group
Written by: Lionel B. Jr. Richie, Michael Henry Jr. Frenchik, Carlos Manuel Rios
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Panto Anticomunista y el queso fresco ๐ง
LYRICS (YEAR 1986):
What is happening here?
Something is going on
That's not quite clear
Somebody turn on the light
We're gonna have a party
It's starting tonight
Oh, what a feeling!
When we're dancing on the ceiling
The room is hot...that's good
some of my friends came
By from the neighbourhood
People were starting
To climb the walls
Ooh, it looks like everbody
Is having a ball
Everybody starts to lose control
When the music is right
If you see somebody hanging around
Don't get upright
The only thing we wanna do tonight
Is go round and round
and turn upside down
Come on, let's get down
So come on, let's get loose
Don't hold back
Because it ain't no use
Hard to keep your feet on the ground
Because when we like to ball it
We only want to get down
what? You say what?
It's love now...
Just get started
Everybody clap your hands, come on
Everybody have sense...
David Wright
This is an ABSOLUTE feel good song. It brings the childhood out of you. And I'm feeling it.
Kris HEALTHCARE: AI
Yes, it's very happy and motivational song. I'm a 90's kid but I do remember the late 80's growing up. I'm just wondering how they did the walking on the ceiling effect??
Shaun Spurlock
I totally agree with this statement ๐ค๐โค
Terry Movold
Me too! And the videography was ahead of its time. I bought it on VHS when it 1st came out. Not that I'm OLD or anything ๐ At least in spirit!
Antoniana Nascimento
Aรญ sim รฉ mรบsica ๐๐น๐
Lisa McBride
I was in my 20's in the 80's! Great time to be legal! โค now I'm just an old lady looking for nostalgia! But I sure can still rock! I will till I die! Dancing on the ceiling all the way!
Stewart Snape
Super songs , Super videos, Super 80s
Aimee Leonard
Oh what a feeling , dancing ๐ถ on the ceiling ๐๐โค๐๐๐ฏ๐
Hermosa_rosa_blanca
โคโคโค
Game Chronicles
I was a club DJ from 1985-1995 and this was one of โthose songsโ we always used to fill an empty dance floor. Timeless classic.