Dancing On the Ceiling
Lionel Ritchie Lyrics


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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

Oh, what a feeling
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, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling

Come on!

Everybody start to lose control
When the music is right
If you see somebody hangin' around
Don't get uptight
The only thing we want to 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
'Cause ain't no use
Hard to keep your feet on the ground
'Cause when we like to party
We only want to 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
When we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling

(Scream, whistles) 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
Baby, baby
We gonna dance all night
Till the broad daylight
Keep on movin', keep on groovin'
Oh yeah
Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling





Oh, what a feeling
When we're dancing on the ceiling...

Overall Meaning

The song Dancing On The Ceiling by Lionel Richie described the atmosphere and excitement of a party, where people are dancing so wildly that they may feel as if they are dancing on the ceiling. The lyrics suggest that there is a great energy in the room, as people are partying and having a good time together. Lionel Richie describes how the music is just right, and how everyone is starting to lose control as they let themselves go and join in with the dancing crowd.


The lyrics suggest that this is a time for everyone to come together and let loose. There is no need to hold back, as the only goal is to dance and have a good time. The repetition of the phrase "Oh, what a feeling" echoes the ecstatic mood of the partygoers, who are caught up in the joy of the moment. This song is an anthem for anyone who wants to forget their troubles and just dance like nobody's watching.


Line by Line Meaning

What is happening here
Something is occurring, but it is unclear what it is.


Something's going on that's not quite clear
Something is happening, but it is not fully understood or visible.


Somebody turn on the lights
Requesting that someone turn on the lights to illuminate the surroundings.


We're gonna have a party
A gathering with entertainment, usually involving music and dancing.


It's starting tonight
The party is commencing this evening.


Oh, what a feeling
Expressing excitement.


When we're dancing on the ceiling
The atmosphere is so lively that it feels like one is dancing on the ceiling.


The room is hot and that's good
The temperature in the room is high, which is beneficial for the party atmosphere.


Some of my friends came by from the neighborhood
Some individuals from the local community have arrived and joined the festivities.


The people startin' a climb the walls
People are getting very energetic and ascending the walls (figuratively).


Ooh it looks like everybody is having a ball
The celebration is exciting, and everyone appears to be enjoying themselves.


Come on!
An invitation to participate in the merriment.


Everybody start to lose control
People are starting to let go of their inhibitions and become more spontaneous and carefree.


When the music is right
The music creates a favorable setting for entertainment and enjoyment.


If you see somebody hangin' around
Observing individuals present at the event.


Don't get uptight
Do not become anxious, nervous, or upset.


The only thing we want to do tonight
The participants' singular goal for the evening is to have a good time.


Is go 'round and 'round
To dance, twirl, and spin in circles.


And turn upside down
To have fun in a wild and energetic manner.


Let's get loose
Let's free ourselves from our conventional behavior and inhibitions.


Don't hold back
Do not hesitate or refrain from engaging in lively behavior.


'Cause ain't no use
There is no point in refraining from enjoying oneself.


Hard to keep your feet on the ground
The situation is so exciting that it is challenging to stay balanced and composed.


Cause when we like to party
The group thoroughly enjoys entertaining in this manner.


We only want to get down
We yearn to dance and have a good time.


(Scream, whistles) Say what?
Expressing high-level enthusiasm and excitement.


Can't stop now
There is no reason to stop the festivities at this point in time.


Just getting started
The event has only commenced, and there is more fun to be had.


Everybody clap your hands
Encouraging those present to strike their palms together rhythmically.


We gonna dance all night
The group will dance until dawn.


Till the broad daylight
Until morning.


Keep on movin', keep on groovin'
Encouragement to maintain one's rhythmic movement and lively enjoyment.


Oh yeah
Expressing excitement and exultation.




Contributed by Eva I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Panto Anticomunista y el queso fresco πŸ§€

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...



All comments from YouTube:

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 🀘😎❀

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 πŸ˜‰ At least in spirit!

29 More Replies...

Antoniana Nascimento

Aí sim é música 😍🌹😎

Lisa McBride

I was in my 20's in the 80's! Great time to be legal! ❀ 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 🎢 on the ceiling πŸ‘πŸ‘Œβ€πŸ’œπŸ’™πŸ’―πŸ’ƒ

Hermosa_rosa_blanca

❀❀❀

Game Chronicles

I was a club DJ from 1985-1995 and this was one of β€œthose songs” we always used to fill an empty dance floor. Timeless classic.

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