Of Jamaican descent, and the second youngest of nine children, he was born in Lewisham, London. He is known as the 'King of Lovers Rock'. His music is sometimes closer to R&B, and pop, than to reggae music itself. His first major album was the self-titled Maxi Priest (1988) along with his cover of Cat Stevens' Wild World established him as one of the British reggae top singers this internationally acclaimed vocalist, is the only UK reggae act to score an American Billboard Number One. That was with a track entitled "Close To You", which was released in 1990.
In addition, a duet with Roberta Flack - "Set The Night To Music", also reached the U.S. Top Ten in 1991. In the latter half of his lengthy recording career, he has favoured working alongside other established, or up and coming, artistes. For example, Maxi Priest has worked with Sly & Robbie, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Jazzie B, Apache Indian, Roberta Flack and Shabba Ranks.
Dancing Mood
Maxi Priest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dancing mood, feeling in a dancing mood, ah yeah
Say late Saturday night, I was feeling irie
I went to a dance that night, I was feeling good
Stepped through the gate, what did I do?
I bought myself a drink, oh yeah
Got myself a corner, oh yeah
I held on to the nearest daughter
She was dancing, she was dancing good
She was dancing good
Do you know how she make me feel good?
I was in a dancing mood
Do you know how she make me feel good?
Yes, I was, yes, I was in a dancing mood
Dancing mood, feeling in a dancing mood, ah yeah
Dancing mood, feeling in a dancing mood, ah yeah
Late Saturday night I was feeling irie
I went to a dance that night, I was feeling good
Stepped through the gate, yes, I did, I did
I bought myself a drink
Got myself a corner got myself a corner
Held onto the nearest daughter
Dancing rub a dub against the corner
Yes, I was, I was dancing rub a dub against the corner
The song "Dancing Mood" by Maxi Priest is an up-tempo reggae track that captures the feeling of being in a good mood at a dance party. The repetition of the chorus "Dancing mood, feeling in a dancing mood, ah yeah" throughout the song creates a catchy and memorable hook. The lyrics describe the feeling of being lost in the moment while dancing and how it can bring a sense of joy and happiness.
The first verse describes the singer going to a dance party on a late Saturday night and feeling good. He orders a drink and finds a corner to relax. This is where he meets a lady he refers to as the "nearest daughter" who he starts dancing with. The second verse repeats the same sequence but emphasizes the physicality of the dancing, mentioning the "dancing rub a dub against the corner."
The song is a celebration of the power of dancing to bring joy and unity. The lyrics evoke the feeling of being lost in the moment and the power of music to heal and bring people together. The song's catchy beat and lively melody make it a favorite at dance parties and clubs.
● "Dancing Mood" was released in 1985 on Maxi Priest's album "Intentions."
● The song was written by Willie Lindo, a Jamaican guitar player and producer.
● The track uses a sample from a Dennis Brown song called "Sitting & Watching."
● The song was covered by The Skatalites in 1994.
● Maxi Priest performed the song at the 1988 Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert in London's Wembley Stadium.
● The song was also featured in the film "True Love" (1989).
● "Dancing Mood" has been compared to Bob Marley's "Jamming" due to its upbeat vibe and celebratory message.
● The song was included in the 2005 compilation album "Reggae Gold 2005" by VP Records.
● In 2015, the Jamaican Tourist Board used the song in a promotional video for their campaign "Feel the Vibe of Jamaica."
● The song's lyrics were featured on a poster by the band Talking Heads as part of their "Remain in Light" tour in 1980.
Chords: The chords for "Dancing Mood" are not available at this time.
Line by Line Meaning
Dancing mood, feeling in a dancing mood, ah yeah
Maxi Priest is in a happy and lively mood and he wants to dance to the music playing.
Say late Saturday night, I was feeling irie
Maxi Priest is reminiscing about a past Saturday night when he was feeling relaxed and carefree, probably due to the influence of marijuana.
I went to a dance that night, I was feeling good
Maxi Priest went to a dance or party on the mentioned Saturday night and was feeling happy and positive.
Stepped through the gate, what did I do?
After arriving at the party, Maxi Priest walked through the entrance or the gate of the venue.
I bought myself a drink, oh yeah
Maxi Priest purchased a beverage, probably an alcoholic one, to enjoy the night better.
So I was feeling irie, drinking at a dis yer party
Maxi Priest was enjoying a relaxed and carefree mood, drinking alcohol at the party.
Got myself a corner, oh yeah
Maxi Priest found a spot or location, probably in a less crowded place, to stand or sit and enjoy the music and the atmosphere better.
I held on to the nearest daughter
Maxi Priest hugged or held on to a young woman who was close to him, probably a love interest or a friend.
She was dancing, she was dancing good
The woman Maxi Priest was with was dancing and moving to the music in a skillful and enjoyable way.
Do you know how she make me feel good?
Maxi Priest was happy and satisfied with his dance partner's company and the fun he was having with her.
I was in a dancing mood
Maxi Priest was in a happy and celebratory mood, wanting to dance and enjoy himself.
Yes, I was, yes, I was in a dancing mood
Maxi Priest confirms that he was indeed in a dancing mood and was enjoying himself at the party.
Late Saturday night I was feeling irie
Maxi Priest repeats that he was feeling relaxed and carefree on a past Saturday night, probably coinciding with the night the events in the song took place.
Stepped through the gate, yes, I did, I did
Maxi Priest confirms that he did indeed enter the party venue by walking through the entrance or gate.
Got myself a corner got myself a corner
Maxi Priest reiterates that he found a secluded spot to enjoy the party better, probably implying that he wanted more privacy from the rest of the crowd.
Held onto the nearest daughter
Maxi Priest held on to the young woman close to him during the party, probably indicating some level of intimacy or affection between them.
Dancing rub a dub against the corner
Maxi Priest and the woman he was with were dancing together in a particular style, especially against the walls or corners of the venue.
Contributed by Eli P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.