Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo met in Virginia Beach, Virginia at the ages of 12 at a summer camp for musicians, which they both disliked. They spent their free time making beats and performing in groups with fellow childhood friend Timbaland. Shay Haley began performing with Williams and Hugo in high school. After watching the duo perform at a high school talent show, Teddy Riley, a musician and producer, signed Williams and Hugo in 1992. After producing songs for several artists throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, the production duo formed N.E.R.D in 2001 as a side project.
The Way She Dances
N.E.R.D Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take off your blouse
I hope your toes are painted
'Cause you gon' dance in your undies all over the house
When your eyes are closed
I hope I'm the man you see (the man you see)
'Cause if not, I want you to know
Is this for me? Ho!
[Chorus:]
Slow motion like a dream
But real time is what it seems
I love the way she dance
Slow motion like a dream
But real time is what it seems
I love the way she dance
See I love the way she dance
Girl, I love the way you dance
I am in your aquarium
Are you a mermaid or something?
Is it possible to marry one?
Big tits, fat ass and turquoise skin
When your eyes are closed
I hope I'm the man you see (the man you see)
'Cause if not, I want you to know
Tonight I plan to be
Is this for me? Ho!
[Chorus:]
Calling all cars, please arrest her
(She's a criminal in my dreams)
She just stole my heart
(It's an A.P.B.)
[Chorus:]
Kissing you, kissing me, it's euphoria
Remission two, remission three
It's kissing four of ya
(When sparks fly, sparks fly)
I think that's love
(When sparks fly, sparks fly)
Don't you think
Close your eyes
Hold my hand
Concentration
No destination
Just dance on constellations
(When sparks fly, sparks fly)
I think that's love
(When sparks fly, sparks fly)
Don't you think
Excuse me
But girl come with me
See you and I can be each other's company
Can't you see
(When sparks fly, sparks fly)
I think that's love
In N.E.R.D.'s song "The Way She Dances," the lyrics express an admiration and attraction towards a woman's body while also emphasizing the love for her dancing. The first verse describes undressing and the anticipation of watching her dance in her underwear. The second verse compares her to a mermaid, and the chorus follows the theme of loving her slow, dream-like dance with an acknowledgement that it remains real. The bridge delves into euphoria and multiple kissing while the music itself ends on the note of love.
The song treads a fine line between objectification and appreciation of a woman's body, but it can be argued that the song mostly celebrates the beauty of dancing as an art form. The lyrics show a desire for a deeper connection beyond physical attraction as well, holding someone's hand and dancing "on constellations." The repeated mention of "sparks" alludes to the idea of love at first sight, but without any other context or commitment, it remains merely a fleeting feeling.
Interestingly, in the bridge, Pharrell references "remission two, remission three" which could be a reference to cancer remission stages. This hints towards a deeper level of meaning, potentially describing the feeling of release or being granted a second chance at life. Another possible interpretation is that a happy relationship can be similar to the feeling of being cured from a terminal disease.
Additionally, music fans have pointed out the similarities between "The Way She Dances" and the track "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley, another group featuring Pharrell. Both songs have a similar ethos, with descriptions of emotionally intense situations and an upbeat, fun rhythm. Overall, the song reflects upon attraction, admiration, and appreciation for dancing as an art form.
Line by Line Meaning
Unzip your skirt
Take off your clothes
Take off your blouse
Remove your top
I hope your toes are painted
I hope you painted your toenails
'Cause you gon' dance in your undies all over the house
You will dance in your underwear around the house
When your eyes are closed
When you close your eyes
I hope I'm the man you see (the man you see)
I hope I am the man you imagine in your mind
'Cause if not, I want you to know
If not, I want you to be aware
Tonight I plan to be
Tonight, I intend to be that man for you
Is this for me? Ho!
Is this act for my benefit?
Slow motion like a dream
Moves in slow motion, as if in a dream
But real time is what it seems
Despite the slow motion, it is happening in real time
I love the way she dance
I enjoy watching her dance
See I love the way she dance
I really love the way she moves
I am in your aquarium
I am metaphorically inside your world
Are you a mermaid or something?
Are you a mythical creature?
Is it possible to marry one?
Can you legally marry a mermaid?
Big tits, fat ass, and turquoise skin
Physical attributes of a mermaid-like being
Calling all cars, please arrest her
This person has stolen my heart
(She's a criminal in my dreams)
(In my dreams, she is a criminal)
She just stole my heart
I have fallen in love with her
(It's an A.P.B.)
(An all-points bulletin for her capture)
Kissing you, kissing me, it's euphoria
The feeling of kissing is euphoric for both of us
Remission two, remission three, it's kissing four of ya
Kissing creates a sensation that feels like there are four people involved
(When sparks fly, sparks fly)
(When there is chemistry between us)
I think that's love
I believe that feeling is love
Don't you think
Wouldn't you agree?
Close your eyes
Shut your eyes
Hold my hand
Take my hand
Concentration
Focus
No destination
Not going anywhere specific
Just dance on constellations
Dance under the stars
Excuse me
Pardon me
But girl come with me
Would you come with me?
See you and I can be each other's company
We can keep each other company
Can't you see
Don't you realize?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHAD HUGO, PHARRELL WILLIAMS, PHARRELL L WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Transition of chords towards the end (about 3 minutes in) is arguably one of the best melodic composition I've heard, ever. I want to live in it.
Darnell Hendeason
"i want to live in it"
Couldn't have expressed it any better!
Kiana W.
pharrell is a genius. they both are
judgeees
Is there a synth in that breakdown? I hear a bass, light guitar, and drums, but is there a thrumming noise that was created by a synth? That's my favorite part.
Cap Ed.
Still my favorite part. Euphoria
H. Donnell Gray III
Lenny's rift and Chad Hugo's synth keys melody go together hand in hand. One of my favorites of thiers
shaqreia Carlton
Kissing you, kissing me, it's euphoria Remission two, remission three It's kissing four of ya ( When sparks fly, sparks fly ) I think that's love ( When sparks fly, sparks fly ) Don't you think Close your eyes Hold my hand Concentration No destination Just dance on constellations ( When sparks fly, sparks fly ) I think that's love ( When sparks fly, sparks fly ) Don't you think Excuse me But girl come with me See you and I eachother's company Can you see best part of the song you can't lie.
ThatNiccaChip615
I agree luv
Thai
its my fave part
Bootney Lee Farnsworth
Facts