Orleans found its core audience touring the clubs and college circuit of the Northeast US, crossing paths with other up-and-comers such as Bonnie Raitt, Tom Waits, and Hall & Oates. Rolling Stone called Orleans "the best unrecorded band in America". Showcase performances in NYC gave rise to a recording contract with ABC Dunhill Records and the release of an eponymous debut album in 1973. But it was not until Orleans was produced by Chuck Plotkin, then head of A&R for Asylum Records, that the band scored its first Top 40 hit with "Let There Be Music" in early 1975.
The follow up single "Dance With Me" brought Orleans into the Top 5 and the mainstream of American pop music. Atypical of the high-energy, earthy, R&B/Rock 'n' Roll mix of styles they had been previously identified with, "Dance With Me" cast the band in a more "soft-rock" light and landed them a tour with Melissa Manchester, when they really were more at home on tour with bands such as Little Feat.
It was the smash hit "Still the One" that cemented Orleans' relationship with the American public. While the single was climbing the charts all the way to #2, the band did a major cross-country tour with label-mate Jackson Browne. However, within a year internal stresses prompted guitarist/songwriter Hall to leave the band in search of a solo career, as "Still the One" played ceaselessly as the ABC TV network theme song. Since then it has been used for countless commercials and movie soundtracks.
The Hoppen brothers and Kelly reunited the band and, in 1979, produced the Top 10 hit "Love Takes Time", continuing to tour with the likes of Stephen Stills and Chicago. Collectively, the three Orleans' hits have been aired over 7 million times.
One of the many signatures of Orleans was and still is harmony guitar riffs and two serious players trading rhythm and lead between them, all seamlessly. Larry and John were, for most of this still–active band’s 35-year-and–counting career, those players. When John Hall left for a solo stint in 1977, Orleans found Dennis “Fly’ Amero, a lefty, upside-down Strat player (in the manner of Jimi Hendrix) who took over for several years.
After original drummer Wells Kelly passed away in October 1984, Larry, Lance and John played at his Memorial event. Out of this, they decided to work together as Orleans again, starting with a Nashville album. From 1985 through 2006 (when John got elected to the US Congress – D, NY-19) the group always included the three original members. Over those years, another 8 albums were released, always containing new material.
In 2001 the band added Lane Hoppen, the third brother, as a permanent member. Shortly after, Charlie Morgan – drummer with Elton John for 13 years – also joined the group. Early in 2006, as John Hall began his election campaign, Fly Amero was asked back by the band – including John - roughly 25 years after Fly’s first ‘term’. Fly agreed, and a smooth transition ensued. (Orleans’ 2006 “We’re Still Havin’ Fun” DVD features BOTH John and Fly.)
Fly and Larry’s guitar chemistry is obvious, as is the whole group’s camaraderie. Besides being a great guitarist, songwriter and singer with a strong blues/R&B soulful tilt, Fly is great with a crowd and has a Gold Record for comedy music featuring his parody lyrics.
Here in 2008, John is up for Congressional re-election and Fly is a permanent Orleans member, as are Charlie, Lane and original mainstays Lance and Larry (who is the voice on all the radio hits, by the way).
Thirty-five years in, Orleans’ trademarked slogan couldn’t be more appropriate: “We’re Still Havin’ Fun”. It’s also the title of their new (and debut) DVD and latest CD (related to the DVD). For much more on this classic American band, visit www.OrleansOnline.com
Dancin
Orleans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When that moon gets big and bright
It's supernatural delight
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
Everybody here is out-a sight
They don't bark and they don't bite
They keep things loose, they keep things light
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
Dancin' in the moonlight, everybody's feelin' warm and right
It's such a fine 'n' natural sight
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
We like our fun and we never fight
You can't dance 'n' stay up tight it's supernatural delight
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
Dancin' in the moonlight, everybody's feelin' warm and right
It's such a fine 'n' natural sight
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
Dancin' in the moonlight
Dancin' in the moonlight
Orleans's song "Dancin In The Moonlight" is an upbeat and joyous song that celebrates the magical experience of being outside in the moonlight with friends, dancing and having fun. The opening lyrics "We get it on most every night, When that moon gets big and bright, It's supernatural delight, Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight" set the scene for a carefree night of dancing under the stars. The use of the word "supernatural" suggests that this is a special and almost mystical experience that feels transcendent and otherworldly.
The lyrics go on to describe the people who are gathered together for this celebration as being "out-a sight" and free from aggression or hostility, saying "They don't bark and they don't bite, They keep things loose, they keep things light." The song presents this gathering as a space where people can let go of their worries and simply enjoy the moment, without any tension or negativity. The continued repetition of the phrase "Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight" reinforces the communal and unifying nature of this experience.
Ultimately, "Dancin In The Moonlight" is a song about the joy of connection, community, and being in the present moment. The use of descriptive language and joyful imagery creates a vivid picture of a night that will never be forgotten, and encourages the listener to embrace their own moments of beauty and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
We get it on most every night
We have a routine of gathering every night when the moon is full.
When that moon gets big and bright
Our gatherings are spontaneously sparked by the fullness of the moon.
It's supernatural delight
The experience of our gatherings is inexplicably and authentically delightful.
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
Each person present is compelled to dance in the moon's radiant glow.
Everybody here is out-a sight
Everyone present has an undeniable positive energy and appearance.
They don't bark and they don't bite
No person present has a hostile or negative disposition.
They keep things loose, they keep things light
The energy and atmosphere of our gatherings is easygoing and carefree.
Dancin' in the moonlight, everybody's feelin' warm and right
The experience of dancing under the full moon evokes a sense of contentment and well-being among everyone.
It's such a fine 'n' natural sight
The sight of people dancing freely under the full moon is both beautiful and organic.
We like our fun and we never fight
We enjoy ourselves and there is never any conflict or fighting among us.
You can't dance 'n' stay up tight it's supernatural delight
Dancing under the full moon is a freeing and transcendent experience that cannot be resisted.
Dancin' in the moonlight, everybody's feelin' warm and right
Again, the dancing under the full moon evokes a sense of happiness and well-being among everyone.
Dancin' in the moonlight
Reiterated to emphasize the importance and significance of the experience of dancing under the full moon.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sherman Kelly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Shawn Karabinos
OMG...those backing vocals...pure harmony..this band is timeless
Brenda
My favorite band since the 70's, soooo glad that they are still rocking and rolling. Love you all.
Ken Bash
Truly one of the GREATEST bands of all time- effortless perfection- nice job boys:)
God Man and I
So loving this live rendition!! WOW 🤩 ♥️✌️
David moore
Hello,how are you dong,i hope your okay?
Edmund R Quarrato Jr
Man you guys still got it, awesome harmonys thank you
Brad Chang
They still sound great! It brings back some nostalgic memories...
Yours Truly 1967
The sound is amazing! I've found myself watching this over and over , smiling and yet tearing up! 👍👍
Yours Truly 1967
Three weeks later, still watching. I miss good, happy music
Yours Truly 1967
I think I need help. I bet I've listened to this 100 times