Dance Me To The End Of Love
Peyroux Madeleine Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Let me feel you moving like they do in Babylon
Show me slowly what I only know the limits of

Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

Dance me to the wedding now, dance me on and on
Dance me very tenderly and dance me very long
We're both of us beneath our love, we're both of us above

Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

Dance me to the children who are asking to be born
Dance me through the curtains that our kisses have outworn
Raise a tent of shelter now, though every thread is torn

Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin
Dance me through the panic till I'm gathered safely in
Touch me with your naked hand or touch me with your glove

Dance me to the end of love

Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Dance me to the end of love" by Peyroux Madeleine are a testament to the power of dance as a metaphor for life and love. The song opens with the image of dancing to the beauty of another person, accompanied by a "burning violin." It is as if the two dancers are moving to the passion and intensity of the music, burning with the desire to be together. As the song progresses, the lyrics describe the various stages of life and love that the couple must navigate together. They move through moments of panic and uncertainty, but the dancing carries them through to safety. They are both "beneath their love and above" it, lost in the moment of the dance.

The lyrics evoke ancient images of Babylon, the place of dancing and celebration, as well as the beautiful and tranquil image of an olive branch, symbolizing peace and homecoming. The dancers move together through the different stages of life, from the wedding to the children who are asking to be born, until the end of their love. The final stanza brings the song full circle, returning to the opening lines of the burning violin and the desire for the duet to dance together until the end. Ultimately, the message of the "Dance me to the end of love" is that, through the trials of life and in the finality of death, true love and connection will survive through the dance, carrying us forward until the very end.

Line by Line Meaning

Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin
Lead me to your fantastic world with the intense rhythm of the violin

Dance me through the panic 'til I'm gathered safely in
Amidst the chaos and fear, hold me and keep me safe from harm

Lift me like an olive branch and be my homeward dove
Carry me like a symbol of peace and bring me home like a dove returning to its nest

Let me see your beauty when the witnesses are gone
Reveal your true essence when there is no one to witness but me

Let me feel you moving like they do in Babylon
Teach me to dance like the ancient Babylonians, with passion and sensuality

Show me slowly what I only know the limits of
Teach me about love and intimacy so that I can understand its bounds and limits

Dance me to the wedding now, dance me on and on
Take me to the celebration of our love, and let's dance together endlessly

Dance me very tenderly and dance me very long
Dance with me gently, so that our love may last an eternity

We're both of us beneath our love, we're both of us above
Our love binds us together, yet it transcends us both

Dance me to the children who are asking to be born
Lead me towards a future where our love can create new life

Dance me through the curtains that our kisses have outworn
Our passion has worn these drapes thin, let's dance through them and celebrate their history

Raise a tent of shelter now, though every thread is torn
Let us create a home together, even if some parts of it are broken or worn out

Touch me with your naked hand or touch me with your glove
I want to feel your touch, regardless of whether it's bare or gloved

Dance me to the end of love
Let's dance together until the very end, when our love still burns bright

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Leonard Cohen

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@mariannasakari

6y↑59

Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin
Dance me through the panic 'til I'm gathered safely in
Lift me like an olive branch and be my homeward dove
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

Oh let me see your beauty when the witnesses are gone
Let me feel you moving like they do in Babylon
Show me slowly what I only know the limits of
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the wedding now, dance me on and on
Dance me very tenderly and dance me very long
We're both of us beneath our love, we're both of us above
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

Dance me to the children who are asking to be born
Dance me through the curtains that our kisses have outworn
Raise a tent of shelter now, though every thread is torn
Dance me to the end of love

Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin
Dance me through the panic till I'm gathered safely in
Touch me with your naked hand or touch me with your glove
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

@RosdelysGuadamaServigna

4y↑2

Bailame a tu belleza con un violin ardiente
Bailame a través del pánico hasta que esté reunido a salvo en
Levántame como una rama de olivo y sé mi paloma de regreso
Bailame hasta el final del amor
Bailame hasta el final del amor

Oh, déjame ver tu belleza cuando los testigos se hayan ido
Déjame sentirte moviéndote como lo hacen en Babilonia
Muéstrame lentamente lo que solo conozco los límites de
Bailame hasta el final del amor
Bailame hasta el final del amor
Bailame a la boda ahora, bailame una y otra vez
Bailame muy tiernamente y bailame mucho
Los dos estamos debajo de nuestro amor, los dos estamos arriba
Bailame hasta el final del amor
Bailame hasta el final del amor

Bailame con los niños que piden nacer
Bailame a través de las cortinas que nuestros besos han gastado
Levanta una tienda de refugio ahora, aunque cada hilo esté roto
Bailame hasta el final del amor

Bailame a tu belleza con un violin ardiente
Bailame a través del pánico hasta que esté reunido a salvo en
Tócame con tu mano desnuda o tócame con tu guante
Bailame hasta el final del amor
Bailame hasta el final del amor
Bailame hasta el final del amor

All comments from YouTube:

@SniffMyDeadwax

4y↑301

My wife died last week and I happened to put on Jazz FM today and this was the first song that came up and it just seems so relevant thank you so much... Denise 'Neesy' Scholfield 6/10/1968 7/10/2020 day after her 52nd birrthday...We held hands tight to the very last. I miss you every day my darling.

Just to say I'm still here, third year, I'm making it and thanks to all you lovely people for the positive vibes I got from you, I alway return to This post and this song .thanks again Madeline and Juliana for posting it ..gotta go befor the waterworks start again 😂 ❤❤❤❤❤

@elisavieira737

3y↑3

😘

@ResonanceInDigital

3y↑12

Hope you're doing okay man

@dornravlin

3y↑14

Hey I want to say sorry for your loss wish no doubt hurts for how recent it is. I was orphaned at 12 so I know what it is to loos the people you love I cant imagine what your going through. My father introduced me to Madeleine peyrroux so i listen to her from time to time. You dont know me so it must seem strange my witting like this. Im sending a good thought your way take care

@hectorhernandez1983

3y↑6

Good luck and be well.

@moyragrant7287

3y↑12

I just came across this song and your comment, and wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. I do hope that this song gave you some small solace.

42 More Replies...

@petroskozani2087

7y↑34

Her quality is a small miracle in the nightmarish world we live in and a gift to those of us who still dare to hope... People, sometimes we just have to be thankful... Thank you sweet Madeleine!

@anjou6497

36w↑1

Yes ! She has given me endless comfort. 🌱🧡🌿🎹🎸

@charmainerobinson7214

2y↑25

I heard this for the first time this morning and thought it was Billie Holiday, the voice is so similar on some of the lyrics! her voice, tone and emphasis on the words. Amazing. Very enjoyable to listen to .

@littleghostfilms3012

2y↑21

A timeless voice. Just so lovely and heartbreaking.

@samraia3200

41w↑6

I love the original, but the music here is impeccable. Simply beautiful.

@Giwanow

1y↑7

I have not heard of this fine singer till today. Now she is one of my favorites, not because I love Cohen but her mesmerizing voice. Well done! 👍🏻😍

@jtetrfs5367

6y↑26

I could have this on a loop and not get tired of it. It's that good.

@scottv1781

6y↑28

Jumped in a shitty NY cab today, feeling a bit anxious on my way to my first counselling session, and was instantly put at ease by this tune.

@briandsteel6711

10y↑20

Utterly one of my favourite, most haunting tracks of the last couple of years. NO, more than that. EVER. Brilliant!!!

@OoookBarnabe

7y↑133

she really has that tone of voice totally fit for this song..there are so many versions with high pitched voices that totally break the feeling of this song, but here? it's as perfect as a song can be

@memay6584

3y↑2

Totally agreed.

@wescolumbus621

3y↑36

Great song and great Standard. Once you learn that Leonard Cohen's lyrics for this old Russian melody are about the Jewish bands who were forced to play to the tragic march of death (end of love) of friends and relatives during the Holocaust, the poetic justice of the song being sung again and again is always a tear-jerker to boot.

@anjou6497

3y↑5

I didnt realise that history to this beautiful song, thank you for that.

@anjou6497

3y↑2

Yes thank you. Ive had minor electocutions by my crappy ear buds recently, but this is nothing compared with the persecution of the jews. It will always haunt me. And how brave they were . It never leaves me and theyre all in my heart and soul for surely they had souls. Blessings to you.

@anjou6497

3y↑1

How can human beings be so brutal ?

@anjou6497

3y↑1

the mention of the burning violin...we are there again in the tragedy of Kabul..and the orchestra while the Titanic went down. Human compassion is still here eith us.

@wescolumbus621

@@anjou6497 Yes, brutal, even when highly civilized as the National Socialists were, or well educated as the 9/11 team was.

1 More Replies...

@petercronin4513

2y↑2

Went to Parker playhouse In FLL this past weekend..she was fabulous...jazzy...her musicians are the greatest!!

@hortclamp

10y↑165

No matter how many times I listen to this I get swept up into some magical time and place, Madeleine Peyroux transports me. I thank you Madeleine.

@aliciavalenzuela6586

6y↑3

I feel the same , it is the composition, all the instruments are spot on is perfection!

@imsocuez

5y↑2

I have also felt this way from the very first time I heard here version.

@madeleinemccreadie8910

5y↑3

you're welcome

@xinecrowell1145

The Lenard Cohen version does that to me, too! I think it is the words that just takes you to a dream place.

@xinecrowell1145

Leonard Cohen is also the author of the song.

1 More Replies...

@briand.5036

2y↑11

Her voice is golden

@pennypaterson8000

1y↑5

Omg what a incredible voice just beautiful. Hope to hear more .

@AlysObv

12y↑15

She does this song complete honour.

@mycroft1905

12y↑9

Sublime rendition of this song; tight quartet eased right back for a smooth ride. Brought a smile to this melancholy old muso. New fan.

@tiagomendonca1789

4y↑3

I'm got no words to express what I fell about this song ....

@friedalaout1066

10y↑4

Fantastic music! Madeleine 'plays' with rhytm and music👏

@coryd2668

4y↑3

I discovered Madeleine while staying at Kenwood Inn, in Sonoma, Ca! Our suite had a CD player and various discs and hers was one of them! I played it over and over again! Then came home and bought her music! ♥️

@eugenegauggel1000

5y↑16

I feel like dancing to this smooth song. Love the piano improvisation.

@neilpsissons

3y↑5

And that is some wonderful piano playing!

@janewilhelm3568

6y↑5

I've been listening and skating to this beautiful recording for years. Thank You, Ms. Peyroux!

@MrDerek2404

6y↑4

Great arrangement ;especially the syncopated jazz piano ..love it .

@aleksandar.tasevski

6y↑40

I am a big fan of Billie Holiday. When I first heard this song in some caffee, I was 100% sure it was BH. But, when I came home several hours later, I had a flash that Lady Day died 1959, decades before Leonard Cohen wrote this song. The next day I went back to the same caffee to ask who is singing so Billie Holiday - like, and they told me it was Madeleine Perdoux.
RESPECT FOR MADELEINE ! ! !

@carolynzaremba5469

She's better than Billie.

@aleksandar.tasevski

2y↑4

@@carolynzaremba5469, no one can be better than Billie. Sorry...

@lelandwilliams1089

41w↑2

@carolynzaremba5469 In your dreams. If she's better than Billie Holiday, then why is she mimicking her style? True musical greatness creates its own style. That's what Billie Holiday actually did. No one ever sounded like Billie Holiday before Billie Holiday. No one.

@rubyfirefly2582

5y↑19

I've heard a variety of performers sing this song. Madeleine's is by far the definitive version for me. So loose and drifting - like you're never sure which was she'll go. Like a leaf drifting in the wind. Her voice is so rich and varied - both deep and haunting as it is light and easy. Gorgeous.

@jochenstossberg5427

That 'deep and haunting, leaf drifting in the wind, is actually her struggling to find the note and stay on it. Which she can't do.

@wsmama

2y↑2

Best cover ever! I can dance joyfully to it! Thank you!

@pharmerdavid1432

4y↑2

I've saw Maddie twice here in Portland at the Aladdin Theater. First time she played guitar (no other guitarists), and had that brilliant horn player. Second time she had Dean Parks on guitar, and I was front and center - what a treat watching the Maestro play guitar! Maddie just sang, didn't play guitar. Once again she performed a beautiful show, and seemed to enjoy herself too. When the musicians enjoy themselves, it always sounds better. I've played her first few recordings a hundred times. As an old Billie Holliday fan, Maddie brings that vibe!

@nickscurvy8635

6y↑1

I just heard this song on the radio. Something about it moved me to tears. Perhaps my life situation. Homeless and depressed with no hope and no future. Maybe it's just a beautiful song. I just know that, for the next few moments of my short life, this has become one of my new favorite songs.

@Giwanow

Hope your heart is lighter now and your thoughts happier.🙂

@sonnyng9701

7y↑14

Wow, the similarity to the legendary Billie Holiday is uncanny. Never thought I'll ever hear voices like the old Jazz greats this day and age. Look forward to hearing years of great work from this most promising artist!

@lesleysidhoum1779

I thought of Billie too .

@tessapiotrowskikristensen8058

6y↑5

Best version of this song, Dance Me To The End Of Love!

@RobertSilvestri86

9y↑94

After listening to Cohen's rendition of his composition, I find Madeline's a breath of fresh air. So smooth.

@CecileFrenette

9y↑5

I never heard Madeleine Peyroux before. She has a nice voice. Thank you for sharing this vidéo

@CecileFrenette

9y↑2

TRANSFERED TO MY COLLECTION ON GOOGLE PLIS

@CecileFrenette

9y↑2

I just received for the second time many MIDI music. I deleted the message by mistake after downloading the music. So, I assume you send me this music. I do not know anybody else who can have sent it. I cannot thank you enough. It is so nice. Have a good evening.

@gloriaabraspou5048

It is not a Cohen's compositions. It's a jewish song that jewish people sang when the went to the gaz...Cohen adapted it.

@RobertSilvestri86

6y↑2

There is a difference between writing a song and being inspired by something. In Leonard's case, it was classical music (genre) commonly played during the period.

1 More Replies...

@juandapena1429

5y↑9

La voz de Madeleine es amor en estado puro, imposible no enamorarse de sus canciones.

@allanfarran364

23w

Leonard Cohen song

@Hands2HealNow

3y↑36

This is the absolute best version of this song.

@debbiewilson9712

2y↑2

Totally agree! I just listened to Leonard Cohen's and couldn't finish it.

@ontherocks8712

2y↑1

I prefer Leonard Cohen.

@cachou5337

12w

Moi qui suis grande fan de Léonard Cohen, je découvre cette nouvelle version .
J'aime beaucoup également
😊

@dejanbrown5520

11y↑3

This lady's songs are so chill, fits very well to my lounge. :D I just want to sit back and watch nothing, just listen.

@keithwilks4015

11y↑4

i love the work of Leonard Cohen and this adaption is sooo lovely . Thank you xx

@naomideguyane

8y↑169

Billie Holiday's soul has come back in Madeleine Peyroux's velvet voice! ✿⊱╮ Such a delight!✿⊱╮

@slownoman

8y↑7

The first time I heard "Don' Wait Too Long" on the radio, I had to stop the car. I was sure I'd heard all of Billie Holiday's songs, and....wow. This lady has the goods.

@nighthawxvids

7y↑2

I had the exact same reaction.

@kikeveytia4931

7y↑1

same fucking reaction man!!!!!

@livingmylifelikeitsgolden9056

7y↑5

No she has copied Billie Holiday my friend. ... She sounds great in her own style too, but she definitely mimicking Billie Holiday all day!

@adam3d851

5y↑2

she is an evolution of Billie, because she sounds better

5 More Replies...

@mariannasakari

6y↑59

@rexrocks4337

5y↑1

marianna sakari thanks

@RosdelysGuadamaServigna

4y↑2

@uniqueorganicshaircare9880

4y↑1

Thank you 😊

@tonyamadore8771

5y↑9

This is one of the very best interpretations of Cohen's great song. I think he might have liked it. I know I do!

@sheilaalmeida1727

11y↑6

Adoro esta música, puro jazz!

@tvsik9741

6y↑4

Боже как же красиво она поет!

@TheodorusRex

7y↑5

Fabulous version.

@ChuckDeFuque

6y↑5

Heard this version on the sound track at "The Olive Garden" New Years Day, 2018. I enjoyed this more than the meal!

@cheeseburgerjr.3112

Just saw the news that the host of my favorite Jazz FM radio has passed away today.
His program is the reason why I started listening to Jazz music ten years ago, a big chunk of my school days were spent listening to his voice in the middle of the night (since the program starts at 12 am to 2 am.)
I'm heartbroken, and a part of my life feels gone.
This is the song he introduced the day I first tuned in to his Jazz program on a hot summer night 10 years ago.

Rest in peace, Mr. Shen, I'll see you in Jazz heaven.

@mulliniks51

5y↑3

Love the voice , love the piano and thank you Mr. Cohen .

@MrCliveDavies

5y↑4

Gorgeous crafted song both in the performance and the writing..!
Sunbeams from Spain for this lovely post,

@zeynepbayramoglu640

8y↑30

C'est ma chanson préféré de M Peyroux, mais j'aime tous qu'elle chante.

@faysalalqassab

Evet, Hanim

@Yumgui2

33w↑1

Great interpretation of a truly great song !

@stephenfitzsimons

4y↑1

Reminds me of an ex who broke my heart a thousand tragic times, and still I love this music. It has of course a bitter sweet after-taste now but I will gulp it down none-the-less because it is so sweet and beautiful and uplifting and fills me with hope of a new and fulfilling love.

@tomsmith522

3y↑3

Such a haunting voice....so original like no one else.... just wonderful 🎼🎶💞

@kiskasolnychka7374

I discovered today , in having a shower,, on "radio jazz"....;So good! Wonderfull voice! I love this song!

@michelesmith3542

41w↑1

I absolutely love this song!!

@bobrak2859

8y↑10

impeccable performance in every respect.

thank you to the end of time :)

@rodrigoortiz4203

3y↑1

I'm in love with her singing!!!!!!!

@jerryzabin

10y↑10

She does a marvelous version of this great Leonard Cohen song. Got to see her in Chicago and she was awesome!

@wiejetze8397

6y↑6

It gave me showers down my spine to listen to someone who walks in the footsteps of Billie Holiday. I adore her since I discovered her many years ago. I wouldn't say she stole her style. I think it's more a way to honor and pay tribute to B. H.
My compliments! Very beautiful! I'm your new fan.
Not to forget to mention: elegant piano solo!

@mariadolan5415

10y↑4

love her songs and of course her voice

@flexabustbergson6141

10y↑3

and the musicians behind!

@tanyascott4305

4y↑1

Superb, long live Len. You have done him more than proud. This is an amazing rendition. I can hear Ms Holiday too. Wonderful!

@francodiridolfo8356

36w

8/2023 Lovely singer and beautiful, too!

@itsdiogodamn

12y↑6

Grande canção, grande intérprete.

@WashfromCali

12y↑1

This is the first song I have heard by Madeleine. She is FABULOUS!!

@steveturpin4242

2y↑1

Beautiful voice....thanks.

@jahosaphat

3y↑1

It brings tears. I loves it.

@greendang

12y

I just love this song! The writer and the singer are the best!! Dance me to the end of love. I like it sung by Leonard Cohen, and I like it even more when it's sung by by Madeleine Peyroux! She's the greatest!! I'm so glad I found this video....thank you....merci beaucoup....khobkhun kha...

@8450427

10y↑1

Awesome singer and good music!

@markb9419

7y↑3

wow what a SUPERB cover!
excellent! a truely great voice, great feeling, great treatment.
now a fan (on the basis of this one song!)

@tinalajoie5182

10y↑1

Oh what a marvelous voice!!

@laezerml

8y↑5

Great rendition, great phrasing. I'm gonna steal it.

@everwashington5932

5y↑18

I personally think that Billie Holiday would have killed this masterpiece, but I will give Madeleine Peyroux her kudos because she totally knocked it out of the park!

@CarolFoodie

10y↑8

One of the most epic loves songs I have ever heard #LeonardCohen

@emmymisser852

7y↑1

She's a favourite on my summer play list.

@heavenlyturnip

7y↑4

Great version of this song. I love Madeleine's voice and have been a fan for several years now.

@PeteyHoudini

8y↑29

Luv this version!

@potdog1000

and me

@morrisyork6133

7y↑117

I like her version, I like Cohen's. Sure, some will object to her Holiday influence, but she does it so softly that you'd swear you were a pet being stroked.

@harleydd

Better than Cohens

@xinecrowell1145

4y↑3

“...you’d swear you were a pet being stroked”, never heard anyone describe anything like that before. Perfect! 😆

@jaybee1979

12y↑1

thankful that i chanced a different artists version , its a great, no an amazing rejiggle of a beautiful song , big up madeleine ! love the leonard cohen on jools holland too , he sings with such conviction , legend.

@mirettesadek5080

5y↑1

pure joy to listen to ..

@richardsleep2045

4y↑1

Brilliant song, stunning performance, thanks for posting.

@lars8025

23w

Лучшее исполнение этой песни...

@patricialopez5378

10y↑3

Oooooo so Billie Holiday! Blues with a touch of pain. Mesmerizing .

@leidequeiroz7840

10y↑3

Maravilhoso Jazz , as pessoas são tocadas de várias maneiras ,gostaria mto que tudo fosse paz, harmonia, e que uns pudessem amar aos outros Madeleine Peyroux Dance me to the end of loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

@Iskote1

12y↑2

You have captured the spirit of Billi Holiday. Well done!!!

@cindi5836

3y↑1

Lovely ♥️Jesus lead me to this Father fullness of true love , we are going back where we started💫🙏

@MyriamBernard13

12y↑3

omg totally agree! a beautiful modern twist and mix of billie holiday and ella fitzgerald!

@tristanireland669

😍ABSOLUTELY ♥️This Cover & The🎹😍.!

@niekasniekaip9490

25w

Лучше этого не встречал в женском исполнении. Спасибо! ❤

@adam3d851

5y↑4

This is even better than the original version. Her beautiful soft voice compliments the lyrics perfectly.

@paymonbidari278

5y↑1

Awesome voice and sounds.

@BarbellThor

5y↑11

The best kind of jazz.

@jameskwiatek7802

19w

The lady i work for showed me this song and it captivated me i wont lie.. i could listen to her voice all day..❤❤❤sonya (j.v.k.)

@Tony-ws4rq

8y↑27

Very talented woman, bravo

@michaelplatek1657

6y↑1

she sounds like peggy lee...awesome...theres STILL hope in this day and age for some great artists.....even the jazzy band sounds like peggy....terrific!!

@susanlloyd7395

5y↑27

one of the sexiest songs I've ever heard.

@hansiraber

4y↑3

you don't wanna read the backstory in that case

@susanlloyd7395

No, I guess I don't.

@hansiraber

4y↑2

@@susanlloyd7395 just found out its about the musicians in the camps :/

@ericperic66

11y↑7

This is the first time that I've heard her - absolutely fabulous.

@MrAlberto1910

9y↑1

Bela voz, mulher, música...gostei!

@dstevens518

Superb, delicious, immaculate. Leonard Cohen's song, Madeleine's gorgeous vocals, and perfect accompaniment by the musicians. Aurgasmic.

@bowiewowee6385

6y↑1

A moving song, intimate and romantic. GREAT!

@KingELon

Wow such a classic sound!!

@bah2bah

11y↑1

I saw her last night, it was mesmerizing, I love her jazzy style.

@MariaCeciliaCassaro

What a singer! What a song!

@MarisaTerzi

Madeleine Peyroux e una delle cantanti miei preferite. Amo il suo timbro di voce.

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