Roger McGuinn (born James McGuinn III) is most famous for being a founding … Read Full Bio ↴Roger McGuinn (born James McGuinn III) is most famous for being a founding member, singer, guitarist, and songwriter in The Byrds. Since that band's demise he has had moderate success as a solo artist, working with many other artists, including Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. Some of his solo material has appeared in films, such as 1969's Easy Rider.
Roger, along with the other Byrds members, was honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

Castanet Dance
Roger McGuinn Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You were busy then, I was crazy then
You were being there, I was running away
You had me figured out, I was living in doubt
You had money to spare, makes me dizzy today

And the glimpse of our past fades away so fast
Like a Castanet Dance in the night
And the glimpse of our past fades away so fast

Like a Castanet Dance in the night

Champagne corks popping late at night
Laughing stars falling out of sight
Bright beauties are twirling now
Bright beauties are twirling to Castanet Dance

You were taking your world, I was shooting the curl
You were bathed in success, I was floating in space
You smiled at my story, I applauded your glory
You forgave my excess, and we danced and embraced

And the glimpse of our past fades away so fast
Like a Castanet Dance in the night
And the glimpse of our past fades away so fast
Like a Castanet Dance in the night

Champagne corks popping late at night
Laughing stars falling out of sight
Bright beauties are twirling now
Bright beauties are twirling to Castanet Dance

(Instrumental break)

And the glimpse of our past fades away so fast
Like a Castanet Dance in the night
And the glimpse of our past fades away so fast
Like a Castanet Dance in the night

Champagne corks popping late at night
Laughing stars falling out of sight

Bright beauties are twirling now
Bright beauties are twirling to Castanet Dance (X3)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song Castanet Dance by Roger McGuinn reveal a relationship between two people who had very different lifestyles. McGuinn compares their relationship to a Castanet Dance, which is typically performed at night, and is a fast-paced dance style accompanied by the sounds of castanets. The first verse of the song highlights the differences between the two individuals. The lines "you were busy then, I was crazy then" suggest a disparity in their priorities. While one was busy achieving success, the other was struggling with their own issues. McGuinn further highlights that while his partner had comfort in their wealth, he was living in doubt. Despite these disparities, the two stayed together and danced together.

The chorus repeats the phrase, "the glimpse of our past fades away so fast, like a Castanet Dance in the night." This phrase highlights the fleeting nature of their time together. Despite having different priorities and ways of life, the relationship was intense and passionate, but didn't have a long-lasting impact. The latter verses of the song acknowledge the support that each individual provided for the other. While McGuinn was chasing his own dreams, his partner was there to support and forgive him.

Overall, the song Castanet Dance by Roger McGuinn highlights the brief, passionate nature of a relationship, and how two people can come together despite having different lifestyles and personalities.

Line by Line Meaning

You were busy then, I was crazy then
You were occupied, I was stressed

You were being there, I was running away
You were present, I was avoiding

You had me figured out, I was living in doubt
You understood me, I lacked confidence

You had money to spare, makes me dizzy today
You were financially stable, which amazes me now

And the glimpse of our past fades away so fast
Our memories vanish swiftly

Like a Castanet Dance in the night
Similar to the swiftly moving sounds of castanets in the night

Champagne corks popping late at night
Bubbly bottles opened in the late hours

Laughing stars falling out of sight
Stars disappearing while laughing

Bright beauties are twirling now
Radiant women are now spinning

Bright beauties are twirling to Castanet Dance
The women dance to the sound of castanets

You were taking your world, I was shooting the curl
You were succeeding, while I was surfing