“This also came from this kind of acoustic/MIDI jamming. I wrote this pulsing, slightly clash-y metronomic piano and wrote over and jammed over it. I put the song together with a producer called Pablo Díaz-Reixa (Spanish artist/producer El Guincho), who helped arrange the song. I sort of freestyled some lyrics and came up with the dancing refrain, and then had this idea of someone having a conversation with someone they hadn’t seen in a long time, and just remembering how good it is, how good it felt to dance with them.“
Dancing Circles
Sampha Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Madness) madness
Sittin' by traffic
Outside in London
Just waitin' for you (you, ooh)
Blackness (blackness)
Flickering flashes (flash-flash-flash-flash)
Look up and you're here in full view (view)
We talk about life (life)
Talk about children, look in your eyes
Talk about crimes (crimes)
Government lies like ain't nothin' new
Had you tremblin' (tremblin')
By the roadside on the Northside (Northside)
We talk about movement (movement)
We talk about how, how we missed the groove
Dancin', dancin'
Hand in hand, would you go?
Dancin', come close
Hold me, hold me so much so we both let go (both let, both let)
Glancin', you know I love it though (know I love it though)
Recollectin' moments back in Mexico
Dancin', come close
Hold me, hold me so much so we both let go
Need a break in wahala ('hala)
Wake, like a come up
Breakin, chasin' the dollar
I wanna feel your love like summer
I wanna feel your love like thunder
Pink hair, salmon (salmon)
Heartbeat (heartbeat), heartbeat like elephant
We were night creatures (creatures)
Runnin' off adrenaline
It's been a little long time (time)
Since I talked all night 'til the birds fly by (fly by)
We talked about minds (minds)
Talkin' 'bout, mh, the feedback it grew
Head on pirouette (pirouette)
Spinnin' with your cigarette, spinnin' like launderette (launderette)
Spinnin' out all the stress, spinnin' out all the sweats
Spendin' nights with you
Dancin' (dance), dancin'
Hand in hand, would you go?
Dancin' (dancin' with you)
Come close (come, come close would you?)
Hold me, hold me so much so we both let go
Glancin', you know I love it though (know I love it though)
Recollectin' moments back in Mexico (oh, yeah)
Dancin', come close (come close)
Hold me, hold me so much so we both let go
Sinkin' in how you feel (sinkin' in how you feel)
Thinkin' how much you've changed (thinkin' how much you changed)
Swimmin' in (swimmin') how we feel
Being apart again
Dancin', dancin'
Dancin', dancin'
Time travels memories
Uh, we were two birds
Flying away from each other
Lookin' for each other
Time travels memories
Uh, we were two birds
Flying away from each other
Lookin' to recover
The lyrics of Sampha's song "Dancing Circles" reflect on a relationship or connection that has encountered challenges and changes over time. The opening lines describe the singer waiting in London, sitting in traffic, possibly symbolizing the stagnancy and frustration of their current situation. The references to "blackness" and "flickering flashes" suggest a sense of longing and uncertainty. However, when they finally catch a glimpse of the person they're waiting for, their presence brings comfort and a feeling of being seen.
The song then delves into conversations the singer has had with this person about life, children, crimes, and government lies. It highlights the shared experiences and discussions that have formed a bond between them. The mention of trembling on the Northside suggests vulnerability and the ups and downs they have faced together. They talk about movement and missing the groove, indicating a desire to recapture the excitement and rhythm they once had.
The chorus expresses a yearning for intimacy and closeness. The act of dancing, hand in hand, becomes a metaphor for a deeper connection. It signifies a willingness to let go, to be vulnerable and open with each other. The mention of "recollecting moments back in Mexico" suggests a nostalgia for happier times shared together.
The lyrics explore the desire for love, the impact of time and distance on a relationship, and the need for connection in the face of challenges. It captures the complexities and emotions experienced when trying to navigate a changing dynamic with someone.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
Expressing agreement or enthusiasm
(Madness) madness
The chaotic and overwhelming nature of life
Sittin' by traffic
Waiting in the midst of the hustle and bustle of everyday life
Outside in London
In the vibrant and lively city environment
Just waitin' for you (you, ooh)
Anticipating the presence of a loved one
Blackness (blackness)
The darkness or unknown aspects of life
Flickering flashes (flash-flash-flash-flash)
Unexpected and uncertain moments
Lookin' at the ashes
Reflecting on past experiences or failures
Look up and you're here in full view (view)
Suddenly being confronted with the reality of someone's presence
We talk about life (life)
Engaging in deep conversations about existence
Talk about children, look in your eyes
Discussing the idea of starting a family and seeing hope for the future in someone's eyes
Talk about crimes (crimes)
Contemplating the injustices and corruption in society
Government lies like ain't nothin' new
Recognizing the recurring pattern of deception by those in power
Had you tremblin' (tremblin')
Causing someone to feel fear or anxiety
By the roadside on the Northside (Northside)
In a specific location, experiencing a moment of vulnerability
We talk about movement (movement)
Discussing the need for progress and change
We talk about how, how we missed the groove
Reflecting on a feeling of being out of sync or disconnected
Dancin', dancin'
Engaging in joyful and liberating movement
Hand in hand, would you go?
Inviting someone to join in the dance and share a connection
Dancin', come close
Encouraging intimacy and closeness
Hold me, hold me so much so we both let go (both let, both let)
Desiring to be embraced tightly, allowing all worries to fade away
Glancin', you know I love it though (know I love it though)
Acknowledging the enjoyment and affection present in their interactions
Recollectin' moments back in Mexico
Remembering past experiences and cherishing shared memories
Need a break in wahala ('hala)
Longing for a pause or relief from troubles
Wake, like a come up
Feeling revived and energized, like a sudden positive change
Breakin, chasin' the dollar
Attempting to break free from the pursuit of material wealth and success
I wanna feel your love like summer
Craving the warmth and joy that comes with being loved
I wanna feel your love like thunder
Desiring a passionate and electrifying love
Pink hair, salmon (salmon)
Expressing uniqueness and individuality
Heartbeat (heartbeat), heartbeat like elephant
Feeling a strong and powerful connection with someone
We were night creatures (creatures)
Identifying with a sense of mystery and an affinity for the nighttime
Runnin' off adrenaline
Driven by excitement and intensity
It's been a little long time (time)
A significant amount of time has passed since a certain event or interaction
Since I talked all night 'til the birds fly by (fly by)
Remembering a time when conversation flowed freely until the early hours of the morning
We talked about minds (minds)
Engaging in deep and intellectual discussions
Talkin' 'bout, mh, the feedback it grew
Reflecting on how conversations and exchanges of ideas can lead to personal growth
Head on pirouette (pirouette)
Spinning and twirling with a sense of grace and elegance
Spinnin' with your cigarette, spinnin' like launderette (launderette)
Moving and swirling together in a carefree manner, reminiscent of a laundromat's spinning machines
Spinnin' out all the stress, spinnin' out all the sweats
Using dance as a way to release tension and let go of worries
Spendin' nights with you
Sharing intimate moments and experiences
Sinkin' in how you feel (sinkin' in how you feel)
Immersing oneself in the emotions and sensations of being with someone
Thinkin' how much you've changed (thinkin' how much you changed)
Reflecting on the transformations and growth that have occurred in a relationship
Swimmin' in (swimmin') how we feel
Being engulfed and overwhelmed by the intensity of their emotions
Being apart again
Feeling the pain and emptiness of being separated once more
Time travels memories
Memories have the power to transport us through time
Uh, we were two birds
Metaphorically referring to themselves as free-spirited and independent beings
Flying away from each other
Growing distant and disconnected from one another
Lookin' for each other
Seeking to reestablish the connection they once had
Lookin' to recover
Striving to heal and rebuild what has been lost
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Pablo Diaz Reixa, Sampha Lahai Sisay
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@amedeo2225
Fav song of the album for now. It’s the perfect mixture between tension generated by the background piano chords and the harmony of the melody of the second chords. AMAZING
@germanrodriguez2162
I couldn't describe what it was for me; what is it that makes me like this song so much, but I think you just described it for me. Thank you hahaha
@six6thdisciple
@amedo2225 TWO CHORD ARPEGGIO…GREAT OBSERVATION
@pistachiop7049
absolutely perfect✨✨
@user-re8gw9dx3o
Arpeggio? Male or ma ma mia
@brocolee8373
To me No other male singers one comes close to Sampha and Frank Ocean in the beauty of their voice
@Lolo518f
Yes I love Samphas voices. Listen to Jordan Rakei too I think you will like his voice as well.
@olu.m
@@Lolo518ffav song?
@rakfav7106
How about James Blake?
@nelsonbakari_
This song got me wanting to dance in circles. The mastery in every song? Immaculate 😭