I Gotta Dance to Keep from Crying
Smokey Robinson The Miracles Lyrics
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Gather 'round my friends here
Help me forget my hurtin' tears
About the only girl I ever loved
The only one baby
I gotta dance to keep from cryin' (crying)
I've got to dance to keep from crying' (crying)
Do the twist (do the twist)
Everybody, it goes like this
You gotta dance, got me swayin', got me, alright
Gotta dance, got me swayin', got me, alright
'Cause I'm so lonely since we parted
Our memories leaves me so broken hearted
I gotta dance to keep from cryin' (crying)
I've got to dance to keep from crying' (crying)
Do the bird (do the bird)
Do the fly (do the fly)
Come on, gang, you know, by by by, oh yeah
Do the bang, yeah, you can't miss
Everybody, yeah, it goes like this
You gotta dance, got me swayin', got me, alright
Gotta dance, got me swayin', got me, alright
Heartaches can gather 'round
Misery I surely found
I gotta dance to keep from cryin' (crying)
I've got to dance to keep from crying' (crying)
Ooh, you've got the wrong girl
I think you're makin' up too much noise
So get soft, oh, just a little bit soft
Oh, just a little bit soft, soft, soft, soft, soft, just a little bit soft, soft, soft
Guess, I turn it up, I, guess I turn it up, I, guess I turn it up, higher, just a little bit
Come on and dance with me, swing, dance with me swing
I do that move, I do that move,
The lyrics to Smokey Robinson and The Miracles' "I Gotta Dance to Keep From Crying" speak to the idea that dancing can serve as a way to distract oneself from the pain of heartbreak. The opening lines call for help from friends to forget about a lost love, and the repetition of the phrase "I gotta dance to keep from cryin'" emphasizes the point that dancing is a necessary distraction. The song acknowledges the struggles of heartbreak, with lines like "Heartaches can gather 'round, Misery I surely found" but ultimately promotes the idea that dancing can provide temporary relief from the pain.
The song's structure reflects its message, with a lively beat and a call-and-response format that encourages listeners to participate in the dancing themselves. The various dance styles mentioned in the lyrics, like the twist and the bird, were popular dance crazes of the time and add to the song's lively energy. The repeated use of the phrase "got me swayin', got me, alright" highlights the way that dancing can make one feel carefree and temporarily alleviate emotional pain.
Overall, "I Gotta Dance to Keep From Crying" is a fun and energetic song that promotes the power of music and dance to uplift individuals in the face of heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on everybody
Let's gather together
Gather 'round my friends here
Stand close to me, my friends
Help me forget my hurtin' tears
I'm in pain and need your support
About the only girl I ever loved
I'm heartbroken over my past love
The only one baby
She was the one for me
I gotta dance to keep from cryin' (crying)
Dancing distracts me from my tears
I've got to dance to keep from crying' (crying)
I must dance to avoid crying
Whoa, do the flop (do the flop)
Let's do the dance called the flop
Do the twist (do the twist)
Let's also do the dance called the twist
Everybody, it goes like this
Here's how to dance to this song
You gotta dance, got me swayin', got me, alright
Dancing makes me feel better
Gotta dance, got me swayin', got me, alright
I need to dance to feel okay
'Cause I'm so lonely since we parted
I feel incredibly lonely since we broke up
Our memories leaves me so broken hearted
Thinking of our past memories makes my heart ache
Do the bird (do the bird)
We can also do the dance called the bird
Do the fly (do the fly)
Let's try the dance move called the fly
Come on, gang, you know, by by by, oh yeah
Join in, everyone, and dance with me
Do the bang, yeah, you can't miss
Let's try another dance move called the bang
Heartaches can gather 'round
My heartache is overwhelming
Misery I surely found
I am definitely feeling miserable
Ooh, you've got the wrong girl
I'm not interested in you
I think you're makin' up too much noise
You're bothering me
So get soft, oh, just a little bit soft
Lower your volume a bit
Oh, just a little bit soft, soft, soft, soft, soft, just a little bit soft, soft, soft
I need you to quiet down
Guess, I turn it up, I, guess I turn it up, I, guess I turn it up, higher, just a little bit
I'll increase the music volume a bit
Come on and dance with me, swing, dance with me swing
Let's dance together, and swing too
I do that move, I do that move
I know this dance move well
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JR., BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@captainkeyboard1007
I am 67 years-old and still love Motown music. I loved this song since I was a little kid. It is one of my Smokey Robinson & The Miracles favorites on Tamla.
@cynthiachavis9678
I'm 70 reminds me of partying at mommys on them 45s
@michaelrorie5095
My goodness. Philadelphia was like that when this song came out. I was about 5 and my dad took a road trip to Philly from D.C. The best of times
@vanessakler5596
Top tune ... One of my favourite Northern Soul records... England
@addiebrooks6169
Music of the past, it will never come back. Oh, how I miss those days. They were truly the "Good Old Days".
@yvonnemendez3075
Yes yes that was real music and talent 😂❤
@deborahmccoy3837
Good Memories brought Me Here. Oh Those Sweet, Innocent, Good Times.
@yvonnemendez3075
Luv this should been a big hit luv Smokey 😂❤❤
@fredlawson9394
No school like the old School Jamz..🎤🎹🎸🎺🎷🎶🎵🎼🖤❤️🤍
@yvonnemendez3075
Dam I could listen to Smokie forever luv his voice thx Smokie for your beautiful talent your music is timeless let's do a linedance