Their collaboration with legendary songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller gave them a unique sound that was very humorous most of the time. Their first huge hit came with "Young Blood" and "Searchin'." They also had success with hits such as "Yakety Yak," "Charlie Brown," and "Little Egypt."
Gardner was still touring with The Coasters as late as 2005, although he is the only surviving original member. Gardner is now semi-retired and has handed the reins over to his son Carl Jr.
In 1987, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, thus becoming the first group to be inducted (the other inductees at the time were solo acts). In 2000, they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame. In 2004, "Young Blood" was #414 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs Of All Time. "Young Blood" and "Yakety Yak" were part of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. The band's song "Down In Mexico" appears on the new film, Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof.
Dance!
The Coasters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Dance with me), oh-oh hold me closer, closer and closer
Much closer while the music plays, oh, my little darlin', won'tya
(Dance with me), oh-oh hold me tighter, tighter and tighter
Much tighter while the rhythm sways
Put your lips to mine while the rhythm sways
We're no longer strangers
(Dance with me), dance with me closer, closer and closer
And maybe we'll be lovers when the music ends
(Doot-doot) (Dance with me)
(Doot-doot) (Dance with me)
(Doot-doot) (Dance with me)
(Doot-doot) (Dance with me)
(Dance with me), dance with me closer, closer and closer
And maybe we'll be lovers when the music ends
(Doot-doot) (Dance with me)
(Doot-doot) (Dance with me)
(Doot-doot) (Dance with me)
(Doot-doot) (Dance with me)
(Doot-doot) (Dance with me)
The lyrics to The Coasters' song "Dance!" speak to the desire for connection and intimacy through the act of dancing. The repeated refrain of "Dance with me" emphasizes the longing to be closer to someone, both physically and emotionally. The singer pleads for their partner to hold them closer and tighter, emphasizing the intensity of their attraction. They encourage the other person to put their lips to theirs, symbolizing a level of intimacy that goes beyond being strangers or friends.
The lyrics suggest that through the act of dancing, these two individuals have formed a deeper bond. They no longer see each other as strangers but have become something more, possibly even lovers. The music has created a space for them to express their feelings and desires. The repetition of "Dance with me closer, closer and closer" and the hopeful line "maybe we'll be lovers when the music ends" convey the anticipation and hopefulness of potential romantic connection.
Line by Line Meaning
(Dance with me, dance with me, dance with me, dance with me)
Come dance with me repeatedly, expressing a desire for a close and intimate connection.
(Dance with me), oh-oh hold me closer, closer and closer
When we dance together, embrace me tightly and draw me nearer with increasing intensity.
Much closer while the music plays, oh, my little darlin', won'tya
As the music continues, let's get even closer, my dear, and revel in this shared experience.
(Dance with me), oh-oh hold me tighter, tighter and tighter
As we dance, hold me with more strength and firmness, intensifying our connection.
Much tighter while the rhythm sways
Amidst the rhythmic movements, let our embrace become even more secure and intimate.
Put your lips to mine while the rhythm sways
As we move to the rhythm, let's share a passionate kiss, symbolizing our deepening bond.
We're no longer strangers
Through our dance and closeness, we have transcended being mere strangers and become acquainted.
Now we're more than friends so-o-o
Our connection has evolved beyond friendship, taking on a deeper and more significant meaning.
(Dance with me), dance with me closer, closer and closer
Continue to dance with me, seeking even greater closeness and intimacy.
And maybe we'll be lovers when the music ends
By the time the music stops, there is a possibility that our relationship will have transitioned into a romantic partnership.
(Doot-doot) (Dance with me)
Instrumental section emphasizing the continuation of the dance and connection.
(Doot-doot) (Dance with me)
Instrumental section emphasizing the continuation of the dance and connection.
(Doot-doot) (Dance with me)
Instrumental section emphasizing the continuation of the dance and connection.
(Doot-doot) (Dance with me)
Instrumental section emphasizing the continuation of the dance and connection.
(Doo-doot) (Dance with me)
Repetition of the previous instrumental section, further emphasizing the desire to dance together.
Lyrics © FUNKAMONGUS MUSIC, BELINDA ABERBACH STEVENSON AGAR REVOCABLE TRUST
Written by: TREADWELL, IRVING NATHAN, LEWIS LEBISH, MIKE STROLLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind