Rio
The Floyds Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

(butch: we totally grew up listening to bon jovi records,
I mean, just don't tell anybody.)

Moving on the floor now babe you're a bird of paradise
Cherry ice cream smile I suppose it's very nice
With a step to your left and a flick to the right
You catch the mirror way out west
You know you're something special and you look like you're the best.

Her name is rio and she dances on the sand
Just like that river twisting through a dustly land
And when she shines she really shows you all she can
Oh rio rio dancer across the rio grande

I've seen you on the beach and I've seen you on tv
Two of a billion stars, it means so much to me -
Like a birthday or a pretty view
But then I'm sure that you know it's just for you.

(chorus)

- hey now (wow), look at that.
Did he nearly run you down?
At the end of the drive, the lawmen arrive,
You make me feel alive, alive, alive
I'll take my chance, 'cause luck is on my side
I tell you something, I know what you're thinking
I tell you something, I know what you're thinking

(chorus)

Her name is rio and she don't need to understand
And I might find her it I'm looking like I can




Oh rio rio hear them shout across the land
From mountains in the north down to the rio grande

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of The Floyd's Rio are about a dazzling and bewitching woman, who is graceful like a bird-of-paradise and has a sweet smile. The song describes her flying across the dance floor and looks herself in the mirror, confident that she is unique and the most beautiful person there. The song revolves around Rio, the woman who can charm anyone with her appearance, which is compared to a river flowing through the dusty ground. She shines bright like a star and captures the attention of everyone on the beach and on television.


The chorus contains the repetition of the line "Her name is Rio, and she dances on the sand," which signifies the importance of Rio in the lyrics. The song suggests that the dancer is aware of the beauty she possesses and that people are attracted to her because of it. It highlights how people can be fascinated by someone's personality, but at the same time, once that person's charm fades away, the crowd moves on to the next fascination.


Overall, Rio is a tribute to the beauty and charm of a woman. Its lyrics convey that people are fascinated by good looks and that even if it is the only thing that is attractive, it can still capture people's attention. The song's energy is lively, and the rhythm is upbeat, which is a perfect reflection of the joyousness that is present in the song lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

Moving on the floor now babe you're a bird of paradise
As you dance, you move gracefully like a bird in paradise.


Cherry ice cream smile I suppose it's very nice
Your smile is sweet like cherry ice cream and it makes me happy.


With a step to your left and a flick to the right
Your dance moves are precise as you step to the left and flick to the right.


You catch the mirror way out west
You catch your reflection in the mirror far in the west, showing your confidence and radiance.


You know you're something special and you look like you're the best.
You are aware of your exceptional qualities and you look like the best dancer around.


Her name is rio and she dances on the sand
The woman's name is Rio and she dances gracefully on the sand, like a river flowing in a dusty land.


Just like that river twisting through a dustly land
Her movements are like the twisting of the river that flows through a dry, desert-like land.


And when she shines she really shows you all she can
When she comes into the spotlight, she shows how remarkable she is.


Oh rio rio dancer across the rio grande
Rio, the dancer dances across the Rio Grande, from the mountains in the north to the southern plains.


I've seen you on the beach and I've seen you on tv
I have seen you dance on the beach, as well as on TV.


Two of a billion stars, it means so much to me -
Out of the countless stars, you two are especially significant to me.


Like a birthday or a pretty view
You are as special to me as a birthday or a beautiful scenery.


But then I'm sure that you know it's just for you.
However, I'm aware that these feelings are exclusive to you.


Her name is rio and she don't need to understand
Rio, the dancer, doesn't need to comprehend the depth of her impact.


And I might find her it I'm looking like I can
I might find Rio if I make an effort to do so.


Oh rio rio hear them shout across the land
People across the land are shouting and talking about Rio, the dancer.


From mountains in the north down to the rio grande
From the mountains in the northern regions to the Rio Grande, Rio's dance and fame has spread all over the place.




Contributed by Olivia R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

CJ H

Thanks for posting! Read about this, but had never heard it. Awesome!

Vince Hurley

Such a fantastic version of this song. The Floyds, The Marvelous 3, and Butch Walker rock the most!

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