The song was released as a single in the United States on March 10, 1998, reaching number 63 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The Mavericks also convinced their record label, MCA Records, to issue the song in Europe; this was done on April 20 of the same year. Following its European release, the single peaked at number nine on the Irish Singles Chart and number four on the UK Singles Chart. It continues to be one of the band's most enduring hits.
In an interview with Songwriting, a British online magazine, Mavericks lead singer Raul Malo revealed that "Dance the Night Away" was a "happy accident". He first played the chords of E, B, and B7 on his guitar, and over the course of the afternoon, he continued to build up the song and finish the writing. After he recorded the demo track, he realized that all the parts of the song were already present, so the rest of the Mavericks copied the demo track. Malo went on to say that the demo recording gave him the confidence to arrange music. When he presented the song to his record label, MCA Records, they responded positively but were indecisive about what to do with it. The band suggested releasing the song in the United Kingdom and Europe, which they eventually accomplished. The band promoted the song in the UK by performing it on the National Lottery show, which subsequently led to its chart debut.
In North America, "Dance the Night Away" became a minor hit on the American and Canadian country charts. In the US, it peaked at number 63 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, while it Canada, it reached number 72 on the RPM Country 100. In March 1998, the song picked up airplay in the Netherlands, attaining peaks of number 23 on the Dutch Top 40 and number 25 on the Single Top 100.
Following its official European release in April, the song charted in Ireland and the United Kingdom. In the latter country, the single debuted at number nine on the UK Singles Chart, spent three weeks rising and falling in the top 10, then peaked at number four on May 24, 1998. It went on to spend a further 13 weeks in the top 100, and at the end of the year, it was ranked as the UK's 26th-highest-selling hit. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) awarded the record a Platinum certification in April 2020 for sales and streaming figures of over 600,000. In Ireland, it debuted on the Irish Singles Chart on April 30 and reached number nine. It also charted in Germany, where it rose to number 66 for two weeks in late July 1998.
"Dance the Night Away" is the Mavericks' most popular song. During his interview with Songwriter, Malo said that he was shocked by the song's success, but he also felt that it was not the band's best work. He claimed that although he did not despise the song, he felt its success prevented people from investigating the band and their music much further. However, he ultimately decided that he was content with the "beautiful" results of the song's fame.
Dance The Night Away
The Mavericks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Right back to where it should have been
'Cause now she's gone and I am free
And she can't do a thing to me
I just wanna dance the night away
With senoritas who can sway
Right now tomorrow's lookin' bright
And if you should see her
Please let her know that I'm well
As you can tell
And if she should tell you
That she wants me back
Tell her no
I gotta go
I just wanna dance the night away
With senoritas who can sway
Right now tomorrow's lookin' bright
Just like the sunny mornin' light
And if you should see her
Please let her know that I'm well
As you can tell
And if she should tell you
That she wants me back
Tell her no
I gotta go
I just wanna dance the night away
With senoritas who can sway
Right now tomorrow's lookin' bright
Just like the sunny mornin' light
I just wanna dance the night away
With senoritas who can sway
Right now tomorrow's lookin' bright
Just like the sunny mornin' light
The Mavericks’ song “Dance the Night Away” is a classic upbeat tune about newfound freedom and the joys of living in the moment. The lyrics are sung by a man who has just come out of a relationship and is now embracing his newfound freedom. He is happy to be free and wants to dance the night away with beautiful women who can sway. He feels optimistic about the future, and tomorrow is looking bright, just like the sunny morning light.
The lyrics are straightforward, and the tone of the song is carefree and joyful. The singer has let go of his past relationship, and he wants to move on and enjoy his newfound freedom. He is not interested in getting back with his ex and only wants to live in the moment and have fun.
Overall, “Dance the Night Away” is a fun and catchy song that celebrates the joys of living life to the fullest, even after a relationship has ended.
Line by Line Meaning
Here comes my happiness again
My joy has returned and I feel content once more
Right back to where it should have been
My joy has been restored to its rightful place in my life
'Cause now she's gone and I am free
Since I am no longer with her, I am liberated and able to enjoy myself
And she can't do a thing to me
The absence of my former partner means that there is nothing she can do to affect my happiness
I just wanna dance the night away
All I want is to dance and enjoy myself without any cares or concerns
With senoritas who can sway
I want to dance with attractive and captivating women who can move to the music
Right now tomorrow's lookin' bright
My future appears to be promising and full of opportunities
Just like the sunny mornin' light
My prospects are as bright as a beautiful, sunny morning
And if you should see her Please let her know that I'm well
If you happen to encounter my former partner, please convey to her that I am doing fine
As you can tell
It should be evident from my carefree attitude and demeanor that I am thriving
And if she should tell you That she wants me back
In the event that she expresses the desire to reconcile with me,
Tell her no
Please inform her that it is not an option for me
I gotta go
I have other plans and priorities, and cannot be swayed from them
I just wanna dance the night away
Once again, all I desire is to enjoy myself by dancing and having a good time
With senoritas who can sway
I want to be surrounded by beautiful women who are graceful and rhythmic dancers
Right now tomorrow's lookin' bright
My future still appears bright and full of promise
Just like the sunny mornin' light
The prospects of my future are as luminous as a pleasant, sunny morning
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RAUL MALO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Cochran
The Greatest Break Up song ever written
@peterlynch7384
What a wonderful song, and acting too, my hat is off to this fabulous group !! I'm 82 and my fantastic wife is 78 and going strong !!
@chrishogan2984
Aw so lovely stay safe take cake care its nice to see other people are still in love bless you
@wassuphomies263
I hope you have many more amazing years with your wife. Take care.
@susannahsears3041
You effing go, Grandpa! You and your lady are Awesome. This gives me so much hope as I age. :)
@SB-hr1ti
Fabulous Peter! Im 27 and this was one of my dads favourite songs. He passed away 3 years ago.
Brings me so much joy ❤️❤️
@theresaclancy6586
Well done to you and your wife it's a great dance song
@michellecagnasso6912
Had this song play at my dad's funeral, everyone was desperate to dance as wrong as it was. Love you Dad, 08-06-48 -27-10-16♥️♥️
@jeffstevens9105
Nothing wrong with that all. I’m in my 70’s and want this song at my funeral. Love the thought of everyone dancing and not feeling too sad.🙂🙂
@ksb4ha
Hey, if it’s a celebration of his life, why not? I had a polka band play after my dad’s funeral.