The Miracles (known from 1965 to 1972 as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles) … Read Full Bio ↴The Miracles (known from 1965 to 1972 as Smokey Robinson and the Miracles) are an American rhythm and blues group from Detroit, Michigan, notable as the first successful group act for Berry Gordy's Motown Records. The Miracles went on to become one of Motown's signature acts of the 1960s, during which time their original lead singer and founding member Smokey Robinson became one of the most successful songwriters and record producers of all time.
During their nineteen year run on the American music charts, The Miracles charted over fifty hits and recorded in the genres of doo wop, soul, disco, and R&B. Twenty-six Miracles songs reached the Top Ten of the Billboard R&B singles chart, including four R&B number ones. Sixteen of the Miracles' songs charted within the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100, with seven songs charting within the Top Ten and two - 1970's "The Tears of a Clown" and 1975's "Love Machine" (Part 1) - reaching number-one.

Original members:

Ronald "Ronnie" White (1955–1978, 1980–1983, 1993–1995 (died 1995)
Warren "Pete" Moore (1955–1978) (died 2017)
William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (1955–1972)
Claudette Robinson (1956 - 1972, 2005 -2011)
Marvin "Marv" Tarplin (1958 - 1973) (died 2011)

Land of a Thousand Dances
The Miracles Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

One, two, three!
One, two, three!
You gotta know how to pony like Bony Maronie
Mashed Potato, do the Alligator
Put your hands on your hips, let your back-bone slip
Do the Watusi, like my little Lucy
Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na.
Need somebody to help me say it one time

Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na.
You know I feel alright.
Feel pretty good y'all.

Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na.
Need somebody to help me say it one time
Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na.
Dance with me honey, like Long Tall Sally
Twistin' with Lucy, doin the Watusi
Gotta hold of your back, I like it like that

Do the Jerk, watch me work
Ah, do it!

Overall Meaning

The Miracles's song Land of a Thousand Dances is a dance party anthem that celebrates different styles of dancing. The song begins with counting in one, two, three, and then leads into the lyrics describing various dance moves such as the Pony, Mashed Potato, Alligator, Watusi, and Jerk. The song encourages the listener to join in the party and dance along with the singer. It's a high energy song that makes the audience feel alive and immersed in the moment. The repeated use of "Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na" not only serves as a catchy hook, but it also gives a sense of inclusivity and unity that comes with being part of a group dancing and singing together.

The lyrics are simple and direct, and the song doesn't have a deeper meaning other than celebrating the joy of dancing. It was released in 1962 and became a hit, inspiring many other artists to record their version of the song. The Miracles's version stands out with its catchy beat and the soulful energy that the singer infuses into every word. It's a song that has stood the test of time for over 50 years and continues to be a favorite at dance parties.

Line by Line Meaning

One, two, three!
The song is about different moves in dancing and the first line here symbolizes the start of the dance steps.

You gotta know how to pony like Bony Maronie
To dance properly, you should have the skill of moving your hips like Bony Maronie did in his time.

Mashed Potato, do the Alligator
The singer is referring to the popular dance styles at the time which was doing the mashed potato and the alligator moves.

Put your hands on your hips, let your back-bone slip
The dance moves include putting your hands on your hips and relaxing your back in order to execute the dance movements smoothly.

Do the Watusi, like my little Lucy
The Watusi is a dance move that requires grace and fluidity of movement, and the singer wants to see his dance partner do it like his little girl Lucy.

Na, na na na na, na na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na na.
The lyrics here are more like a filler and do not hold any meaning.

Need somebody to help me say it one time
The singer is asking for someone to join him in singing the chorus for emphasis.

You know I feel alright.
The singer is having a good time dancing and feels great about the experience.

Dance with me honey, like Long Tall Sally
The singer wants his partner to dance with him and mimic the dance moves of a famous dancer named Long Tall Sally.

Twistin' with Lucy, doin the Watusi
The singer wants to continue dancing and is inviting his partner to join him in twisting and doing the Watusi dance moves.

Gotta hold of your back, I like it like that
The singer likes holding his partner's back as they dance together and is encouraging them to keep dancing close to him.

Do the Jerk, watch me work
The Jerk is another dance style, and the singer is showing off his moves while encouraging his partner to dance along too.

Ah, do it!
The singer is urging his partner to dance with him and enjoy the moment.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Christopher Kenner

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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