Formed in 1978 in London, the original band Hynde, lead and rhythm guitarist James Honeyman-Scott (died 1982), bassist Pete Farndon (died 1983), and drummer Martin Chambers. Save for Hynde, a native of Akron, Ohio, the original band members were all from the U.K. This band was fractured by the drug-related deaths of Honeyman-Scott and Farndon. Since then, numerous subsequent personnel changes have taken place over the years, with Hynde as the sole constant.
With Hynde at the helm, the band experienced a critical resurgence with a trio of albums released between the mid-90s and early 00s that explored a more mature side of the band’s classic sound.
In 2008, the Pretenders' album Break Up the Concrete was released through Shangri-La Music. It was the band's first Top 40 album in the US in 22 years.
In September 2012, as part of the entertainment line-up for the 2012 Singapore Grand Prix, the Pretenders re-grouped with Hynde and Chambers from the original line-up, along with Nick Wilkinson, James Walbourne and Eric Heywood.
dance
The Pretenders Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you will
Dance!
On your capitol hill
Dance!
If you can
Dance!
Like a twentieth century man
Take the people by the throat
Give 'em a reason to give you a vote
Take your audience up on stage
Let them think you're a sage
Dance!
If you want
Dance!
Like you've got a house to haunt
Dance!
Like a freak
Dance!
Like you needed it all week
Take your people by the hand
Tell 'em you'll get 'em to the promised land
Take your woman in the heat of the night
Make her think you're right
See'mon!
Dance!
Like a chimpanzee
Dance!
In the 'land of the free'
Dance!
Like a russian ballet
Dance!
Like a funky situe
Let 'em know that you're well read
Quote the things that jesus said
Lift your face and your whiskey neat
To get you up on your feet
See'mon!
The lyrics of The Pretenders' song "Dance" convey a message of power and control, as well as the importance of engaging with one's audience. The chorus repeats the word "dance" with increasing emphasis, urging the listener to move and take action. The line "Take the people by the throat" suggests a willingness to be forceful in order to gain support, while "Let them think you're a sage" implies a desire to be seen as wise and knowledgeable.
The second verse emphasizes the importance of getting people on your side by promising to lead them toward a brighter future. The line "Take your woman in the heat of the night / Make her think you're right" suggests that the singer is male and seeks to impress his female partner by convincing her of his ideas. The final verse urges the listener to use their intellect and wit to impress others, referencing both Jesus and whiskey as sources of inspiration. The final line, "To get you up on your feet," reinforces the idea that dancing is a symbol of action and power.
Line by Line Meaning
Dance!
Command to dance
If you will
Dance if you are willing to
On your capitol hill
Dance on a position of power
If you can
Dance if you are able to
Like a twentieth century man
Dance with modern style
Take the people by the throat
Take control of the people
Give 'em a reason to give you a vote
Persuade the people to vote for you
Take your audience up on stage
Get your supporters on your side
Let them think you're a sage
Convince them that you are wise
If you want
Dance if you desire to
Like you've got a house to haunt
Dance as if you have a purpose
Like a freak
Dance unconventionally
Like you needed it all week
Dance with great enthusiasm
Take your people by the hand
Guide your followers
Tell 'em you'll get 'em to the promised land
Promise to lead them to a better future
Take your woman in the heat of the night
Convince your romantic partner
Make her think you're right
Persuade her to agree with you
Dance!
Command to dance
Like a chimpanzee
Dance with unrestrained joy
In the 'land of the free'
Dance in the country of freedom
Like a russian ballet
Dance with grace and elegance
Like a funky situe
Dance in a unique and interesting way
Let 'em know that you're well read
Impress them with knowledge
Quote the things that jesus said
Use words of wisdom to persuade
Lift your face and your whiskey neat
Raise your spirits
To get you up on your feet
To motivate you to dance
See'mon!
Encouragement to dance
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: CHRISTINE HYNDE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tommy Wells
on Get Out of London
I don't think this song will do for a studio album.
It's because of the producer, George Acogny. He's the song producer of the movie.