Charles began her career as a backing vocalist and session artist, and recorded her first solo single in 1969 with a then-unknown Elton John singing backing vocals. In 1971 she made a record called "Joe" (about a little puppy).
She provided the lead vocals for 5000 Volts' 1975 disco hit "I'm On Fire". Although not publicly acknowledged as a group member at the time, Charles was considered to have a stronger voice than the group's official lead singer. The song reached number 4 in the UK, and number 26 in the US.
Her big break came in 1975, when Indian-British music composer and producer Biddu, who had just enjoyed massive success worldwide composing the disco hit "Kung Fu Fighting" for Carl Douglas, composed and produced the single "I Love to Love" for her. The single spent three weeks at number one on the UK singles chart in February 1976 and was major hit around the world. Biddu's collaboration continued on a future album and other huge hits like "Dance Little Lady Dance". Further hits, like "Love Me Like a Lover", "Dr. Love", "Rendezvous" and "Love Bug", made her a star throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, but she was never able to achieve success in the US.
By 1979 her career was somewhat in decline, and disco music was losing some of its public appeal. She married and had a child, and devoted herself for some years to family life, putting her singing career on the back burner.
In the mid 1980s she had a resurgence with a remix of "I Love to Love" which was produced by Sanny X. Since 2000, Charles has performed throughout Europe where disco music and her hit singles have been reappraised, and she has become a popular live performer.
Tina enjoyed yet another comeback as she was featured on a Top 5 Billboard hit called "Higher" in 2006, a song which was produced by longtime friend and associate Sanny X. She also signed a record deal in the US with Wizard Records, releasing an album entitled Listen 2 the Music in 2008.
http://www.tinacharles.com
I Can't Dance
Tina Charles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wanna tell you what's exactly on my mind
I will stay at home another night
While you're out makin' time
I'm well aware of where you go
And every girl you see
Cause whenever I confine you, boy
The phone begins to ring
I can't dance to the music you're playin'
Stop, think it over
And rewrite the tune
I can't dance to the music you're playin'
You better get yourself together
You'd better do it soon
Last Friday night the phone rang
You said it was little Joe
He had a one night stand to play
Down on cottage road
And you went down prepared to play
You weren't playin' with no band
Cause your sax was here at home all night
Behind your music stand
Repeat
I can't dance , I can't dance
I can't dance to what you're singin'
I can't dance to what you're playin'
Repeat
Now if you really love me
Then unpack your bags and stay
Don't tell me you got to think it over
Got to get away
I've taken all the medicine of yours
That I can't stand
Got to please change the description
Or I'll find another man
Repeat
In the song "I Can't Dance" by Tina Charles, the lyrics depict a situation where the singer is expressing frustration and dissatisfaction with her partner's actions and behavior. The first verse sets the stage, as the singer acknowledges that her partner goes out frequently and sees other girls. Whenever she attempts to restrict or control his actions, the phone starts ringing, implying that he receives calls from other women.
The chorus emphasizes the singer's inability to connect with her partner due to his actions. She can't dance to the music he's playing, which figuratively represents their relationship. The phrase "stop, think it over, and rewrite the tune" suggests that the partner needs to reconsider his behavior and make changes for the sake of their relationship.
The second verse recounts a specific incident that occurred on a Friday night, where the partner claimed to be playing a gig but went to have a one-night stand instead. The mention of the saxophone being at home behind the music stand implies that the partner lied about his whereabouts and used his musical instrument as an excuse.
The repetition of the chorus reinforces the singer's frustration and her inability to connect with the partner's actions and words. She can't dance or find enjoyment in what he is singing or playing, highlighting the dissonance between their emotions and desires.
In the final verse, the singer pleads with her partner to make a choice. She requests that he unpack his bags and stay if he truly loves her. She expresses her exhaustion from taking his "medicine," which could be interpreted as enduring his negative behavior or excuses. The threat of finding another man if he does not change suggests that the singer is at her breaking point and is seeking a resolution for their relationship. The repetition at the end of the song reinforces the singer's stance and her need for a change.
Line by Line Meaning
Little Babe
My dear
I wanna tell you what's exactly on my mind
I want to express my thoughts and feelings to you directly
I will stay at home another night
I will remain at home instead of going out
While you're out makin' time
While you are spending time with others
I'm well aware of where you go
I know exactly where you go
And every girl you see
And every girl you interact with
Cause whenever I confine you, boy
Because every time I try to restrict you
The phone begins to ring
The phone starts ringing with calls or messages from other people
I can't dance to the music you're playin'
I cannot enjoy or participate in the lifestyle you have chosen
Stop, think it over
Take a moment to reflect on your actions
And rewrite the tune
Change your behaviors and choices
You better get yourself together
You need to sort yourself out
You'd better do it soon
You should do it quickly
Last Friday night the phone rang
On the previous Friday night, the phone rang
You said it was little Joe
You claimed it was your friend named Joe
He had a one night stand to play
He had a temporary romantic encounter to engage in
Down on cottage road
In a location called cottage road
And you went down prepared to play
And you went there ready to participate
You weren't playin' with no band
You were not performing with a musical group
Cause your sax was here at home all night
Because your saxophone was at home throughout the entire night
Behind your music stand
Positioned behind your music stand
I can't dance , I can't dance
I cannot enjoy or participate
I can't dance to what you're singin'
I cannot find joy or relate to what you are expressing
I can't dance to what you're playin'
I cannot find joy or participate in the activities you engage in
Now if you really love me
Now, if you truly have feelings of love towards me
Then unpack your bags and stay
Then, unpack your belongings and commit to staying here
Don't tell me you got to think it over
Do not tell me that you need time to consider it
Got to get away
Must leave or escape from this situation
I've taken all the medicine of yours
I have endured all your hurtful actions
That I can't stand
That I cannot tolerate
Got to please change the description
You must alter your behavior
Or I'll find another man
Or I will find someone else to be with
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind