The dance
Tony Arata Lyrics


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Looking back to the memory of
The dance we shared 'before the stars alone
For a moment all the world was right
How could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye

And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance

Holding you I held everything
For a moment wasn't I a king
But if I'd only known how the king would fall
Hey who's to say you know I might have chanced it all

And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance





Yes my life is better left to chance
I could have missed the pain but I'd of had to miss the dance

Overall Meaning

Tony Arata's song The Dance explores the theme of accepting life's inherent unpredictability and embracing the present moment. The song begins by looking back at a cherished memory of a dance shared with someone special, a moment where everything felt perfect, and the world was right. However, as the song progresses, the singer reflects on how the dance ended in heartache, and acknowledges that if they had known how it would all end, they might not have taken the chance on that dance. Nonetheless, they express gratitude for experiencing that moment because it was still worth it, even if it meant enduring the pain that came later.


The lyrics of the song suggest that life often brings us moments of intense joy and fulfillment, but also pain and heartache. However, these moments are interconnected, and it's impossible to experience one without the other. Thus, it's better to live life spontaneously, take risks, and enjoy the present moment because ultimately, it's these moments that make life worth living. At its core, The Dance is an ode to living life fully, embracing uncertainty, and being grateful for the experiences that make us who we are.


Line by Line Meaning

Looking back to the memory of
Reflecting on the past and recalling


The dance we shared 'before the stars alone
The time we spent dancing under the stars


For a moment all the world was right
Everything felt perfect for that fleeting moment


How could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye
It was impossible to predict that you would leave


And now I'm glad I didn't know
Looking back, I'm glad I didn't have foresight


The way it all would end the way it all would go
How our story would conclude


Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
It's better not to know the future because it could save us from hurt


But I'd of had to miss the dance
However, then we would miss out on the beautiful moments


Holding you I held everything
Being with you meant the world to me


For a moment wasn't I a king
In that moment, I felt invincible


But if I'd only known how the king would fall
If I had known that moment was fleeting and would soon be over


Hey who's to say you know I might have chanced it all
But even if I knew, I might have still taken the chance


Yes my life is better left to chance
Overall, it's better to live life without knowing what will happen


I could have missed the pain but I'd of had to miss the dance
Because then, we would miss out on the beautiful moments and experiences




Lyrics © Roba Music Verlag GMBH, Ambavi, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, ONErpm, Unison Rights S.L., Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tony Arata

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@debbiematthew4769

Thank you for writing one of the best songs ever written. It continues to help me through my husband's passing! God bless.

@thelastjohnwayne

I am sorry for your loss but Keep on going, keep on fighting.

@billgausman5887

Tony, this is such a beautiful and heart wrenching song! I can not sing through it without choking up. Garth's version is so good, and I'm glad that he recorded it, otherwise we might have never been blessed by hearing it. But hearing you sing it yourself is so special that I'm lost for words! Thank you!

@cak8132

What a gift to be able to write songs. To write a song like “The Dance” is a blessing and a miracle. Thank you, Tony.

@trdougherty

I really never tire of listening to Tony sing this beautiful song. ... I know everyone has the right to an opinion, but it's tough to understand how there are 15 "thumbs down'' in the ratings.

@indy_go_blue6048

It's too complex for modern ears. There's no throbbing 2 or 3 bass notes repeated over and over and it doesn't talk about screwing some bitch or killing a cop or rival.

@tommyphil4713

Ya but there’s over 400 likes you there too my man, that negativity is out weighed for sure

@stevenwoods6093

Cos...a lot of people know less than zero about what a soulful performance is.

@andyc3499

One of the greatest songs ever written! God bless you Tony Arata

@bradr1913

This is the best version of this song. Tony has such a traditional sound makes the culture strong.

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