Monroe sang with some of the "Big Bands" of the '40s era, but his music transcended that style to become a popular radio and television personality - like Perry Como, Dean Martin, etc.
Ballerina
Vaughn Monroe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And do your pirouette in rhythm with your achin' heart
Dance, ballerina, dance
You mustn't once forget a dancer has to dance the part
Whirl, ballerina, whirl
And just ignore the chair that's empty in the second row
This is your moment, girl
Once, you said his love must wait its turn
You wanted fame instead
I guess that's your concern
We live and learn
And love is gone, ballerina, gone
So, on with your career, you can't afford a backward glance
Dance on and on and on
A thousand people here have come to see the show
As 'round and 'round you go
So, ballerina, dance
Dance, dance
Once, you said his love must wait its turn
You wanted fame instead
I guess that's your concern
We live and learn
And love is gone, ballerina, gone
So, on with your career, you can't afford a backward glance
Dance on and on and on
A thousand people here have come to see the show
As 'round and 'round you go
So, ballerina, dance
Dance, dance, dance, dance
The song "Ballerina" by Vaughn Monroe is a tribute to a dancer who is performing on stage despite carrying a broken heart. The first verse tells the ballerina to dance in synchronicity with her heart, which is paining due to the unreciprocated love. She is asked to dance her part correctly because as a performer, she has a duty towards her audience. In the second verse, the ballerina is encouraged to whirl and not pay heed to an empty chair in the second row, probably belonging to her love interest who is not there to support her. Although the man is not there to clap for her, it is her moment to shine, and she should not miss this opportunity.
The third verse is a reflection of her past decisions. She had once wanted love to wait and had opted for fame instead. It showcases her choice and the realization that love is gone. This realization now propels her to focus on her career and not look back. The song ends with an emphasis on dance, and the ballerina is asked to keep dancing on and on because a thousand people have come to see her. The chorus repeats the words "dance, dance, dance" to iterate the importance of the art form and its meditative quality.
Line by Line Meaning
Dance, ballerina, dance
Keep dancing, ballerina
And do your pirouette in rhythm with your achin' heart
Dance in a way that reflects the pain of your heart
You mustn't once forget a dancer has to dance the part
Remember that as a dancer, you must always fulfill your role
Whirl, ballerina, whirl
Spin quickly, ballerina
And just ignore the chair that's empty in the second row
Don't pay attention to the empty seat in the audience
This is your moment, girl
This is your time to shine, girl
Although he's not out there applauding as you steal the show
Even if he's not there to support you, continue to perform and impress
Once, you said his love must wait its turn
You once prioritized his love over your career
You wanted fame instead
But now you value fame more
I guess that's your concern
I suppose that's what matters to you
We live and learn
We learn from our mistakes
And love is gone, ballerina, gone
Your love is gone, ballerina
So, on with your career, you can't afford a backward glance
Move on with your career and don't look back
Dance on and on and on
Keep dancing endlessly
A thousand people here have come to see the show
There are many people in the audience watching you perform
As 'round and 'round you go
As you spin around and around
So, ballerina, dance
Keep dancing, ballerina
Dance, dance, dance, dance
Keep dancing, again and again
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: Carl Sigman, Bob Russell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sarah
My grandfather loved this song, and he'd always try to sing like vaughn. I miss him every day
Swingman 56
I still try to sing like Vaughn. It's not so easy, now that my pipes are 65 years old, lol.
George Daws
I can remember hearing this on radio when I was a kid in the 50's :)
My My
This guy really had a unique voice
AtomicGhost 77
This song makes me smile, this was on a record my grandfather had that was apart of a collection of 30s and 40s songs. He passed away years ago now but, i think he would appreciate the fact I love music like this if he was still alive today.
Nastya Khanzhova
Such an amazing song. It was sampled in one of boogie belgique's songs and that's how I found it. I'm 27 and in love with this voice and the lyrics
Restoration Archive
Wow. I'm a little kid again. This was one of my Mom's records, back in the day when stereos played 78s with a needle you flipped over.
RubyGrace Moseley
I love Vaughn Monroe! I really don’t listen to him as much as I do other artists of that time because I’ve heard them more. But his voice is so unique and good…When I was little I LOVED the song Ghost Riders In The Sky. Still love all of his songs even a decade and more later
Naudy Virguez
Una de mis canciones favoritas de toda la vida.
Amrut Warty
What a "royal voice"! Commands respect. Just too good!