Born and raised in Oakland, California, Zendaya began her career as a child model and backup dancer. She made her television debut as Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up (2010–2013) and starred as the titular character in the sitcom K.C. Undercover (2015–2018), for the channel. Her feature film debut came in 2017 with the superhero film Spider-Man: Homecoming, and she later starred in its sequels. Zendaya's role as Rue Bennett, a struggling drug-addicted teenager, in the HBO teen drama series Euphoria (2019–present) made her the youngest recipient of the Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, which she won twice. Her film roles include the musical The Greatest Showman (2017), the romantic drama Malcolm & Marie (2021), and the science fiction epic Dune (2021).
In addition to her acting career, Zendaya has ventured into music. In 2011, she released the singles "Swag It Out" and "Watch Me", the latter a collaboration with Bella Thorne. She signed with Hollywood Records in 2012. Her eponymous debut studio album, Zendaya (2013), was released to moderate success. The album's lead single, "Replay", reached the top 40 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Zendaya's biggest commercial success as a musician came with her Zac Efron collaboration, "Rewrite the Stars", from The Greatest Showman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) in 2017. The single reached within the top 20 of several record charts and has received multi-platinum sales certifications globally.
Having already collaborated with Labrinth on the song "All for Us" for Euphoria's first season, in 2022 Zendaya co-wrote two songs ("I’m Tired (with Zendaya) - Bonus Track" and "Elliot's Song") for the second season, also performing as a vocalist on the former. Receiving continued acclaim for her performance as Rue, the second season of Euphoria earned her four Emmy nominations. Nominated for Lead Actress in a Drama for the second time, she became the youngest two-time nominee in Emmy history, while her nomination as an executive producer for Outstanding Drama Series made her the youngest woman ever nominated for producing. She received two nominations for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for her lyrical contributions to the show's soundtrack. In 2023, Zendaya won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama at the 80th Golden Globe Awards and received a Screen Actors Guild Awards nomination.
On April 22, 2023, during the second weekend of Coachella 2023, Zendaya joined Labrinth in a surprise performance of "All for Us" and "I'm Tired", which marked her return to the stage in 8 years. She was featured on the opening song "The Feels" of Labrinth's third album Ends & Begins.
Something to Dance For
Zendaya Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A dream like this not something you ask for
When it's a gift worth taking a chance for
Then this is something you dance for
Hey yeah, yeah,
Oh, this is something you dance for
Who will fall, who will survive
That's the moment when you find it inside
On the line, this is your time
And it's all I want
And it's all I do
A dream like this, not something you wish for
A dream like this not something you ask for
When it's a gift worth taking a chance for
Then this is something you dance for
Can you believe it are you feeling alive?
Hit your mark, ready to rise
Your body's aching but your heart doesn't mind
Feet on the ground, eyes on the prize
And it's all I want
And it's all I do
A dream like this not something you wish for
A dream like this not something you ask for
When it's a gift worth taking a chance for
Then this is something you dance for
A dream like this not something you wish for
A dream like this not something you ask for
When it's a gift worth taking a chance for
Then this is something you dance for
For the love, for the fame
To bring down the rain
By the way that you feel, when they're calling your name
For the days nothing more, it's just you on the floor
Oh this is something you dance for
A dream like this not something you wish for
A dream like this not something you ask for
When it's a gift worth taking a chance for
Then this is something you dance for
A dream like this not something you wish for
A dream like this not something you ask for
When it's a gift worth taking a chance for
Then this is something you dance for
The lyrics of Zendaya's song Something to Dance For are about chasing your dreams and taking risks. The first verse emphasizes that a dream like this is not something you wish for, but it is a gift worth taking a chance for. The chorus repeats this message, that when you have a dream worth pursuing, it is worth dancing for. The second verse touches on the hard work and persistence it takes to achieve your goals, even when you feel exhausted, your heart still wants to pursue your passion.
Furthermore, the song also highlights the excitement and exhilaration that comes when you finally reach your goal. It mentions fame and success, but it also acknowledges the importance of personal satisfaction, and the joy that comes from doing what you love. The phrase "for the love, for the fame, to bring down the rain" suggests that the performer is pursuing their passion, not just for external validation, but because it is fulfilling for them. The message of the song is clear - find something that makes you want to dance, work hard towards it, and celebrate when you achieve it.
Line by Line Meaning
A dream like this, not something you wish for
A dream of this magnitude is not something that you can merely desire in your heart
A dream like this not something you ask for
You cannot simply ask for this kind of dream to become a reality
When it's a gift worth taking a chance for
When it's something so valuable that you're willing to take a risk for
Then this is something you dance for
Then this is something worth celebrating through dance
Hey yeah, yeah,
An expression of excitement and enthusiasm
Oh, this is something you dance for
This is an experience that demands to be celebrated through dance
There's a moment when you look to the side
A moment of introspection during which you take a look at yourself and your surroundings
Who will fall, who will survive
A moment of reckoning when you question who will persevere and who will stumble
That's the moment when you find it inside
That's when you discover your true strength within
On the line, this is your time
This is your moment of truth, where you can shine and showcase what you're capable of
And it's all I want
This is the only thing that I truly desire
And it's all I do
This is the sole focus of all my energy and effort
Can you believe it are you feeling alive?
Are you capable of comprehending this wonderful reality and feeling fully invigorated?
Hit your mark, ready to rise
You're ready to take your best shot and elevate your position
Your body's aching but your heart doesn't mind
Despite the physical strain, your heart is still filled with excitement and anticipation
Feet on the ground, eyes on the prize
You are grounded and focused on the ultimate goal
For the love, for the fame
You're embarking on this journey for the sake of love and recognition
To bring down the rain
To make a significant impact or achievement
By the way that you feel, when they're calling your name
The feeling you experience when people recognize and acknowledge your efforts
For the days nothing more, it's just you on the floor
You're putting in the work and the effort every single day, solely for yourself
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JEANNIE LURIE, ARISTEIDIS ARCHONTIS, CHEN NEEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ceciliacantarilho4686
I wish Disney was still like this, when they had killer music.
@leti19
Omg yes same
@FitnessSweets
With ANT Farm too
@haleyk2376
Hell yeah
@atferbilgin133
Hey I really wanna like your comment but it will be the 421st so im taking it back until you say otherwise:)
@tbkp18
I like the dance so much
@robertmunoz6598
Throwback to when this was on every commercial break
this and the remicks
@patriciamercurio6681
Yessss
@lanakrusic6012
🥺 the good times
@medici__
LMAO right