In mid 1968 the band moved from Ithaca, NY, to the Fashion District of New York City. While in New York City the band recorded their first LP "Boffalongo" which was released December 31, 1968, in a psychedelic/progressive rock style.
The second, and final, LP. "Beyond Your Head", saw a change of style and line-up, introducing a country rock flavor to the group's sound. The album featured the now well-known song 'Dancing in the Moonlight' (written and sung by then lead singer Sherman Kelly) that was later covered by King Harvest (in 1972) and Toploader (in 2000). Both albums were produced by Steve and Eric Nathanson, who also worked with Omnibus and Music Asylum.
When the group disbanded, several members went on to form King Harvest and later Orleans.
Dancing in the Moonlight
boffalongo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And when that old moon gets so big and bright
It's a supernatural delight
Everybody was dancin' in the moonlight
Everybody here is outta sight
They don't bark and they don't bite
They keep things loose, they keep things light
Dancin' in the moonlight
Everybody's feelin' warm and right
It's such a fine and natural sight
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
We like our fun and we never fight
You can't dance and stay uptight
It's a supernatural delight
Everybody was dancin' in the moonlight
Dancin' in the moonlight
Everybody's feelin' warm and right
It's such a fine and natural sight
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
Everybody here is outta sight
They don't bark and they don't bite
They keep things loose, they keep things light
Everybody was dancin' in the moonlight
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
Everybody's feelin' warm and right
It's such a fine and natural sight
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
Everybody is dancin' in the moonlight
Everybody's feelin' warm and right
It's such a fine and natural sight
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
Everybody's feelin' warm and right
It's such a fine and natural sight
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
Everybody's feelin' warm and right
It's such a fine and natural sight
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
The lyrics to Boffalongo's "Dancing in the Moonlight" describe an idyllic scene of people dancing under the moonlight. The song captures the mood of carefree joy and celebration that comes with a group of people having fun and feeling "warm and right" together. The "supernatural delight" of the moonlight seems to inspire a sense of freedom and abandon, as people let go of their inhibitions and enjoy the moment.
The lyrics also suggest a sense of community and inclusivity, as everyone is "outta sight" and there is no fighting or biting. Instead, things are kept loose and light, and everyone is welcome to join in the dancing. The idea that "you can't dance and stay uptight" suggests that the act of dancing is a way of letting go of stress and tension, and embracing the moment.
Overall, the lyrics to "Dancing in the Moonlight" paint a picture of a joyful and harmonious gathering, where people come together to celebrate and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Line by Line Meaning
We get it on most every night
We dance under the moon pretty much every night
And when that old moon gets so big and bright
And when the moon is full and bright
It's a supernatural delight
It's a magical and delightful experience
Everybody was dancin' in the moonlight
Everyone was dancing under the moonlight
They don't bark and they don't bite
Everyone is carefree and friendly
They keep things loose, they keep things light
People here are relaxed and easy-going
Dancin' in the moonlight
Dancing under the moon
Everybody's feelin' warm and right
Everyone is feeling happy and content
It's such a fine and natural sight
It's a beautiful and natural sight to behold
We like our fun and we never fight
We enjoy ourselves and don't argue
You can't dance and stay uptight
It's impossible to be nervous while dancing
Everybody was dancin' in the moonlight
Everyone was enjoying themselves under the moon
Everybody here is outta sight
Everyone is really cool and fun to be with
Everybody's dancin' in the moonlight
Everyone is having a great time dancing under the moon
Everybody is dancin' in the moonlight
Everyone is still dancing under the moon
Contributed by Alyssa S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Vito Tuxedo
Boffalongo was originally Keith Ginsberg (guitar), Basil Matychak (keyboards), Larry Hoppen (bass), and Ritchie Vitagliano (drums), on their first album.
On the second album (depicted here), the lineup changed. Keith had left the group, Larry switched to guitar, and Dave "Doc" Robinson played bass. That was the case for all the tracks except "Dancing In The Moonlight", where the lineup had changed to its third and final version in the studio: Larry (guitar), Doc (bass and keyboards), Sherman Kelly (keyboards and drums), Pete Giansante (drums, guitar, bass). All four sang.
The final studio lineup of the band recorded a third album with some great songs, all of which were original tunes written by the band members, including some tunes by Pete and Larry. One of them ("Reet Island") was inspired by the band's experience at New York Pop Festival at Randall's Island (1970), and their subsequent move to Ithaca, NY.
The band recorded "Dancing In The Moonlight" for that third album, but United Artists Records spotted it as a hit and put it on the second album, figuring it would help sales. But it's obvious that "Dancing" had a completely different sound and feel; it was a very different band.
Sadly, the third album is still "in the can", and probably will never see the light of day. Boffalongo was fed up with producers Eric & Steve Nathanson constantly changing the mixes after the band left the studio. Eric Blackstead (who produced the second Woodstock album) became the band's producer, but in the ensuing contractual scuffles, the Nathansons refused to hand over the studio tapes. It's a shame, really. The tracks recorded for the unreleased third album were the best music Boffalongo ever created.
KingHarvestMusic
This is the version Wells Kelly brought with him when he came to play with us in France. The rest is history.
izjc312
:)
riptidejim
hey me and my friends are making a little horror movie and we’d like to use this song in the intro of the movie, would it be ok??
kingofallwhites
Needs some Wurlitzer!
Maryam Amanda
💖💕 legends :) thank you for bringing this song out to the world.
Vito Tuxedo
@kingofallwhites – Actually, it has a Wurlitzer. Alas, unbeknownst to us and without our permission, the producer remixed it after we left the studio, running the Wurlitzer through a Leslie speaker on fast speed, which took all the balls out of the piano sound.
It never sounded like this when we played it live. It actually sounded much better.
johno4521
There is quite a sad story behind the writing of this song - Sherman Kelly says; "On a trip to St. Croix in 1969, I was the first victim of a vicious gang who eventually murdered 8 American tourists. At that time, I suffered multiple facial fractures and wounds and was left for dead. While I was recovering, I wrote "Dancin In The Moonlight" in which I envisioned an alternate reality, the dream of a peaceful and joyful celebration of life."
Anthony Huggett
Original is best ..
Vito Tuxedo
@Anthony Huggett – I completely agree.
...er, you are aware that THIS is the original, right?
Frank W. Butterfield
@Vito Tuxedo I'm just now hearing this version and have to agree this is the best.