Story Behind The Song
I love to dance, and I love dancers. I studied for a long time; but sadly, I am not very good. In 1989, I was dating a dancer. She and I were both at a pivotal point in our artistic careers. We had no money; but it seemed that no matter how bad things were when we danced together, all of the problems of the world disappeared. So thus in the chorus, everything is ok when I dance with you. The song musically is a rock power ballad, but I am a fan of punk, Prince, metal, Hard Rock, Led Zeppelin, and Big Band music, etc. All of those influences come through. The diminished chords, which is common in Big Band music, at the end of the first verse were a perfect seque between the first and second verse. The modulation into the guitar solo and ending the song without a resolution was the best way to communicate the power and the endlessness of love as well as something that Prince would do in my opinion. The feel of the song is part Prince, 'Purple Rain' and a Led Zeppelin ballad.
Song Description
Love song using dance as a metaphor for how someone can make you feel when you are deeply in love. A young man professes his love for his partner. She believes in him in some ways more than he believes in himself. He has a dream even though the world is against them. They have nothing, no money in a drafty, cold apartment; but when they dance, the world disappears. All that is left is their love.
| Song Length |
4:24 |
Genre |
Rock - Modern, Rock - General |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Duet Male/Female |
| Subject |
General |
Similar Artists |
Prince, Aerosmith |
| Language |
English |
Era |
1990 - 1999 |
Lyrics
Bills are piling up on the floor
But the money's all been spent
Landlord's knocking on the door
Says he wants the rent
Me, I'm looking for a job
Walking in these wholy shoes
Guitar strings are broken girl
I can't even sing the blues.
(Chorus)
Baby, oh baby everything is ok
When I dance with you
I want to go back to school
But there is no student loan
And your parents are calling out to you
But they disconnected the phone
And me, I'm staring at you
In your T-shirt and blue jeans
I want to buy you a mansion girl
But all I got is a pocket full of dreams.
(Chorus)
The wind is blowing oh so cold
And there is no heat inside
With no money in my pocket girl
I'm so ashamed I want to run and hide.
But you turn up the radio
You say "They're playing our favorite song,"
So hold me close and hold me tight and
Dance with me baby all night long.
(Chorus)
© 1989 Rod Song ASCAP