About the song
“Dancing in the Dark” is one of Bruce Springsteen’s most iconic songs, released as the lead single from his 1984 album, “Born in the U.S.A.” Written by Springsteen himself, this song marked a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing a more pop-oriented sound that expanded his already substantial fan base. The track was produced by Jon Landau and Chuck Plotkin alongside Springsteen and became one of the biggest hits of his career.
The song’s inception came from a challenge. Bruce Springsteen was urged by his manager, Jon Landau, to write a hit single to complete the album. Frustrated but motivated, Springsteen penned “Dancing in the Dark” overnight. The result was a masterful blend of rock and pop, featuring a synthesizer riff that became instantly recognizable.
“Dancing in the Dark” achieved significant commercial success. It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Springsteen’s highest-charting single. Internationally, the song also performed well, reaching the top ten in numerous countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia. The music video, directed by Brian De Palma, further amplified its popularity, featuring a young Courteney Cox being pulled onstage to dance with Springsteen, a moment that became iconic in pop culture.
The song’s lyrics reflect themes of frustration and the desire for change, resonating with a wide audience. Springsteen’s earnest delivery, combined with the upbeat melody, created a contrast that captured the spirit of the times. “Dancing in the Dark” remains a staple in Springsteen’s live performances, often eliciting enthusiastic responses from audiences around the world.
Overall, “Dancing in the Dark” is not just a song but a significant piece of Bruce Springsteen’s legacy. It represents his ability to evolve as an artist and connect deeply with his audience, making it a timeless classic in the rock music canon.
Video
Lyrics
I get up in the evenin’
And I ain’t got nothin’ to say
I come home in the mornin’
I go to bed feelin’ the same way
I ain’t nothin’ but tired
Man, I’m just tired and bored with myself
Hey there, baby, I could use just a little help
You can’t start a fire
You can’t start a fire without a spark
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Messages keeps gettin’ clearer
Radio’s on and I’m movin’ ’round my place
I check my look in the mirror
Wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face
Man, I ain’t gettin’ nowhere
I’m just livin’ in a dump like this
There’s somethin’ happenin’ somewhere
Baby, I just know that there is
You can’t start a fire
You can’t start a fire without a spark
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
You sit around gettin’ older
There’s a joke here somewhere and it’s on me
I’ll shake this world off my shoulders
Come on, baby, the laugh’s on me
Stay on the streets of this town
And they’ll be carvin’ you up alright
They say you gotta stay hungry
Hey baby, I’m just about starvin’ tonight
I’m dyin’ for some action
I’m sick of sittin’ ’round here tryin’ to write this book
I need a love reaction
Come on now, baby, gimme just one look
You can’t start a fire
Sittin’ ’round cryin’ over a broken heart
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
You can’t start a fire
Worryin’ about your little world fallin’ apart
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Hey baby