About the song
“Dancing on the Ceiling,” Lionel Richie’s third solo studio album, stands as a pivotal release in his career, showcasing his evolution as both a songwriter and performer. Released on August 5, 1986, the album initially carried the working title “Say You, Say Me,” inspired by Richie’s Academy Award-winning track featured in the film ‘White Nights.’ However, Richie opted to rename the album after another standout track, reflecting a shift in his creative direction.
After gaining immense success with his first two solo albums, ‘Lionel Richie’ and ‘Can’t Slow Down,’ which collectively sold millions of copies and garnered critical acclaim, Richie entered the studio in 1985 to begin crafting what would become ‘Dancing on the Ceiling.’ This period coincided with Richie’s involvement in humanitarian efforts like “We Are the World,” influencing his songwriting with a deeper social awareness.
The album’s production spanned over a year and a half, during which Richie meticulously curated a blend of musical styles. From heartfelt ballads to up-tempo tracks, ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ aimed to encapsulate Richie’s diverse musical interests while maintaining his signature sound. Critics generally praised the album upon its release, noting Richie’s ability to blend mainstream pop appeal with introspective lyricism.
Anthony Decurtis of Rolling Stone commended the album, highlighting its high points such as “Say You, Say Me,” while noting occasional dips into what he termed Richie’s “saccharine excesses.” Similarly, Robert Hilburn of the Los Angeles Times appreciated Richie’s attempt to infuse social commentary into his music, finding it added a layer of depth to the album’s narrative.
Conversely, Robert Christgau of The Village Voice, while giving ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ a positive rating overall, critiqued certain tracks for their tendency towards sentimentality. Nevertheless, the album’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to capture Lionel Richie’s growth as an artist, balancing commercial success with artistic integrity.
Following the album’s release and subsequent success, Lionel Richie took a significant hiatus from releasing entirely new material, marking ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ as a cornerstone of his solo career. Its impact resonates as a testament to Richie’s ability to adapt and innovate within the realm of popular music, solidifying his status as a global icon.
Video
Lyrics
Man, what in the world is happening down here in the hall?
I wouldn’t have a clue, let’s go check this thing out
Woo!
What is happening here?
Something’s going on that’s not quite clear
Somebody turn on the lights
We’re gonna have a party, it’s starting tonight
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
The room is hot and that’s good
Some of my friends came by from the neighborhood
The people startin’ a-climb the walls
Ooh, it looks like everybody is having a ball
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Oh, oh what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Come on!
Woo!
Alright
Everybody starts to lose control when the music is right
If you see somebody hangin’ around don’t get up-tight
The only thing we wanna do tonight
Is go ’round and ’round and turn upside down
Come on let’s get down!
(Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey)
So come on, let’s get loose
Don’t hold back ’cause ain’t no use
Hard to keep your feet on the ground
‘Cause when we like to party we only wanna get down
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling, baby
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Say what?
Can’t stop now
Just getting started
Everybody clap your hands
Come on
Everybody let’s dance
Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Baby, baby
Oh, we gonna dance all night