About the song
“You Should Be Dancing,” a pivotal disco anthem by the Bee Gees from their 1976 album “Children of the World,” not only marked a significant shift in their musical style but also solidified their position as disco icons. This electrifying track soared to the top of the American Billboard Hot 100 charts for one week and dominated the US Hot Dance Club Play chart for an impressive seven weeks. In the UK, it peaked at No. 5, showcasing its international appeal.
Recorded with Barry Gibb delivering his distinctive falsetto vocals, “You Should Be Dancing” showcased the Bee Gees’ evolving sound and Barry’s newfound vocal technique. The song’s infectious rhythm and energetic vibe encapsulated the disco era’s essence, becoming a standout hit that propelled the Bee Gees into disco stardom. It was their first track to top the dance chart, further cementing their influence in the genre.
The song’s success extended beyond its initial release, as it was prominently featured on the soundtrack of the iconic film “Saturday Night Fever” a year later. This association with the film not only boosted its popularity but also solidified its place in pop culture history, ensuring its enduring legacy.
Originating from sessions at Criteria Studios, where Barry Gibb’s falsetto prowess was honed and perfected, “You Should Be Dancing” benefitted from contributions by notable musicians such as Stephen Stills, who added percussion during its recording. The song’s polished production and irresistible groove garnered praise from critics and fans alike, with Billboard hailing it as a “strong, uptempo disco cut” and Record World dubbing it an “across-the-board smash.”
Charting at No. 4 on the Billboard Soul chart and achieving top positions in Canada and Australia, “You Should Be Dancing” showcased the Bee Gees’ versatility and ability to transcend musical boundaries. Its upbeat tempo and Barry Gibb’s signature falsetto vocals remain iconic, influencing subsequent generations of musicians and solidifying its status as a disco classic.
In retrospect, “You Should Be Dancing” not only marked a career milestone for the Bee Gees but also encapsulated the vibrant spirit of the disco era, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape and ensuring its place as a timeless dance-floor favorite.
Video
Lyrics
My baby moves at midnight
Goes right on ’til the dawn
My woman takes me higher
My woman keeps me warm
What you doin’ on your bed on your back? Ah
What you doin’ on your bed on your back? Ah
You should be dancing, yeah
Dancing, yeah
She’s juicy and she’s trouble
She gets it to me good
My woman gives me power
Goes right down to my blood
What you doin’ on your bed on your back? Ah
What you doin’ on your bed on your back? Ah
You should be dancing, yeah
Dancing, yeah
What you doin’ on your bed on your back? Ah
What you doin’ on your bed on your back? Ah
You should be dancing, yeah
Dancing, yeah
My baby moves at midnight
Goes right on ’til the dawn, yeah
My woman takes me higher
My woman keeps me warm
What you doin’ on your bed on your back? Ah
What you doin’ on your bed on your back? Ah
You should be dancing, yeah
Dancing, yeah
What you doin’ on your bed on your back? Ah
What you doin’ on your bed on your back? Ah
You should be dancing, yeah
Dancing, yeah
You should be dancing, yeah
You should be dancing, yeah
You should be dancing, yeah
You should be dancing, yeah
You should be dancing, yeah
You should be dancing, yeah
You should be dancing, yeah
You should be dancing, yeah
You should be dancing, yeah
You should be dancing, yeah
You should be dancing, yeah