About the song
“Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen is not just a song, but a cultural milestone that encapsulates the essence of rock music in the 1980s. Released on May 4, 1984, as the lead single from his iconic album ‘Born in the U.S.A.’, this track was pivotal in shaping Springsteen’s career and resonating with a global audience.
Written by Springsteen himself, the song emerged during the final stages of producing the album. At the urging of his manager, Jon Landau, Springsteen set out to create a potential hit. “Dancing in the Dark” reflects Springsteen’s inner struggle as an artist trying to satisfy expectations while maintaining his authenticity. In likening the challenge to “trying to start a Cadillac with a broken key,” Springsteen captured the frustration and vulnerability of creative expression.
Upon its release, “Dancing in the Dark” received widespread acclaim from music critics who praised its energetic rock melody, Springsteen’s distinctive vocals, and the meticulous production efforts by Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, and Steven Van Zandt. The song’s success transcended critical acclaim; it garnered multiple awards and nominations, including two Grammy nominations and a win for Best Rock Vocal Performance.
Commercially, “Dancing in the Dark” soared to the top of music charts worldwide, reaching number one in Belgium and breaking into the top ten in major markets like Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Springsteen’s highest-charting singles at the time.
The music video for “Dancing in the Dark,” directed by Brian De Palma, captured Springsteen and his E Street Band performing live at the Saint Paul Civic Center in June 1984. The video’s iconic moment features Courteney Cox joining Springsteen onstage to dance, a spontaneous and memorable interaction that added to the song’s enduring popularity.
Beyond its initial release, “Dancing in the Dark” has been covered and sampled by numerous artists across different genres, underscoring its lasting influence in popular music. It remains a staple in Springsteen’s discography, featured in several compilation albums, including ‘Greatest Hits’ and ‘The Essential Bruce Springsteen.’
In essence, “Dancing in the Dark” not only solidified Bruce Springsteen’s status as a rock legend but also serves as a timeless anthem of artistic struggle and triumph, continuing to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike with its electrifying spirit and raw honesty.
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