About the song
## Maniac: From Serial Killer to Cinematic Anthem
“Maniac,” the iconic song synonymous with the film *Flashdance*, had an unlikely and convoluted journey to becoming one of the most recognizable pop anthems of the 1980s. Its genesis lies not in the world of dance and dreams, but in the dark realm of crime and horror.
Conceived by songwriter Dennis Matkosky during a morbid moment inspired by a news report about a serial killer, the song initially took a sinister turn. The lyrics were far removed from the energetic, uplifting spirit of *Flashdance*. However, a stroke of luck, or perhaps fate, intervened. The song’s demo found its way into the hands of film director Adrian Lyne, who was captivated by its driving rhythm and unique energy. Recognizing the song’s potential, Lyne insisted on incorporating it into the film.
With the song’s new cinematic purpose, a transformation was in order. Lyricist Michael Sembello worked tirelessly to craft lyrics that resonated with the film’s themes of ambition, struggle, and ultimately, triumph. The result was a song that perfectly captured the spirit of the young, determined dancer at the heart of the story.
*Maniac* went on to become more than just a song; it was a cultural phenomenon. Its infectious melody and the accompanying music video, featuring electrifying dance sequences, propelled it to the top of the charts and solidified its place in music history. The song’s success was instrumental in establishing music videos as a powerful marketing tool for films, forever changing the landscape of the entertainment industry.
While the song’s origins may be shrouded in darkness, its ultimate impact is undeniably positive. It has brought joy and inspiration to millions of people worldwide, serving as a testament to the power of music to transform and uplift.
Video
Lyrics
Just a steel town girl on a Saturday night
Lookin’ for the fight of her life
In the real-time world no one sees her at all
They all say she’s crazy
Locking rhythms to the beat of her heart
Changing movement into light
She has danced into the danger zone
When the dancer becomes the dance
It can cut you like a knife, if the gift becomes the fire
On a wire between will and what will be
She’s a maniac, maniac on the floor
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
She’s a maniac, maniac on the floor
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
On the ice-blue line of insanity is a place most never see
It’s a hard-won place of mystery touch it, but can’t hold it
You work all your life for that
Moment in time, it could come or pass you by
It’s a push-shove world, but there’s always a chance
If the hunger stays the night
There’s a cold kinetic heat, struggling, stretching for the beat
Never stopping with her head against the wind
She’s a maniac, maniac, I sure know
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
She’s a maniac, maniac, I sure know
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
It can cut you like a knife, if the gift becomes the fire
On a wire between will and what will be
She’s a maniac, maniac, I sure know (I sure know)
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
She’s a maniac, maniac, I sure know
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
Maniac, maniac, I sure know
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
She’s a maniac, maniac, I sure know (I sure know)
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before