About the song
“You Should Be Dancing” is a standout track by the Bee Gees from their 1976 album *Children of the World*. This song marked a pivotal moment for the Bee Gees, as it was their first major hit in the disco genre. Reaching No. 1 on the American Billboard Hot 100 for one week and topping the US Hot Dance Club Play chart for seven weeks, it demonstrated the band’s shift towards the disco era. Additionally, it made a notable appearance at No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart and hit No. 4 on the Billboard Soul chart, illustrating its broad appeal.
Recorded over several months in early 1976, the song features Barry Gibb’s distinctive falsetto, which became a defining characteristic of the Bee Gees’ disco sound. This vocal style had been developing since the release of “Baby As You Turn Away” from the *Main Course* album, showcasing Barry’s remarkable ability to use falsetto as a lead vocal technique. The song’s energetic rhythm and catchy bass line, crafted by Maurice Gibb, were integral to its success. During the recording sessions, Stephen Stills also contributed percussion, adding to the track’s vibrant sound.
The song was not just a success on the dance floor but also gained acclaim from music critics. Billboard praised it as a “strong, uptempo disco cut” and noted the Bee Gees’ impressive vocal performance. Cash Box highlighted the song’s polished production and engaging vocal arrangements, while Record World described it as an “across the board smash,” emphasizing its irresistible beat.
“You Should Be Dancing” was the Bee Gees’ third No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and their sixth chart-topper in Canada. Although it only reached No. 25 on the AC/Easy Listening Radio chart due to its uptempo nature, it remained a significant track in their career. In Australia, where the Bee Gees spent part of their youth, the song reached the top 20. Today, it is remembered as a groundbreaking disco anthem and a key moment in the Bee Gees’ musical evolution.
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