David Bowie

Lyrics

[Intro]
Ah, ah, ah, ah

[Refrain]
(Let's dance)
(Let's dance)

[Verse 1]
(Let's dance) put on your red shoes and dance the blues
(Let's dance) to the song they're playing on the radio
(Let's sway) while colour lights up your face
(Let's sway) sway through the crowd to an empty space

[Chorus]
If you say run, I'll run with you
And if you say hide, we'll hide
Because my love for you would break my heart in two
If you should fall, into my arms and tremble like a flower

[Refrain]
(Let's dance)
(Let's dance)

[Verse 2]
(Let's dance) for fear your grace should fall
(Let's dance) for fear tonight is all
(Let's sway) you could look into my eyes
(Let's sway) under the moonlight, this serious moonlight
[Chorus]
And if you say run, I'll run with you
And if you say hide, we'll hide
Because my love for you would break my heart in two
If you should fall, into my arms and tremble like a flower

[Refrain]
(Let's dance)
(Let's dance)

[Verse 3]
(Let's dance) put on your red shoes and dance the blues
(Let's dance) to the song we're playing
(Let's sway)
(Let's sway) under the moonlight, this serious moonlight
[Guitar solo]

[Outro]
(Let's dance)
(Let's...)
(Let's...)
(Let's...)
(Let's sway)
(Let's...)
Let's dance, let's dance, let's dance, let's dance, let's dance
(Let's dance)
Let's sway
Let's sway
Let's dance, let's dance, let's dance, let's dance, let's dance
(Let's dance)
(Let's dance)
(Let's dance)
(Let's dance)

David Bowie is undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in music history. He was a chameleon in every sense of the word, constantly reinventing himself and his music. One of the biggest transformations in his career was the shift in his sound from post-punk and art rock to funk, post-disco, and dance pop. This change in direction was evident in the release of "Let's Dance," the first single from his album of the same name. Produced by Nile Rodgers of Chic, "Let's Dance" marked a significant departure from Bowie's earlier work. The song would become one of his biggest-selling tracks and topped the charts in various countries around the world.

About Let’s Dance

Released in 1983, "Let's Dance" was a commercial success and catapulted Bowie back into the pop mainstream. The song's funky, upbeat sound was a departure from the eerie, experimental style that he had been known for. The incorporation of rock guitar riffs, Nile Rodgers' signature guitar work, and a driving bassline made "Let's Dance" an irresistible track that quickly gained popularity. It featured on Bowie's album of the same name, which was released on April 14, 1983. The album also includes other hit singles like "China Girl" and "Modern Love."

As mentioned earlier, "Let's Dance" marked a turning point in David Bowie's career. It marked a transition from his previous avant-garde style to a more mainstream appeal. It was a strategic move by Bowie who wanted to extend his audience and introduce his music to a new generation of fans. The song's popularity earned Bowie a legion of new fans, and his subsequent releases continued in the same vein. His efforts to cater to the new audience was not without criticism, and he would later form the rock band Tin Machine in an attempt to redevelop his style and move away from mainstream music.

The guitar solo in "Let's Dance" was played by Stevie Ray Vaughan, a renowned American musician, and longtime Bowie collaborator. His contribution to the song's success cannot be overstated, especially his closing guitar solo, which remains one of the most memorable moments in any Bowie song. Interestingly, Bowie has said that the original demo of the song was mellow and completely different from Nile Rodgers' arrangement.

The Music Video for Let’s Dance

The music video for "Let's Dance" was directed by David Mallet in March 1983 in Australia. The video was shot at a bar in New South Wales and the Warrumbungle National Park, with Bowie incorporating the surrounding areas into the video. The residents of the town where the bar was located, most of whom had no knowledge of who David Bowie was or why they were shooting a video, were invited to participate in the video shoot.

The video features an Aboriginal couple, and there are several references to the Stolen Generations, which were Aboriginal children who were forcefully removed from their families. Bowie uses these references to make a statement on the integration of different cultures. The red shoes that Bowie sings of in the song are also a motif in the video, adding another layer of visual appeal to an already impressive video.

The video for "Let's Dance" perfectly captures the spirit of the song, which is all about letting go of your inhibitions and dancing like no one is watching. The video is an excellent example of how Bowie was always looking to push boundaries and tell stories through his music and videos.

The Legacy of “Let’s Dance"

The impact of "Let's Dance" on popular culture cannot be understated. It not only marked a significant shift in Bowie's career but also signaled a change in pop music at the time. Its success paved the way for other music artists to explore different genres and sounds, resulting in a burst of creativity in the 80s and beyond.

Today, "Let's Dance" remains one of Bowie's most recognizable and beloved songs. Its message of seizing the moment and enjoying life holds up no matter what generation you're from. The enduring popularity of the song is a testament to Bowie's vision and artistry, and it will continue to be a favorite on dance floors for years to come.

In closing, "Let's Dance" is a certified classic that has stood the test of time. It remains one of David Bowie's most popular and beloved songs, capturing everything that made him an icon in the world of music. Whether you're a hardcore Bowie fan or someone who is just discovering his music, "Let's Dance" is a must-listen that will remain relevant for years to come.

• Release Date: March 17, 1983
• Artist: David Bowie