The 1980s gifted the world countless iconic synth-pop anthems, and among them stands tall “The Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats. Released in 1982, this song is instantly recognizable for its catchy melody and, at times, seemingly cryptic lyrics. Let’s delve into the words behind this hit and explore the meaning of “Safety Dance Men Without Hats Lyrics”.
We can dance if we want to
We can leave your friends behind
‘Cause your friends don’t dance and if they don’t dance
Well, they’re no friends of mine
Say, we can go where we want to
A place where they will never find
And we can act like we come from out of this world
Leave the real one far behind
And we can dance (Dancé!)
These opening verses immediately set a tone of liberation and non-conformity. The lyrics express a desire to break free from social constraints, particularly those imposed by judgmental friends who “don’t dance.” It’s an invitation to step outside the ordinary and embrace a world where dancing, or simply being yourself, is celebrated. The phrase “leave your friends behind” might sound harsh, but it emphasizes the need to sometimes distance oneself from negativity to pursue personal joy and freedom.
We can go when we want to
The night is young and so am I
And we can dress real neat from our hats to our feet
And surprise ’em with the victory cry
Say, we can act if we want to
If we don’t, nobody will
And you can act real rude and totally removed
And I can act like an imbecile
And say, we can dance, we can dance
Everything’s out of control
We can dance, we can dance
They’re doing it from pole to pole
We can dance, we can dance
Everybody look at your hands
We can dance, we can dance
Everybody’s taking the chance
Safety dance
Oh well, the safety dance
Ah yes, the safety dance
The lyrics continue to encourage individuality and self-expression. “Dress real neat from our hats to our feet” suggests embracing personal style and confidence. The lines “act if we want to, if we don’t, nobody will” are a call to action, urging listeners to take initiative and not wait for permission to be themselves. The idea of acting “rude and totally removed” or like “an imbecile” is likely playful hyperbole, highlighting the freedom to shed inhibitions and societal expectations.
The chorus, with its repetitive and infectious “we can dance, we can dance,” becomes an anthem for this liberation. “Everything’s out of control” isn’t meant to be chaotic, but rather a joyous release from rigid rules. “Safety dance” itself is often misinterpreted. It’s not about dancing safely in a literal sense, but rather a metaphorical dance of personal safety – safety in expressing oneself, safety in breaking free from norms that stifle individuality. The lines “everybody look at your hands” and “everybody’s taking the chance” are inclusive, inviting everyone to join in this movement of self-expression.
We can dance if we want to
We’ve got all your life and mine
As long as we abuse it, never gonna lose it
Everything’ll work out right
I say, we can dance if we want to
We can leave your friends behind
Because your friends don’t dance and if they don’t dance
Well, they’re no friends of mine
I say, we can dance, we can dance
Everything’s out of control
We can dance, we can dance
We’re doing it from pole to pole
We can dance, we can dance
Everybody look at your hands
We can dance, we can dance
Everybody’s taking the chance
Oh well, the safety dance
Ah yes, the safety dance
Oh well, the safety dance
Oh well, the safety dance
Oh yes, the safety dance
Oh, the safety dance, yeah
Well, it’s the safety dance
It’s the safety dance
Well, it’s the safety dance
Oh, it’s the safety dance
Oh, it’s the safety dance
Oh, it’s the safety dance
The later verses and outro reinforce the initial themes. “As long as we abuse it, never gonna lose it” is a somewhat paradoxical line, perhaps suggesting that freedom, when fully embraced and even “abused” in the sense of being fully lived, becomes an intrinsic and unshakeable part of life. The repetition of “we can dance if we want to” and the “safety dance” chants solidify the song’s message as a powerful and enduring call for personal liberation and joyful self-expression.
“The Safety Dance” lyrics, when understood in their entirety, are not about literal safety regulations on a dance floor. Instead, they represent a spirited rebellion against conformity and a joyous embrace of individuality. Men Without Hats crafted a timeless anthem that continues to resonate with those who dare to dance to the beat of their own drum.
