When you hear the infectious synth intro of “The Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats, it’s hard not to move. This 1982 hit became a global sensation, and in recent times, the very phrase within its title, “safety dance,” has taken on new layers of meaning. From pandemic protocols to its original rebellious roots, this is the story of how a song initially about getting kicked out of clubs became a timeless anthem, and what makes it resonate even today as a quintessential “Safe To Dance Song.”
The past couple of years have seen “The Safety Dance” resurface in popular culture, often in contexts highlighting safety. During the early days of lockdown, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots delivered an acoustic rendition on One World: Together at Home, a virtual event echoing Live Aid. More recently, Alaska Airlines cleverly repurposed the lyrics for a TV commercial promoting their enhanced hygiene measures during the pandemic. These instances underscore the seemingly obvious interpretation: “The Safety Dance” is about, well, safety.
However, the actual origin of “The Safety Dance” is far removed from public health advisories. Men Without Hats, a Canadian band, conceived the song not as a guide to safe practices, but as a direct response to the overly strict rules of nightclub bouncers. Forget interpretations about sexual health – which were unlikely given that AIDS was only just emerging when the song was released – the song’s genesis was decidedly more prosaic.
Ivan Doroschuk, the band’s lead singer, explained the song’s true meaning to Time Out Sydney: “It originated when I was getting kicked out of clubs for pogoing — for hitting the dance floor whenever they played Blondie’s ‘Heart of Glass’ or The B52’s’ ‘Rock Lobster’.” “The Safety Dance” was a protest song, a playful jab at authority figures who dictated how people should express themselves on the dance floor. It was a cry for freedom of movement and a rejection of arbitrary rules stifling the joy of dance.
Initially released as the second single from their album Rhythm of Youth, “The Safety Dance” wasn’t an instant hit. “I Got the Message,” the first single, failed to gain traction. However, after its release in Canada in February, “The Safety Dance” slowly gained momentum. A remixed 12-inch version propelled the song further, and throughout the winter of 1983 and 1984, it exploded into a global phenomenon. Ironically, this song about dance floor freedom became the defining track of Men Without Hats’ career, overshadowing their other work.
The song’s appeal was somewhat unexpected. Ivan Doroschuk’s distinctive baritone, the somewhat rigid synth melody, and even the concept of “dance craze lyrics” felt slightly out of step with the evolving landscape of 80s pop music. Yet, these very elements contributed to its unique charm and enduring appeal.
Adding to the song’s quirky character was its iconic music video. Filmed in the quaint English village of West Kington, Wiltshire, far from the typical rock and roll locales, the video, directed by Tim Pope (known for his work with The Cure), presented a bizarre medieval fair. Dancing dwarfs, Morris dancers, a Punch and Judy show, and even a pre-Cosmopolitan editor, Louise Court, as a frenzied villager, populated this visually arresting and slightly surreal world. The video’s eccentricity perfectly complemented the song’s own peculiar and somewhat old-world vibe.
The magic of “The Safety Dance” lies in its sheer catchiness. It’s a song built on irresistible hooks, both lyrically and melodically. The opening line, “We can dance if we want to,” inspired “You Can Dance (If You Want To)” by Go Go Lorenzo & The Davis Pinckney Project, a hit in Washington DC’s go-go scene in 1986. Trouble Funk, a leading band in the genre, even incorporated it into their live performances, demonstrating the song’s broad appeal across musical styles.
The song’s versatility is further highlighted by the diverse range of artists who have covered it. From the experimental hip-hop genius J Dilla’s slowed-down instrumental version to Status Quo’s boogie-rock rendition, The Donnas’ garage rock take, and The Asteroids Galaxy Tour’s pop-infused cover, “The Safety Dance” has proven its adaptability across genres. Even “Weird Al” Yankovic created a Brady Bunch-themed parody, cementing its place in popular culture.
Perhaps the most significant legacy of “The Safety Dance” is its role as a unifying song. Mirroring the diverse cast of characters in its video, the song has become an anthem for groups and communities. Flash mob performances of the song, like the one by the cast of Glee, demonstrate its power to bring people together in spontaneous expressions of joy. A simple YouTube search for “Safety Dance flash mob” reveals countless examples of this phenomenon. Even corporations, like Lipton Iced Tea with Hugh Jackman leading a faux flashmob, have tapped into this communal spirit.
“The Safety Dance” might lack profound lyrical depth or complex musical arrangements. Yet, it possesses an intangible quality that resonates deeply with people. Whatever Men Without Hats initially intended, the song has transcended its origins. It has become a universal expression of uninhibited joy, a “safe to dance song” in the truest sense – a song that invites everyone to join in, celebrate freedom, and dance like nobody’s watching (or even if they are, and they might kick you out, but you danced anyway!). It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest songs can carry the most powerful messages of unity and delight.
