Jackson Browne, a name synonymous with soulful introspection and lyrical depth, crafted a song in 1974 that continues to resonate across generations: “For A Dancer.” Featured on his seminal album Late For The Sky, this track, often overshadowed by its album-mates, stands as a testament to Browne’s unparalleled ability to weave personal grief into universal expressions of hope and resilience, especially poignant for those who find solace and expression in dance.
While critics at the time lauded Late For The Sky for its masterpieces like “Before The Deluge” and the title track itself, “For A Dancer” possesses a unique, enduring quality. It’s more than just a lament; it’s an exploration of loss tinged with an unwavering belief in life’s continuation, a sentiment deeply felt by dancers who understand the ephemeral nature of performance and the enduring power of movement. The song emerged from a place of profound sorrow, born from the untimely death of Browne’s close friend Scott Runyon, a dancer, skater, painter, and sculptor. This personal tragedy fuels the song’s emotional core, echoing the raw vulnerability found in “Song For Adam” from his debut album. Browne grapples with the incomprehensible nature of death, articulating a feeling many struggle to express:
I don’t know what happens when people die
Can’t seem to grasp it as hard as I try
It’s like a song I can hear playing right in my ear
That I can’t sing, I can’t help listening
These lyrics capture the elusive nature of loss, comparing it to a melody that is felt deeply but remains just beyond grasp, much like the intangible emotions that dance can both evoke and process. Stephen Holden of Rolling Stone astutely observed that Late For The Sky showcased Browne’s honest confrontation with “the vulnerability of romantic idealism and the pain of adjustment from youthful narcissism to adult survival.” For dancers and artists navigating the intensity of their passion and the realities of life, this vulnerability and journey are deeply relatable.
The musical landscape of “For A Dancer” is enriched by the exceptional David Lindley. His fiddle work isn’t merely accompaniment; it’s an integral voice in the song’s narrative. Lindley’s fiddle becomes the dancer, weaving and pirouetting around Browne’s vocals and piano, embodying the very spirit of movement the song contemplates. Just as Lindley’s guitar dramatically enhances “Fountain Of Sorrow,” his fiddle here enchants, adding layers of emotion and grace that resonate with the fluid expressions of dance. Browne’s melodic style, while often described as familiar and comforting, holds a quiet strength. It provides a stable foundation for the lyrical exploration, allowing for subtle surprises and emotional depth within its trusted patterns. His songwriting prowess, combined with Lindley’s masterful accompaniment and the song’s understated production, creates a powerful vehicle for its message.
Ultimately, “For A Dancer” transcends its melancholic origins to offer a message of enduring hope. It acknowledges the transient nature of life, much like a fleeting dance performance, yet urges us to embrace its characteristics and find joy amidst uncertainty:
Don’t let the uncertainty turn you around
The world keeps turning around and around
Go on and make a joyful sound
This is an anthem for dancers, for artists, for anyone navigating loss and seeking resilience. Jackson Browne, through “For A Dancer,” reminds us to keep moving, to keep expressing, and to find our joyful sound even in the face of sorrow. Hopefully, “For A Dancer” will grace his setlist at upcoming performances, continuing to inspire movement and memory for all who listen.
