The “Lord of the Dance” hymn is a powerful and evocative song that has resonated with audiences worldwide. Its rhythmic lyrics and uplifting melody bring to life the story of Jesus Christ in a unique and memorable way. But beyond its catchy tune, the lyrics to “Lord of the Dance” hymn carry a profound message of faith, life, and resurrection. Let’s explore the depths of this beloved hymn and understand the story it tells.
The Creation and Incarnation: “I danced in the morning…”
The hymn opens with a cosmic vision, placing Jesus at the very beginning of creation:
I danced in the morning when the world was begun,
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
And I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth,
At Bethlehem I had my birth.
This verse immediately establishes Jesus as not just a historical figure but as a divine presence involved in the creation of the universe. The imagery of dancing in the “morning when the world was begun” suggests a joyful and active participation in bringing the cosmos into existence. The line “At Bethlehem I had my birth” then smoothly transitions to the Incarnation, grounding this cosmic dance in the earthly reality of Jesus’s birth.
The Universal Call to Faith: The Refrain
The refrain of “Lord of the Dance” is an invitation, a universal call to join in this divine dance:
Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
And I’ll lead you all wherever you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.
This is the heart of the hymn’s message. It’s inclusive (“wherever you may be”) and direct (“I am the Lord of the Dance”). The refrain emphasizes Jesus’s leadership and guidance in this dance of life, a dance that represents faith and discipleship.
Ministry and Rejection: “I danced for the scribe…”
The hymn continues to narrate Jesus’s ministry and the reactions he faced:
I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee,
But they would not dance and they would not follow me;
I danced for the fishermen, for James and John;
They came to me and the dance went on.
Here, “dancing” symbolizes Jesus’s teachings and miracles, offered to all. The “scribe and Pharisee” represent those who were resistant to his message, unwilling to “dance” or follow. In contrast, the “fishermen, for James and John” represent those who accepted his call, joining the dance and continuing his mission.
Suffering and Sacrifice: “I danced on the Sabbath…”
The tone shifts as the hymn moves towards the Passion narrative:
I danced on the Sabbath when I cured the lame,
The holy people said it was a shame;
They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high;
And they left me there on a cross to die.
This verse highlights the conflict Jesus faced due to his acts of compassion and his challenge to religious norms (“cured the lame” on the Sabbath). “Dancing on the Sabbath” can be interpreted as breaking societal and religious expectations to do good. The verse then starkly depicts the crucifixion, the ultimate rejection and sacrifice, where the dance seems to end in death.
Death and Resurrection: “I danced on a Friday…”
The hymn confronts the darkness of Good Friday and the triumph of Easter:
I danced on a Friday and the sky turned black;
It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back;
They buried my body and they thought I’d gone,
But I am the dance and I still go on.
“The sky turned black” is a traditional symbol of mourning and divine judgment associated with the crucifixion. “Dancing with the devil on your back” poignantly captures the immense suffering and spiritual battle Jesus endured. Yet, even in death, the hymn proclaims that “I am the dance and I still go on,” hinting at the resurrection and the continuation of the dance beyond the grave.
Eternal Life and Invitation: “They cut me down…”
The final verse culminates in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life:
They cut me down and I leapt up high,
I am the life that’ll never, never die;
I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
“Leapt up high” is a clear reference to the resurrection, the ultimate victory over death. The lines “I am the life that’ll never, never die” and “I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me” offer a message of hope and eternal life through faith in Jesus. The hymn ends by reiterating the core message: “I am the Lord of the Dance,” a final invitation to join in this everlasting dance of faith and life.
Conclusion: Joining the Dance
The lyrics to “Lord of the Dance” hymn offer a compelling narrative of the life of Christ, from creation to resurrection, all framed within the metaphor of dance. It’s an invitation to everyone, regardless of background, to participate in this dance of faith, guided by the “Lord of the Dance.” The hymn’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to convey profound theological truths in a simple, rhythmic, and deeply engaging way, making the message of Christ accessible and inviting to all who hear its call to dance.
