The song “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats is an iconic 80s anthem, instantly recognizable by its catchy synth melody and, of course, the unforgettable “safety dance” chorus. But beyond the surface-level fun and quirky music video, the Safety Dance Lyrics hold a deeper meaning that resonates even today. Let’s dive into the lyrics and explore what makes this song so enduring.
Delving into the Lyrics of Safety Dance
Here are the full safety dance lyrics to refresh your memory and allow us to analyze them in detail:
> 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!)
>
> 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
>
> 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 Meaning Behind the Dance: Individuality and Rebellion
At first glance, the safety dance lyrics seem to be about simply wanting to dance and have fun. However, the repeated lines “your friends don’t dance and if they don’t dance, well they’re no friends of mine” hint at a deeper message. The song is actually a protest against bouncers at clubs who were preventing people from pogo dancing, a popular and energetic form of dance in the early 80s, deeming it unsafe.
Therefore, the “safety dance” is ironically named. It’s not about actual safety in the literal sense, but about the freedom to express oneself and dance the way one wants to, even if it’s considered unconventional or “out of control” by others. The lyrics champion individuality and going against the grain. Lines like “We can act like we come from out of this world, leave the real one far behind” and “And you can act real rude and totally removed, and I can act like an imbecile” further emphasize this theme of breaking free from societal expectations and norms.
Why “Safety Dance” Still Resonates
Despite being rooted in a specific 80s dance scene issue, the core message of the safety dance lyrics remains timeless. The desire to be yourself, to find your own space (“a place where they will never find”), and to reject conformity is a universal feeling. The song’s catchy and upbeat nature makes this message accessible and enjoyable, ensuring its continued popularity across generations. Whether you interpret it as a call for personal freedom on the dance floor or in life in general, “Safety Dance” remains a powerful and fun anthem for individuality.
So next time you hear “Safety Dance,” remember it’s more than just a catchy tune. It’s a song with a message – a message to dance if you want to, and to be true to yourself, regardless of what others might think.
