There are songs that simply bottle joy, and for me, Deana Carter’s “We Danced Anyway” is pure, unadulterated happiness in musical form. Just like the original review beautifully articulated, this 1997 hit is a time machine back to an era of country music brimming with fresh energy and boundless creativity. Hearing it now still sparks that same feeling of excitement and endless possibilities that defined 90s country.
While “Strawberry Wine” often tops nostalgic country lists, there’s something about “We Danced Anyway” that resonates even deeper. It’s an ode to the sheer delight music brings, especially when shared with loved ones. Whether it’s a romantic partner, family, or friends, music elevates those moments, etching them into our memories. The second verse perfectly captures this sentiment, suggesting that those carefree feelings aren’t lost forever; they can be revisited through memory. The line, “They say you can’t go back, but baby, I don’t believe that,” speaks volumes. I wholeheartedly agree – these 90s country anthems are my personal time portals. With each listen to songs like “we danced anyway”, the worries of today fade, replaced by the untroubled joy of youth. This song, in particular, has an almost magical ability to transport me straight back to the late 90s every single time it plays.
What truly set “We Danced Anyway” apart in early ’97, and what continues to make it sound so vibrant today, is its refreshing uniqueness. It defies its 25 years, sounding as contemporary as ever. The production and arrangement are masterful, instantly conjuring images of a “happy little foreign town,” or at least sparking a longing to be there. From the opening guitar riffs, you can almost picture bustling summer streets alive with “music everywhere.” Deana Carter’s cheerful vocals throughout the chorus, especially those infectious “La, la, la, la, la” parts, are simply irresistible. You can practically hear her smile radiating through the entire track. Her excitement is palpable in the first verse as she reminisces about a special time, singing, “I remember we were laughing. We were so in love…” Then, in the second verse, her delivery shifts to a warm, reassuring tone as she expresses the desire to recapture that feeling, promising, “We’ll come back around.” The instrumentation is equally brilliant. The Spanish-flavored guitar solo is a standout, further enhancing the imagery of a lively foreign town filled with joyful people. And of course, no Matraca Berg-penned hit is complete without the exceptional steel guitar work of Dan Dugmore, adding that signature country richness.
Just like “Strawberry Wine,” the music video for “We Danced Anyway” has aged remarkably well. Deana Carter’s infectious fun and bubbly personality shine through, perfectly complementing the song’s spirit. It’s another visual time capsule, instantly bringing back memories of watching GAC back in 1997.
Interestingly, despite being a song about summer nights and dancing, my earliest memory of hearing “We Danced Anyway” is on a cold, grey Saturday afternoon with light snow falling. My dad had stopped at the credit union before a trip to the mall, and I was in the car, captivated by this song. It was my true introduction to Deana Carter. Her joyful, youthful vocals and the song’s distinctive style immediately grabbed my attention. “We Danced Anyway” quickly became another favorite, earning a spot on my Walkman mixtapes. Deana Carter, alongside Mindy McCready, became one of my favorite new female artists of that era, both bringing a youthful energy and exciting vibe to country music. (Mindy McCready’s “A Girl’s Gotta Do (What A Girl’s Gotta Do)” was another constant on my playlist).
Thankfully, “We Danced Anyway” enjoyed consistent airplay well into the early 2000s, remaining a welcome sound whenever it played. It’s a testament to a song that truly captures a feeling, a moment, and an era. And like the original reviewer, I also have to mention “Count Me In”! I first heard that gem during a family trip to Florida in the Spring of ‘97. It was yet another Deana Carter video that graced the GAC airwaves that year, further solidifying her place in 90s country music history. “We danced anyway” then, and we’ll keep dancing to it now, celebrating the timeless joy it brings.
