The Kinks’ “Come Dancing”: A Timeless Dancefloor Anthem

About The Song

Background

“Come Dancing” is a song by British rock band The Kinks, released in 1983 as the lead single from their album “State of Confusion.” Written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Ray Davies, the song reflects Davies’ nostalgic reminiscence of his older sister’s experiences at a local dance hall in post-World War II Britain. The song marked a significant departure from The Kinks’ earlier rock sound, embracing a more pop-oriented style infused with elements of rock and roll and 1960s nostalgia.

Musical Style

Musically, “Come Dancing” blends rock with elements of pop and nostalgia. It features a catchy melody driven by prominent horns, a steady drumbeat, and upbeat guitar riffs. The song’s arrangement incorporates keyboards and backing vocals, adding to its vibrant and danceable feel. This departure from The Kinks’ earlier, rawer rock sound reflects their evolving musical direction in the 1980s, appealing to a broader audience while maintaining a distinct British rock sensibility.

Lyrics

The lyrics of “Come Dancing” evoke a sense of longing and sentimentality, drawing on Ray Davies’ personal memories of his sister’s youthful experiences at a dance hall called the Palais. The song opens with:

“They put a parking lot on a piece of land When the supermarket used to stand.”

These lines set the scene of change and loss, contrasting the present-day reality with the vibrant past where the Palais dance hall once thrived. Davies’ narrative unfolds through vivid imagery, describing his sister’s excitement and joy as she participates in the dance culture of the 1950s and early 1960s:

“Every Saturday night she’d be walking through the door, With her curly hair and her peg-leg trousers, Thinking she was the bees’ knees.”

The chorus of the song emphasizes the lasting impact of those memories, expressing a mix of nostalgia and fondness:

“Come dancing, that’s how they did it when I was just a kid, And when they said come dancing, My sister always did.”

Overall, the lyrics of “Come Dancing” celebrate the enduring power of music and dance to evoke memories and emotions, capturing a slice of British cultural history through a personal lens.

Cultural Impact

“Come Dancing” achieved notable success both in the UK and internationally. In the United States, it became The Kinks’ highest-charting single since “Tired of Waiting for You” in 1965, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100. In the UK, the song peaked at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart, marking a return to commercial success for the band after a period of relative quiet.

The song’s music video, directed by Julien Temple, further contributed to its popularity. The video cleverly intercuts footage of the band performing with scenes depicting a young couple dancing at a ballroom, capturing the song’s nostalgic theme visually. This approach helped “Come Dancing” gain regular airplay on music television channels, reinforcing its cultural impact and broadening its audience reach.

Moreover, “Come Dancing” revitalized The Kinks’ career during the 1980s, setting the stage for further successes with subsequent albums and singles. It showcased the band’s ability to adapt their sound while retaining their distinctive British rock roots, appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Conclusion

“Come Dancing” stands as a testament to The Kinks’ enduring musical legacy and their ability to evolve with the times. Ray Davies’ poignant lyrics and the song’s infectious melody resonate with audiences, offering a nostalgic glimpse into post-war British culture through the lens of personal memories. Its success not only revitalized The Kinks’ career but also solidified their place in rock music history, demonstrating their capacity to create timeless songs that transcend generations. As a cultural artifact, “Come Dancing” continues to evoke emotions and memories, making it a cherished piece of musical storytelling from one of Britain’s most influential rock bands.

Video

Lyrics