About the song
Released in 1982, “Come Dancing” by The Kinks is one of the band’s most beloved and commercially successful songs. It was featured on their album State of Confusion, marking a shift in the band’s sound toward a more polished, new wave-influenced style, though it still retained the unmistakable charm and wit that had characterized their music throughout the 1960s and 1970s. With its catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and nostalgic feel, “Come Dancing” became a hit, reaching high positions on the charts in both the UK and the US.
Lyrically, “Come Dancing” tells a bittersweet story of a family tradition centered around the joy of dancing. The song’s narrator reflects on how, in the past, their older sister would go out to dance at a local ballroom, an activity that symbolized the carefree and lively spirit of youth. However, the song takes a turn as the narrator recalls the eventual loss of that joy, as the sister grows older and the dance hall fades from the scene, perhaps symbolizing the inevitable passage of time and the changing social landscape.
At its core, “Come Dancing” is a celebration of nostalgia, love, and the simple pleasures of life. It is a reflection on the importance of family, community, and tradition, and how, over time, these things evolve or even disappear altogether. The imagery in the lyrics of the song evokes a sense of longing for a past that can never be fully recaptured, yet still holds a special place in the heart. This theme of nostalgia is something that resonates deeply with listeners of all ages, particularly those who lived through the golden age of dancing in ballrooms and the vibrant cultural life of mid-20th century Britain.
Beyond its personal and reflective nature, “Come Dancing” also had a broader social impact. Released during a time when new wave and post-punk were at the forefront of popular music, the song’s traditional pop and rock elements served as a bridge between past and present. The Kinks, often known for their satirical and observational lyrics, used this track to explore themes of generational change and the cultural shifts taking place in the early 1980s. The song’s catchy, danceable melody and accessible lyrics made it a crossover hit, appealing not only to older fans who remembered the era of ballroom dancing but also to younger generations discovering The Kinks for the first time.
Musically, “Come Dancing” features a lively, upbeat arrangement that blends the influence of 1960s pop with a more contemporary sound. The song’s infectious rhythm and bright, jangly guitar riff are accompanied by a horn section, adding a festive, celebratory touch. Ray Davies, the lead singer and songwriter of The Kinks, brings his characteristic wit and warmth to the performance, his voice effortlessly conveying both the joy and sadness embedded in the song’s narrative. The blend of upbeat music with the more melancholic undertones of the lyrics creates a fascinating juxtaposition, making “Come Dancing” a timeless classic.
In conclusion, “Come Dancing” by The Kinks is not just a song about dancing; it is a tribute to the passing of time, the loss of innocence, and the things that are dear to us but often fade away. It reflects the band’s ability to capture the universal experience of growing up, while also addressing the broader cultural shifts of the time. The song’s catchy, danceable tune and poignant lyrics have made it a lasting favorite among fans, and its themes of nostalgia and family continue to resonate with listeners today.
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Lyrics
They put a parking lot on a piece of landWhere the supermarket used to standBefore that they put up a bowling alleyOn the site that used to be the local palaisThat’s where the big bands used to come and playMy sister went there on a SaturdayCome dancingAll her boyfriends used to come and callWhy not come dancing?It’s only naturalAnother Saturday, another dateShe would be ready but she’s always make them waitIn the hallway, in anticipationHe didn’t know the night would end up in frustrationHe’d end up blowing all his wages for the weekAll for a cuddle and a peck on the cheekCome dancingThat’s how they did it when I was just a kidAnd when they said “come dancing”My sister always didMy sister should have come in at midnightAnd my mum would always sit up and waitIt always ended up in a big rowWhen my sister used to get home lateOut of my window, I could see them in the moonlightTwo silhouettes saying goodnight by the garden gateThe day they knocked down the palaisMy sister stood and criedThe day they knocked down the palaisPart of my childhood died, just diedNow I’m grown up and playing in a bandAnd there’s a car park where the palais used to standMy sister’s married and she lives on an estateHer daughters go out, now it’s her turn to waitShe knows they get away with things she never couldBut if I asked her, I wonder if she wouldCome dancingCome on, sister, have yourself a ballDon’t be afraid to come dancingIt’s only naturalCome dancingJust like the palais on a SaturdayAnd all her friends would come dancingWhile the big bands used to play