David Bowie & Mick Jagger - Dancing In The Street - About the song
This was originally a hit for Martha & the Vandellas in 1964. Bowie and Jagger covered it for the Live Aid charity at the insistence of Bob Geldof, who also put together the "Do They Know It's Christmas?" single. Bowie and Jagger's cover features some lyrical changes. Their version begins with an announcement to the world to harken the universal nature of the concert: "OK, Tokyo South America, Australia, France, Germany, UK, Africa!" Jagger also slipped in a reference to The Beatles' track "Back In The U.S.S.R."
Bowie and Jagger recorded this song in just four hours. Mick Jagger explained:
"We banged it out in just two takes. It was an interesting exercise in how you can do something without worrying too much."
Lyrics
Calling out around the world Are you ready for a brand new beat Summer's here and the time is right For dancing in the street They're dancing in Chicago (dancing in the street) Down in New Orleans (dancing in the street) In New York City (dancing in the street) All we need is music, sweet music There'll be music everywhere There'll be swinging, swaying, and records playing Dancing in the street Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear Just as long as you are there So come on, every guy, grab a girl Everywhere around the world They'll be dancing (dancing in the street) They're dancing in the street (dancing in the street) It's an invitation across the nation A chance for folks to meet There'll be laughing, singing, and music swinging Dancing in the street Philadelphia, P-A (dancing in the street) Baltimore and D.C. now (dancing in the street) Can't forget the Motor City (dancing in the street) All we need is music, sweet music There'll be music everywhere There'll be swinging, swaying, and records playing Dancing in the street Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear Just as long as you are there So come on, every guy, grab a girl Everywhere around the world They're dancing They're dancing in the street (dancing in the street) Way down in L.A. (dancing in the street) Every day, they're dancing in the street (dancing in the street) Let's form a big, strong line (dancing in the street) Get in time, we're dancing in the street (dancing in the street) Across the ocean blue (dancing in the street) Me and you, we're dancing in the street
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