Maniac

Michael Sembello

About Maniac

"Maniac" is a song performed by Michael Sembello. The song was used in the 1983 film Flashdance. "Maniac" appears during an early scene in Flashdance and is used as the backing track of a montage sequence showing Alex (Jennifer Beals) training strenuously in her converted warehouse. Sembello had originally written the song as a horror theme after watching a slasher film (possibly 1980's Maniac) with lyrics such as "He's a maniac, maniac, that's for sure / He will kill your cat and nail it to the door. " Producer Phil Ramone convinced Sembello to write new lyrics to reflect the film's subject matter.  


Year:
2007
4:08
26 

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Just a steel town girl on a Saturday night
Looking for the fight of her life
In the real time world no one sees her at all
They all say she's crazy

Locking rhythm to the beat of her heart
Changing movement into light
She had danced into the danger zone
When the dancer becomes the dance

It can cut you like a knife
If the gift becomes the fire
On the wire between will and what will be

She's a maniac, maniac on the floor
And she's dancing like she's never danced before

She's a maniac, maniac on the floor
And she's dancing like she's never danced before

On the ice blue line of insanity
Is a place most never see
It's a hard won place of mystery
Touch it but can't hold it

You work all your life, for that moment in time
It could come or pass you by
It's a push shove world
But there's always a chance
If the hunger stays the night

There's a cold connective heat
Struggling stretching for the peak
Never stopping with her head against the wind

She's a maniac, maniac I sure know
And she's dancing like she's never danced before

She's a maniac, maniac I sure know
And she's dancing like she's never danced before

It can cut you like a knife
If the fight becomes the fire
On the wire between will and what will be

She's a maniac, maniac I sure know
And she's dancing like she's never danced before

She's a maniac, maniac I sure know
And she's dancing like she's never danced before

Maniac, maniac I sure know

 Struggling with Maniac? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


Michael Sembello

Michael Sembello (born April 17, 1954) is an American musician and songwriter from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. more »

0 fans

Written by: Dennis N Matskosky, Rodney Price, Michael N Sembello, Richard N Stephenson

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Music Creation
"Maniac" is a song performed by American recording artist Michael Sembello. The song was released in 1983 and is Sembello's most popular and recognizable hit to date.
Inspiration
Interestingly, "Maniac" was inspired by the horror film, "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Originally the lyrics spoke about a maniac killer on the loose. Eventually, it ended up being a part of a dance-themed movie.
Movie Association
"Maniac" is most recognized for its use in the film "Flashdance." It was included on the soundtrack for the film and is often associated with the lead character's intense dance workouts.
Chart Success
The song was a huge commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making Michael Sembello a one-hit-wonder.
Award Nominations
"Maniac" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1983. Despite its pop culture ubiquity, it did not ultimately win the award.
Music Video
In the music video for "Maniac," Sembello performs the song while footage from "Flashdance" is played. The video helped reinforce the association between the song and the film.
Genre and Style
The song is categorized as synth-pop, showcasing the prevalent electronic music trend of the early 1980s. The track's uptempo beat and catchy chorus helped it become a dance favorite.
Live Performance
Michael Sembello has performed "Maniac" live on several shows, including Solid Gold, American Bandstand, and at the 55th Academy Awards.
International Success
"Maniac" also enjoyed success outside the United States. It reached the top ten in various countries including Canada, Germany, and Australia.
Legacy
"Maniac" continues to be a favorite track in popular culture, featuring in various films, TV shows, and commercials. Its energetic and infectious vibe continues to capture listeners even today, several decades after its release.

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    "Maniac Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/10257271/Michael+Sembello/Maniac>.

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    Maniac

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1983

    Billboard #1


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