John, I'm Only Dancing
David Bowie
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(Dancing) I'm having so much love (Dancing) Too bad my back had gone (Dancing) Boogie down with daddy now I'd give my house in the country If you'd slept; it's so funky (Music) I'm dancing in the street (Oh, music) I've torn the shoes from my feet (Romancing) It's got me dirty and sweet It's got you reeling and rocking Won't you let the slender thing in? (Rolling) I think it's all I can do (Rolling) Just got me feeling you too (Rolling) Get a little, take a little Get a little back Jumping John, the great goose is gone Got a lion in my hand Got a Charlie on my back (John) I'm only dancing (She turns me on) I'm only dancing (She turns me on) Oh, get you with me (Don't get me wrong) ah ha ha ha ha (I'm only dancing, oh, ho, ho) (I'm only dancing, oh, ho, ho) (Dancing) Have you heard the news? (Dancing) President has got the blues (Dancing) I tell you, comfortably If he gives it to you He'd better take it from me (Said, sir) I pick up the bones (Said, sir) Leave the numbers alone (Said, sir) Get off your telephone Look the people in the eye Tell them my, oh, my Let your backbone slide Buddy, whistle and cry (John) (She turns me on) La, la, la, la (Don't get me wrong) Hmm, hm, hm (I'm only dancing, oh, ho) (John) I'm only dancing (She turns me on) Ah, ha, ha, I'm only dancing (She turns me on) I lost my feel (Don't get me wrong) I'm off on my way (I'm only dancing, oh hooo) Please dance with me (I'm only dancing) Please dance with me (I'm only dancing, oh, ho) (Dancing, dancing, dancing, woh, woh, woh) (Dancing, dancing, dancing, woh, woh, woh) (Dancing, dancing, dancing, woh, woh, woh) (Dancing) I'm only (dancing) I'm only (dancing) I'm only (woh, woh, woh) (Dancing) I'm only (dancing) I'm only (dancing) I'm only (woh, woh, woh) Can see no care Lost my fear Traped, Charlie, dance on (Woh, woh, woh) (Woh, woh, woh) He, he, he, he, he, he, he, 'cause (Woh, woh, woh) Got white light Got black light Got white light Lay you dance on (Woh, woh, woh) I'm only I'm only I'm only (Woh, woh, woh) I got, I got (Woh, woh, woh) (Woh, woh, woh) (Dancing) He (Dancing) He (Dancing) He (Woh, woh, woh) Lay you; dance on (Dancing) Lay you; dance on (Dancing) Lay you; dance on, hey (Woh, woh, woh) (Dancing) (Dancing) (Dancing) (Woh, woh, woh) Gotta give me know (Dancing) Gotta give me know (Dancing) Gotta give me know (Dancing) (Woh, woh, woh) (Dancing) He, he (Dancing) He, he (Dancing) (Woh, woh, woh) Lock it fine Makin' it mine Lock it fine Makin' it mine Lock it fine Making it (I'm only dancing, mm, mm) (I'm only dancing, dancing. I'm only dancing, mm, mm) (I'm only dancing, dancing. I'm only dancing, mm, mm) (I'm only dancing, dancing. I'm only dancing, mm, mm) (I'm only dancing, hey, ya, dancing. Hey, I'm dancing, mm, mm) Yes, I am (I'm only dancing; hey, I'm dancing, hey, dancing, mm, mm) (Oh, I'm only dancing. Oh, I'm only dancing. I'm only dancing, mm, mm) Oh my baby
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Written by: David Bowie
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, TINTORETTO MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Release Date"John, I'm Only Dancing" was initially released by David Bowie in the United Kingdom on September 1, 1972.
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Record LabelIt was published by the RCA Victor record label, marking the second single presented by Bowie with this company.
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Chart SuccessUpon its release, the track reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart, increasing Bowie's popularity.
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Musical ContributorsInstrumentalists in "John, I'm Only Dancing" include Mick Ronson on guitar, Trevor Bolder on bass, and Mick Woodmansey on drums. They were part of Bowie's backing band 'The Spiders from Mars'.
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Multiple VersionsThere exist two main versions of the song - the original, and a 'sax version'. A re-recorded version also exists, created for the album 'Aladdin Sane', but it was never released until much later.
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ControversyThe song is noted for its implicit homoerotic content, which gave it a controversial edge during the period of release. Due to this, the song was banned by some radio stations.
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HomageThe song is a homage to Iggy Pop, a friend, and collaborator of Bowie's.
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Live PerformancesDespite its initial success and considerable popularity, "John, I'm Only Dancing" was rarely performed live by David Bowie.
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Not Included on AlbumInterestingly, despite its popularity, the song was not included on any of Bowie's studio albums.
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Cover Versions"John, I'm Only Dancing" has been covered by various artists, including 'The Polecats' and 'Vivian Girls'.
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Music VideoA music video for the song was directed by iconic video director Mick Rock in August 1972. It featured Bowie performing with the Spiders From Mars and his choreographer, Lindsay Kemp.
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Unofficial SequelThe 1980 track "Ashes to Ashes" has occasionally been referred to as a sort of unofficial sequel to "John, I'm Only Dancing." However, this has not been confirmed by Bowie or anyone involved in the production of either song.
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Citation
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"John, I'm Only Dancing Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/18571313/David+Bowie/John%2C+I%27m+Only+Dancing>.
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