Dancing In the Dark

Fred Astaire

About Dancing In the Dark

"Dancing in the Dark" is a popular American song, with music by Arthur Schwartz and lyrics by Howard Dietz, that was first introduced by John Barker in the 1931 revue The Band Wagon. The song was first recorded by Bing Crosby on August 19, 1931 with Studio Orchestra directed by Victor Young, staying on the pop charts for six weeks, peaking at #3, and helping to make it a lasting standard. The 1941 recording by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra earned Shaw one of his eight gold records at the height of the Big Band era of the 1930s and 1940s. It was subsequently featured in the classic 1953 MGM musical The Band Wagon and has since come to be considered part of the Great American Songbook. In the film it is orchestrally performed to a ballet dance set in Central Park. The song is given a 'sensual and dramatic' orchestration by Conrad Salinger, with the dance choreographed by Michael Kidd and performed by Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. 


Year:
1952
4:48
60 

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Dancin' in the dark 'til the tune ends
We're dancin' in the dark and it soon ends
We're waltzin' in the wonder of why we're here
Time hurries by, we're here, and gone

Lookin' for the light of a new love
To brighten up the night, I have you love
And we can face the music together
Dancing in the dark

What though love is old
What though song is old
Through them we can be young
Hear this heart of mine
Make yous part of mine
Dear one, tell me that we're one

Dancin' in the dark 'til the tune ends
We're dancin' in the dark and it soon ends
We're waltzin' in the wonder of why we're here
Time hurries by, we're here, and gone t

Lookin' for the light of a new love
To brighten up the night I have you love
And we can face the music together
Dancin' in the dark
Dancin' in the dark
Dancin' in the dark

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Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire (born Frederick Austerlitz; May 10, 1899 – June 22, 1987) was an American film and Broadway stage dancer, choreographer, singer, musician and actor. His stage and subsequent film career spanned a total of 76 years, during which he made 31 musical films. He was named the fifth Greatest Male Star of All Time by the American Film Institute. He is particularly associated with Ginger Rogers, with whom he made ten films. more »

3 fans

Written by: Arthur Schwartz, Howard Dietz

Lyrics © Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


5 facts about this song

Composition Facts
"Dancing in the Dark" is a popular song that was originally composed by Arthur Schwartz. It was first introduced in 1931 for the Broadway musical called "The Band Wagon." - The lyrics of the song were written by renowned lyricist Howard Dietz.
Lyrics and Interpretation
The song is noted for its introspective lyrics that express the feeling of a person walking through the darkness towards the light, which is often interpreted as a metaphor for optimism and hope.
Performance and Recordings
Bing Crosby recorded the song in 1931 which reached the charts of the day. - Renowned jazz clarinetist Artie Shaw performed and recorded the song in 1941 with his orchestra. Shaw's version of "Dancing in the Dark" has been widely recognized as one of his signature performances. - Fred Astaire, who starred in "The Band Wagon" as well, made a recording of "Dancing in the Dark" for Brunswick Records.
In Media and Popular Culture
In 1953, "Dancing in the Dark" was used again in the movie version of "The Band Wagon" and was featured in a classic dance sequence performed by Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. - The song has also been frequently performed and recorded by a variety of popular artists across various genres, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Ella Fitzgerald. - "Dancing in the Dark" has been included in The American Film Institute's list of the Top 100 Songs in American Cinema, coming in at number 30.
Musical Style and Influence
The song exemplifies the sophistication and elegance of the American Songbook and the Golden Age of Broadway. - "Dancing in the Dark" has had a lasting impact and continues to be a popular choice for interpretation by both jazz musicians and pop singers.

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