Maniac
Michael Sembello
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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 haS danced into the danger zone When the dancer becomes the dance 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 on the floor (I sure know) And she's dancing like she's never danced before She's a maniac, maniac on the floor (I sure know) And she's dancing like she's never danced before She's a maniac, maniac at the show, And she's dancing like she's never danced before She's a maniac, maniac on the floor (I sure know) 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 kinetic heat Struggling stretching for the peak Never stopping with her head against the wind She's a maniac, maniac on the floor (I sure know) And she's dancing like she's never danced before She's a maniac, maniac on the floor (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 on the floor (I sure know) And she's dancing like she's never danced before
Struggling with Maniac? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!
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.
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InspirationInterestingly, "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.
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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.
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Chart SuccessThe song was a huge commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making Michael Sembello a one-hit-wonder.
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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.
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Music VideoIn 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.
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Genre and StyleThe 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.
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Live PerformanceMichael Sembello has performed "Maniac" live on several shows, including Solid Gold, American Bandstand, and at the 55th Academy Awards.
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International Success"Maniac" also enjoyed success outside the United States. It reached the top ten in various countries including Canada, Germany, and Australia.
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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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Citation
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"Maniac Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 9 Feb. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35831494/Michael+Sembello/Maniac>.
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