Dance This Mess Around

The B-52s, The B-52's

About Dance This Mess Around

"Dance This Mess Around" is a song by American new wave band the B-52's. It was released in 1979, as the third and final single from their self-titled debut album. The song features Cindy Wilson on lead vocals, as well as Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson, and has become a live favorite, even 40 years after its release. It was heard once in Alex Strangelove.


Year:
1990
4:36
184 
#1

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Remember when you held my hand
Remember when you were my man
Walk talk in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Think it over, think it over
Roll it over in your mind 
Why don't you dance with me
I'm not no Limburger
Just a limburger 
Dance this mess around
Dance this mess around, 'round, 'round 
Everybody goes to parties
They dance this mess around
They do the Shu-ga-loo
Do the Shy Tuna
Do the Camel Walk
Do the Hip-o-crit 
Ah-Hippy Hippy forward Hippy Hippy
Hippy Shake, Hippy Shake 
Oh-it's time to do 'em right
Hey now, don't that make you feel a whole lot better?
Huh?
I say, don't that make you feel a whole lot better 
What you say?
I'm just askin' 
Shake-Bake-Shake-Bake 
Everybody goes to parties
They dance this mess around
They do all 16 dances
They do all 16 dances
Do the Coo-ca-choo
Do the Aqua-velva
Do the Dirty Dog
Do the Escalator 
Ah-Hippy Hippy forward Hippy Hippy
Hippy Shake, Hippy Shake 
It's time to do 'em right
Hey! Fred, now don't that make you feel a whole lot better now?
Huh? 
Say, don't that make you feel a whole lot better? 
What you say?
I'm just askin' 
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Stop!
Dance on over
Yeah, yeah 
Dance, dance, dance this mess around
Dance this mess around 
Shake, shake-a-bake shake
Shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
Dance this mess around
Yeah, yeah, yeah

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The B-52's

The B-52s are an American rock band, formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976. The original line-up consisted of Fred Schneider (vocals, cowbell), Kate Pierson (vocals, keyboards), Cindy Wilson (vocals, tambourine, bongos), Ricky Wilson (guitar), and Keith Strickland (drums). Following Ricky Wilson's death in 1985 Strickland switched to guitar. more »

3 fans

Written by: Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider, Keith Strickland, Cindy Wilson, Ricky Wilson

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., SENTRIC MUSIC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Album and Release Date
"Dance This Mess Around" is a song by the American new wave band The B-52's. It was on their eponymous debut album, which was released in 1979.
Songwriting Credit
The songwriting credit for "Dance This Mess Around" is given to the entire band, which at the time constituted Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, Ricky Wilson, and Keith Strickland.
Live Performance
The song gained popularity due to its live performances where it became a crowd favorite due to the band's energetic performance and the catchy dance rhythm of the song.
Musical Style
"Dance This Mess Around" is known for its distinctive surf-rock, punk, and dance music blend. The song's style is consistent with the rest of the album and it sets the tone for the band's future music.
Vocal Style
Fred Schneider's speak-singing and Cindy Wilson's and Kate Pierson's high harmonies are the highlights of the song. It captures the unconventional vocal hallmarks of the band.
Cover Versions
Despite not being as commercially successful as other songs by The B-52's, "Dance This Mess Around" has been covered by several other artists, showcasing its cultural impact and the respect it garnered within the music industry.
Music Critics
While the song was never released as a single, it did receive positive reviews from music critics. They praised its original sound, fun lyrics, and infectious energy.
Band's Hallmark
"Dance This Mess Around" is considered as one of The B-52's signature songs and continues to be a staple in their live performances.
Inspirations
The B-52's often cited 1960's girl groups, surf rock, and early rock n' roll as their inspirations which can be clearly seen in the song "Dance This Mess Around".
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Dance This Mess Around" are playful and quirky, much like most of The B-52's songs. They serve as a fun homage to the many dances that were popular during the 60's.
Dance References
The song includes direct references to dances like the Shu-ga-loo, the Camel Walk, the Hip-o-crit, the Aqua-velva, and the Dirty Dog—combining a retro vibe with a modern (for the time) punk aesthetic.

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