The Meaning Behind The Song: Dancing With Tears In My Eyes by Ultravox

Introduction

Dancing with Tears in My Eyes is a popular song by the British synth-pop band Ultravox. It was released in 1984 and became a hit in the UK, reaching number three on the charts. The song has a catchy melody and a memorable chorus that has made it a favorite of many music fans.

However, the lyrics of the song tell a story of sadness, heartbreak, and loss. This article will explore the meaning behind the song, the story behind its creation, and why it has become a classic in the world of pop music.

The Story Behind the Song

Dancing with Tears in My Eyes was written by Ultravox frontman Midge Ure and keyboardist Chris Cross. The song was inspired by the aftermath of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl, which occurred in April 1986.

Midge Ure had been asked to contribute to a charity album to raise funds for the victims of the disaster, and he decided to write a song about the event. He wanted to capture the feelings of sadness, loss, and despair that he felt when he saw footage of the disaster on television.

In an interview with the BBC in 2008, Ure said, “I was watching the news coverage of the Chernobyl disaster, and there was this appalling sense of loss and tragedy. And I remember thinking, ‘How can I turn this into a song? How can I make people feel what I’m feeling?'”

With the help of Chris Cross, Ure wrote Dancing with Tears in My Eyes in just 10 minutes. The song was recorded in a studio in Berlin, and the band released it as a single in May 1984.

The Lyrics

The lyrics of Dancing with Tears in My Eyes tell the story of a couple who are separated by a nuclear disaster. The narrator is watching the chaos and destruction from a distance, and he is filled with sadness and despair. The chorus of the song is a plea to his lover to come back to him, even though he knows that it is impossible.

The lyrics are as follows:

“Dancing with tears in my eyes
Weeping for the memory of a life gone by
Dancing with tears in my eyes
Living out a memory of a love that died”

The Meaning Behind the Song

The meaning behind Dancing with Tears in My Eyes is one of sadness, loss, and heartbreak. It is a song about the aftermath of a disaster, and the devastating effects that it can have on people’s lives.

The song captures the sense of despair and hopelessness that can come with a tragedy of this scale. The narrator is watching the chaos and destruction from a distance, and he can do nothing but weep for what has been lost.

The lyrics also capture the longing and yearning of the narrator, who is separated from his lover by the disaster. The chorus of the song is a plea to his lover to come back to him, even though he knows that it is impossible. It is a poignant and emotional moment in the song that has resonated with many people over the years.

The Music

The music of Dancing with Tears in My Eyes is a combination of synthesizers, drums, and guitars. The song has a catchy melody and a memorable chorus that has made it a favorite of many music fans.

The synthesizers create a haunting and atmospheric sound that perfectly captures the mood of the lyrics. The drums and guitars give the song a driving beat that helps to build the tension and drama of the song.

The combination of the music and lyrics has made Dancing with Tears in My Eyes a classic in the world of pop music. It is a song that can still conjure up feelings of sadness, loss, and hopelessness, even after all these years.

The Legacy of the Song

Dancing with Tears in My Eyes has become a classic in the world of pop music. It is a song that has resonated with many people over the years, and it is still played on radio stations around the world.

The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including the German band Xandria and the British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding. It has also been used in several films and TV shows, including the movie Donnie Darko and the TV show Ashes to Ashes.

Dancing with Tears in My Eyes is a song that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and emotional piece of music that will continue to move people for many years to come.

FAQs

1. What inspired Midge Ure to write Dancing with Tears in My Eyes?

Midge Ure was inspired to write Dancing with Tears in My Eyes by the aftermath of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl, which occurred in April 1986. He wanted to capture the feelings of sadness, loss, and despair that he felt when he saw footage of the disaster on television.

2. How long did it take Midge Ure and Chris Cross to write the song?

Midge Ure and Chris Cross wrote Dancing with Tears in My Eyes in just 10 minutes.

3. When was the song released?

Dancing with Tears in My Eyes was released in May 1984.

4. What is the song about?

The song is about the aftermath of a nuclear disaster and the devastating effects that it can have on people’s lives. The lyrics also capture the longing and yearning of the narrator, who is separated from his lover by the disaster.

5. What instruments were used in the song?

The song features a combination of synthesizers, drums, and guitars.

6. Has the song been covered by other artists?

Yes, the song has been covered by many artists over the years, including the German band Xandria and the British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding.

7. Has the song been used in films or TV shows?

Yes, the song has been used in several films and TV shows, including the movie Donnie Darko and the TV show Ashes to Ashes.

8. What is the legacy of the song?

Dancing with Tears in My Eyes has become a classic in the world of pop music. It is a song that has resonated with many people over the years, and it is still played on radio stations around the world.

9. What other songs are Ultravox known for?

Ultravox is known for several other popular songs, including Vienna, Reap the Wild Wind, and Hymn.

10. Who is Midge Ure?

Midge Ure is the frontman of Ultravox and a successful solo artist. He is also known for his work as a producer and songwriter for other artists, including Thin Lizzy and Visage.

11. What impact did Dancing with Tears in My Eyes have on the music industry?

Dancing with Tears in My Eyes helped to establish Ultravox as a successful band in the world of pop music. It also helped to popularize the use of synthesizers and electronic instruments in pop music.

12. What is the most memorable moment in the song?

The most memorable moment in the song is the chorus, which is a plea to the narrator’s lover to come back to him, even though he knows that it is impossible. It is a poignant and emotional moment in the song that has resonated with many people over the years.