Dancing On The Ceiling

by Lionel Richie

What is “Dancing On The Ceiling” really about?

If you’ve ever wondered what “Dancing On The Ceiling” by Lionel Richie is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.

Lionel Richie's 'Dancing on the Ceiling' encapsulates the euphoric sensation of letting go and feeling the music lift you into an exhilarating state of freedom and joy, metaphorically 'dancing on the ceiling.'

So… what’s this song really about?

Lionel Richie’s 1986 hit 'Dancing on the Ceiling' embodies the quintessential party experience, where the limitations of gravity seem to disappear in the midst of high-spirited revelry. The song perfectly captures the essence of losing yourself in the moment, symbolized through the fantastical imagery of dancing on the ceiling, illustrating a world turned upside down by the infectious joy of dance and music. This track is not just about physical movement, but the emotional release that comes with unhindered expression in a shared, communal joy that unites all participants in a transcendent, almost surreal experience of celebration. Richie's energetic and upbeat tune encourages listeners to abandon their reservations and embrace the moment with wholehearted enthusiasm, reinforcing the idea that music has the power to transform ordinary experiences into magical ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When was 'Dancing on the Ceiling' by Lionel Richie released?
Lionel Richie's 'Dancing on the Ceiling' was released on July 15, 1986.

Q: What genre is 'Dancing on the Ceiling' by Lionel Richie?
The song 'Dancing on the Ceiling' by Lionel Richie is generally classified under pop and R&B genres.

Q: Did 'Dancing on the Ceiling' receive any awards?
While 'Dancing on the Ceiling' was a commercial success and hit various chart positions, it did not win any major music awards, but remains highly celebrated in pop culture.

Lyrics to “Dancing On The Ceiling”

24 ContributorsDancing On the Ceiling Lyrics
[Interlude]
Come on!
Whoo!
Alright
[Bridge 1]
Everybody starts to lose control when the music is right
If you see somebody hanging around, don't get uptight
The only thing we wanna do tonight
Is go round and round and turn upside down
Come on, let's get down!
[Interlude]
(Cheering)
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!
Hey, hey, hey.......(Cheering)
[Verse 3]
So come on and get loose
Don't hold back 'cause it ain't no use
Hard to keep your feet on the ground
'Cause when we like to party, we only wanna get down
[Chorus]
Oh, what a feeling when we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling when we're dancing on the ceiling, ah
Oh, what a feeling, baby, when we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling when we're dancing on the ceiling, whoa
[Bridge 2]
Say what?
Can't stop now, just getting started
Everybody clap your hands. (Clapping)
Come on!
Everybody let's dance!
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
[Outro]
Oh, what a feeling when we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling when we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling when we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling when we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling when we're dancing on the ceiling, baby
Baby, we're gonna dance all night 'till the broad daylight
Keep on moving, keep on grooving
Oh yeah
Oh, what a feeling when we're dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling when we're dancing on the ceiling