The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me
And then
Spin me around 'till I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure
I was loved
If I could get another chance
Another walk
Another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never ever end
How I'd love love love
To dance with my father again
When I and my mother
Would disagree
To get my way I would run
From her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me
Yeah yeah
Then finally make me do
Just what my mama said
Later that night when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he
Would be gone from me
If I could steal one final glance
One final step
One final dance with him
I'd play a song that would never ever end
'Cause I'd love love love to
Dance with my father again
Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
And I'd hear how mama would cry for him
I'd pray for her even more than me
I'd pray for her even more than me
I know I'm praying for much too much
But could you send her
The only man she loved
I know you don't do it usually
But Dear Lord
She's dying to dance with my father again
Every night I fall asleep
And this is all I ever dream
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me
And then
Spin me around 'till I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure
I was loved
If I could get another chance
Another walk
Another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never ever end
How I'd love love love
To dance with my father again
When I and my mother
Would disagree
To get my way I would run
From her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me
Yeah yeah
Then finally make me do
Just what my mama said
Later that night when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he
Would be gone from me
If I could steal one final glance
One final step
One final dance with him
I'd play a song that would never ever end
'Cause I'd love love love to
Dance with my father again
Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
And I'd hear how mama would cry for him
I'd pray for her even more than me
I'd pray for her even more than me
I know I'm praying for much too much
But could you send her
The only man she loved
I know you don't do it usually
But Dear Lord
She's dying to dance with my father again
Every night I fall asleep
And this is all I ever dream
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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I just love this song! Although I haven't lost my father, I still cried when I heard this song because at the time my parents had just divorced and I was living with my mom, and I heard this song and thought it was the sweetest thing ever. Luther Vandross is a very talented guy and just for the record, I hope he gets better.
My father hasn't passed, that I know of. Sadly, my father didn't want to be in my life and found it easier to blame me and my sister for 'rejecting' him than to admit it he didn't want to see us. This song relates to me, because what I wouldn't give to dance with my father.
i totally agree with you.i also am very fortunate to still have my dad in my life & listening to this song makes me appreciate him even more.i too have a lump in my throat everytime i hear it.it is a very beautiful song.
im with u guys on this. its a really beautiful adn emotional song. i am also fortunate enough to still have my dad in my life. sorry to sound morbid, but i think this is the song that i would need played at his funeral - which i hope is still a long time away
good song.... i am a rock,rap kinda guy.... but when i heard this song i was like whoa...kick ass. go luther way to tug at the heart strings. rock on brother!
Im not lucky enuf to have my dad with me anymore, and this song makes me cry my eyes out all the time, bu cant help but listen to it cuz it puts it into context how im feelin totally! i cant believe a song can hit the spot so much, id do anythin in the world to be back with my dad and it cnt b done! I know I'm praying for much too much But could you send back the only man she loved I used to pray everynite that my dad would come back and it...i cnt describe it, hes so talented and this is a truely amazing song! xxx
Moving song,the author totally wrote what it feels like to loose somebody we love.
This is a beautiful song. My father is getting old now, so the song teaches me to appreciate as much as I can while he is still on this earth. It will probably express my exact feelings if (when) that day comes. Although I am no cry baby, this is definitely one song where I have to fight to hold back tears for the inevitable.
The first time I heard this song I was so moved by it...so beautiful and sad! And I feel the same, it makes me cherish still having a father.
My parents divorced seven years ago. two years ago, after moving across the country and not seeing me in a year, my dad got me there for his wedding. Me and him danced to this song at the wedding. At the time, I thought it was stupid to dance with him at HIS wedding and took it for granted. Now, I wish I never did. I slap myself for that everytime I hear this song. And when I get married, me and him want to dance to that exact same song.