So, this is a great song, but apparently not about what I always thought it was about.
Dancing With Myself was apparently inspired by kids in the Japanese club scene at the time. From Wikipedia:
The song is reportedly about masturbation, although it is in truth about what Tony James and Billy Idol witnessed in a Japanese night club during the bands 1979 Japanese Tour as patrons watched themselves dance in the space enhancing mirrors which covered the walls.
And from SongFacts
This song is commonly thought to be about masturbation, but it’s really more about dancing by yourself. Billy got the idea watching Asian kids “Dancing With Themselves” in a nightclub. The kids would dance in a pogo style up and down.
So I guess I was wrong about what it means.
No matter what it means, however, it’s a great pop song. It’s got enough of a driving rock feel, and it’s very easy on the ears. I love the basic hooks, as they really work nicely.
And of course, the lyrics:
On the floors of Tokyo
Down in London town’s a go-go
With the record selection
And the mirror’s reflection
I’m a-dancing with myself
Oh, when there’s no one else in sight
In the crowded, lonely night
Well, I wait so long for my love vibration
And I’m dancing with myself
Oh, oh, oh dancing with myself
Oh, oh, oh dancing with myself
Well there’s nothing to lose
And there’s nothing to prove
And I’m dancing with myself
Oh, oh, oh, oh
If I looked all over the world
And there’s every type of girl
But your empty eyes seem to pass me by
And leave me dancing with myself
So let’s sink another drink
‘Cause it’ll give me time to think
If I had a chance, I’d ask one to dance
And I’d be dancing with myself
Oh, oh, oh dancing with myself
Oh, oh, oh dancing with myself
Well there’s nothing to lose
And there’s nothing to prove
And I’m dancing with myself
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Well, if I looked all over the world
And there’s every type of girl
But your empty eyes seem to pass me by
And leave me dancing with myself
So let’s sink another drink
‘Cause it’ll give me time to think
If I had a chance, I’d ask one to dance
And I’ll be dancing with myself
Oh, oh, oh dancing with myself
Oh, oh, oh dancing with myself
If I had a chance, I’d ask one to dance
If I had a chance, I’d ask one to dance
If I had a chance, I’d ask one to dance
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, dancing with myself Oh, world’s all wet
Oh, oh, oh, dancing with myself I’m gonna sweat
Oh, oh, oh, dancing with myself I’m gonna sweat
Oh, oh, oh, dancing with myself sweat (18x)
Oh, oh, oh, dancing with myself.
