The Meaning Behind The Song: Magic Dance by David Bowie - Beat Crave (2024)

David Bowie’s “Magic Dance,” featured in the 1986 film Labyrinth, has become a cult classic among music and movie fans alike. The song, with its catchy beat, quirky lyrics, and synthesizer sounds, has inspired countless dance parties and sing-alongs. But beyond its upbeat melody, “Magic Dance” has a deeper meaning.

The Inspiration Behind the Song

Bowie wrote “Magic Dance” for the film Labyrinth, in which he starred as Jareth the Goblin King. The movie, directed by Jim Henson, was a fantasy adventure that blended live-action with puppetry and animatronics. Bowie’s character was known for his extravagant costumes, theatrical performances, and his mischievous demeanor.

According to an interview with Henson Archives, Bowie approached the songwriting process by drawing inspiration from the film’s storyline. He said, “I tried to create a song that could be from Jareth’s point of view, about what he was doing, about why he’d taken her [the movie’s protagonist] and what was going on.” The result was a song that captured Jareth’s charismatic, slightly sinister persona.

The Lyrics of “Magic Dance”

The lyrics of “Magic Dance” are playful and irreverent, with multiple references to the movie’s plot. The opening verse sets the tone:

“You remind me of the babe,

What babe? The babe with the power,

What power? Power of voodoo,

Who do? You do,

Do what? Remind me of the babe.”

The song’s chorus urges listeners to “dance, magic dance” while Jareth promises to “put [their] hands in the air” and “wave them like they just don’t care.”

Throughout the song, Bowie blends references to the film’s storyline with a sense of whimsy, making the lyrics both catchy and memorable.

The Meaning of “Magic Dance”

While “Magic Dance” was written as a fictional song for a movie, it contains deeper meanings that continue to resonate with fans. The theme of the song can be interpreted in different ways depending on who you ask, but there are a few common threads.

At its core, “Magic Dance” is about the power of music and dance to transport us to a different world. The song’s upbeat tempo and playful lyrics invite listeners to let go of their inhibitions and lose themselves in the moment. In a 2016 Rolling Stone interview, Bowie’s former pianist Mike Garson called the song “a magical mantra” that could “take you out of your body and into another place where you could feel magic.”

Another interpretation of “Magic Dance” is that it speaks to the idea of embracing our own quirks and idiosyncrasies. The lyrics are playful and off-kilter, reflecting Jareth’s unusual personality. Bowies’s performance in the movie was similarly unconventional, blending elements of glam rock, cabaret, and avant-garde styles. By embracing his eccentricities, Jareth becomes a memorable character rather than just another villain.

FAQs About “Magic Dance”

1. Why did David Bowie agree to star in Labyrinth?

David Bowie was a fan of Jim Henson’s work and was excited to take on the role of Jareth. According to The Guardian, he found the character “quite close to me. In fact, I don’t think I’m acting at all, I’m just being.” Bowie was also drawn to the film’s fantasy elements and saw it as a chance to stretch his creative muscles.

2. Who wrote the music for Labyrinth?

The score for Labyrinth was composed by Trevor Jones, but Bowie contributed five original songs to the film’s soundtrack, including “Magic Dance.”

3. Who is the “babe” referenced in the opening lyrics?

The “babe” in the song refers to Sarah, the movie’s protagonist. Jareth kidnaps her baby brother and challenges Sarah to navigate a fantastical labyrinth to rescue him.

4. What is the power of voodoo mentioned in the lyrics?

The power of voodoo is likely a reference to Jareth’s magical abilities. In the movie, he has the power to manipulate time, create illusions, and control dreams.

5. What does “dance, magic dance” mean?

“Dance, magic dance” is a command that Jareth gives to Sarah in the movie. He hopes to distract her from her quest to rescue her brother by getting her to dance with his minions.

6. What is the significance of the line “put your hands in the air”?

“Put your hands in the air” is a common phrase in dance music that encourages listeners to get up and move. It’s often used as a way to build excitement during a performance.

7. Was “Magic Dance” a hit when it was released?

“Magic Dance” was not released as a single and did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it has since become a beloved song among fans of both Bowie and the movie.

8. What other songs did Bowie write for Labyrinth?

In addition to “Magic Dance,” Bowie wrote four other songs for the film: “Underground,” “Chilly Down,” “As the World Falls Down,” and “Within You.”

9. What was the reception to Labyrinth when it was released?

Labyrinth received mixed reviews upon its release in 1986. While many praised the movie’s imaginative visuals and inventive puppetry, some criticized its convoluted plot and weak character development. However, in the years since its release, Labyrinth has become a cult classic and has a dedicated fanbase.

10. Was Bowie happy with his performance in Labyrinth?

Bowie spoke highly of his experience working on Labyrinth and was proud of his performance. In a 1986 interview with MTV, he said, “I think I’m as good as I can be in a children’s movie. I think I’m just hammy enough.”

11. What impact has “Magic Dance” had on popular culture?

“Magic Dance” has become a popular song to play at dance parties, weddings, and other celebrations. The song has been covered by many artists, including rock band Phish and YouTube personality Todrick Hall.

12. Why does “Magic Dance” continue to resonate with audiences today?

“Magic Dance” is a catchy, fun song that inspires listeners to dance and let loose. It’s also a reminder of David Bowie’s creativity and ability to bring a character to life through music and performance. The song captures the whimsy and charm of Labyrinth, making it a fan favorite decades after its release.

Listen to the TOP 100 Songs of 2024 Right Now!

Explore More Song Meanings