About the song
“Dancing on the Ceiling” is a timeless classic that has been delighting audiences for decades. Released in 1986, this iconic song was written by Lionel Richie, Mike Frenchik, and Carlos Rios for Richie’s third studio album of the same name. The song’s production was helmed by Richie and James Anthony Carmichael, and it was released as the album’s leading single. The result was a worldwide hit that reached the top five in Sweden and Belgium, and peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics have made it a staple of 80s music nights at clubs and bars. Despite some negative views expressed over the years, “Dancing on the Ceiling” remains a beloved classic that continues to bring joy to listeners of all ages. The song’s music video, directed by Stanley Donen, was a groundbreaking production that featured Lionel Richie and friends dancing on the ceiling of a luxurious hotel. The video’s elaborate choreography and special effects made it a standout of the era, and it has been praised for its creativity and originality.
The song’s personnel list is a veritable who’s who of 80s music talent, featuring contributions from John Barnes, Michael Boddicker, Carlos Rios, and many others. The song’s backing vocals were provided by a chorus of talented singers, including Maxi Anderson, Billie Barnum, and Julia Waters Tillman. The music video, which premiered in 1986, was a major production that reportedly cost between $350,000 and $500,000. It was a major undertaking that featured a rotating room, elaborate dance routines, and even a cameo appearance by Rodney Dangerfield and Cheech Marin.
Video
Lyrics
Man, what in the world is happening down here in the hall?
I wouldn’t have a clue, let’s go check this thing out
Woo!
What is happening here?
Something’s going on that’s not quite clear
Somebody turn on the lights
We’re gonna have a party, it’s starting tonight
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
The room is hot and that’s good
Some of my friends came by from the neighborhood
The people startin’ a-climb the walls
Ooh, it looks like everybody is having a ball
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Oh, oh what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Come on!
Woo!
Alright
Everybody starts to lose control when the music is right
If you see somebody hangin’ around don’t get up-tight
The only thing we wanna do tonight
Is go ’round and ’round and turn upside down
Come on let’s get down!
(Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey)
So come on, let’s get loose
Don’t hold back ’cause ain’t no use
Hard to keep your feet on the ground
‘Cause when we like to party we only wanna get down
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, baby
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Oh, what a feeling
When we’re dancing on the ceiling
Say what?
Can’t stop now
Just getting started
Everybody clap your hands
Come on
Everybody let’s dance
Oh-oh-oh-oh, 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
Oh, we gonna dance all night