About the song
“Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” directed by Kasi Lemmons and penned by Anthony McCarten, immerses viewers into the extraordinary life of the iconic Whitney Houston. Released in 2022, this American biographical musical drama delves deep into the highs and lows of Houston’s career and personal life, anchored by a stellar performance from Naomi Ackie in the titular role.
Set against the backdrop of the 1980s music scene, the film opens with a young Whitney Houston, portrayed by Ackie, honing her vocal talents under the guidance of her mother Cissy Houston, played by Tamara Tunie. It’s a story that unfolds with intimate portrayals of Houston’s relationships, particularly her poignant connection with Robyn Crawford, portrayed by Nafessa Williams. The film navigates through Houston’s rise to stardom, fueled by her powerhouse voice and guided by the influential Clive Davis, played with finesse by Stanley Tucci.
From her breakout hit “The Greatest Love of All” to the iconic “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” Houston’s musical journey is vividly brought to life through electrifying performances and soul-stirring renditions. The film doesn’t shy away from the complexities of her personal struggles, including her tumultuous marriage to Bobby Brown, portrayed by Ashton Sanders, and her battles with substance abuse, which ultimately contributed to her tragic demise.
Critically acclaimed for Ackie’s transformative portrayal, the film received mixed reviews overall, with some praising its authenticity and Ackie’s ability to capture Houston’s essence, while others critiqued its adherence to biopic conventions. Despite these debates, “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” resonated with audiences worldwide, grossing $59.8 million at the box office and earning accolades for its visual effects and musical editing.
The soundtrack, a blend of remixed classics and original compositions, further enriched the narrative, underscoring Houston’s enduring impact on the music industry. Released to coincide with the film, it features collaborations with contemporary artists, highlighting Houston’s timeless appeal across generations.
As a tribute to one of music’s most celebrated voices, “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody” stands as a poignant exploration of fame, love, and the price of success. Directed with sensitivity by Kasi Lemmons, the film offers a compelling glimpse into the life of a cultural icon, reminding audiences of Houston’s unparalleled talent and the complexities that defined her journey.
Video
Lyrics
Aah
Yeah
Woo
Hey yeah
Haa
Ooh yeah
Ah-ha
Yeah
I wanna dance
Clock strikes upon the hour
And the sun begins to fade
Still enough time to figure out
How to chase my blues away
I’ve done alright up ’till now
It’s the light of day that shows me how
And when the night falls, loneliness calls
Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat with somebody
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me
Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat with somebody
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me
I’ve been in love and lost my senses
Spinning through the town
Sooner or later, the fever ends
And I wind up feeling down
I need a man who’ll take the chance
On a love that burns hot enough to last
So when the night falls
My lonely heart calls
Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat with somebody
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me
Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me
Somebody who, somebody who
Somebody who loves me yeah
Somebody who, somebody who
To hold me in his arms oh
I need a man who’ll take the chance
On a love that burns hot enough to last
So when the night falls
My lonely heart calls
Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat with somebody
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me
Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat with somebody
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me
Ooh ooh (dance)
Come on baby (dance)
Ooh, yeah (dance)
Now get with this
Whoah!
Don’tcha wanna dance with me baby?
Don’tcha wanna dance with me boy?
Hey don’tcha wanna dance with me baby?
With somebody who loves me?
Don’tcha wanna dance, say you wanna dance, don’tcha wanna dance
Don’tcha wanna dance, say you wanna dance, don’tcha wanna dance
Don’tcha wanna dance, say you wanna dance, ah-ha
With somebody who loves me
Dance, dance, dance (hey baby!)