About the song
“Dancing in the Dark (Fans Onstage)” Bruce Springsteen@Royal Farms Arena Baltimore 4/20/16
There’s something undeniably electrifying about a live concert, where the raw energy of the performance can ignite a spark in even the most jaded music fan. Such is the case with Bruce Springsteen’s iconic performance of “Dancing in the Dark” at Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore on April 20, 2016. This particular rendition, with its unforgettable moment of inviting a fan onstage to dance, has cemented its place in music history.
For those unfamiliar with the song, “Dancing in the Dark” is a classic rock anthem that has resonated with generations of listeners. Originally released in 1984 as part of Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A. album, the song is a celebration of life, love, and the power of music to connect people. It’s a track that has been covered countless times, but Springsteen’s original version remains the definitive one.
The Baltimore concert, part of Springsteen’s The River Tour, was a particularly special event. With its infectious beat and anthemic chorus, “Dancing in the Dark” was always a crowd-pleaser, but on this night, it took on a life of its own. As the song reached its climax, Springsteen spotted a young woman in the front row and, with a wink and a nod, invited her onstage to dance.
The resulting footage of the fan and Springsteen dancing together has been viewed millions of times and has become a beloved part of Springsteen’s legacy. The moment perfectly captured the spirit of rock and roll: a shared experience that transcends age, race, and background. It was a reminder that, even in an increasingly divided world, music has the power to bring people together.
What makes this particular performance so memorable is the palpable connection between Springsteen and the audience. There’s a sense of intimacy and spontaneity that sets it apart from the more polished studio recordings. It’s a reminder that great music is often made in the moment, when artists and fans come together to create something truly special.
For fans of Bruce Springsteen and classic rock, “Dancing in the Dark (Fans Onstage)” is a must-see. It’s a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll and a reminder of why we love live music so much. And for those who are new to Springsteen’s music, this performance is a great introduction to one of the greatest rock stars of all time.
Video
Lyrics
I get up in the evenin’
And I ain’t got nothin’ to say
I come home in the mornin’
I go to bed feelin’ the same way
I ain’t nothin’ but tired
Man, I’m just tired and bored with myself
Hey there, baby, I could use just a little help
You can’t start a fire
You can’t start a fire without a spark
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Messages keeps gettin’ clearer
Radio’s on and I’m movin’ ’round my place
I check my look in the mirror
Wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face
Man, I ain’t gettin’ nowhere
I’m just livin’ in a dump like this
There’s somethin’ happenin’ somewhere
Baby, I just know that there is
You can’t start a fire
You can’t start a fire without a spark
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
You sit around gettin’ older
There’s a joke here somewhere and it’s on me
I’ll shake this world off my shoulders
Come on, baby, the laugh’s on me
Stay on the streets of this town
And they’ll be carvin’ you up alright
They say you gotta stay hungry
Hey baby, I’m just about starvin’ tonight
I’m dyin’ for some action
I’m sick of sittin’ ’round here tryin’ to write this book
I need a love reaction
Come on now, baby, gimme just one look
You can’t start a fire
Sittin’ ’round cryin’ over a broken heart
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
You can’t start a fire
Worryin’ about your little world fallin’ apart
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Even if we’re just dancin’ in the dark
Hey baby