About the song
“Boogie Wonderland,” a dynamic collaboration between Earth, Wind & Fire and The Emotions, was released as a single in April 1979, marking the first single from their ninth studio album, *I Am*. This infectious track quickly became a staple of the disco era, showcasing the vibrant energy and seamless blend of funk, soul, and disco that characterized the late 1970s.
Composed by Allee Willis and Jon Lind, with production helmed by Earth, Wind & Fire’s leader Maurice White and guitarist Al McKay, “Boogie Wonderland” is a quintessential dance anthem. The song soared on the charts, peaking at number 14 on the US Billboard Dance Chart, number six on the Hot 100, and number two on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart. Its widespread appeal was further cemented by its gold certification in the US and platinum status in the UK. At the 1980 Grammy Awards, “Boogie Wonderland” received two nominations, winning the Grammy for Best R&B Instrumental Performance.
Critical reception of “Boogie Wonderland” has been overwhelmingly positive. Rose Riggins of Gannett praised the track for its vivid depiction of the disco experience, noting its ability to capture the essence of house parties and dance floors with its infectious rhythm and blazing horn sections. Dave Marsh of Rolling Stone commended Maurice White’s ability to find new possibilities within the simple dance formula of the song. The combination of Earth, Wind & Fire’s signature sound with The Emotions’ powerful vocals created a standout track that resonated deeply with listeners and critics alike.
James Johnson of the Evening Standard described the song as having a “down-to-earth, dance-floor dialogue,” while Matthew Greenwald of AllMusic highlighted the successful pairing of the two groups, noting that their collaboration resulted in a classic track of the period. Allen Weiner of Morning Call and Ace Adams of the New York Daily News also recognized “Boogie Wonderland” as a commercial triumph, applauding its pulsating beat and appeal to both jazz/soul and disco fans.
In addition to its chart success and critical acclaim, “Boogie Wonderland” has left a lasting legacy in popular music. The song’s infectious groove has inspired numerous covers and remixes, including the dance track “I’m Alive” by Stretch & Vern, which reached number six in the UK in 1996. As a testament to its enduring influence, “Boogie Wonderland” remains a celebrated piece of disco history, embodying the exuberant spirit of the late 1970s dance scene.
Video
Lyrics
Dance, Boogie Wonderland, hey, hey
Dance, Boogie Wonderland
Midnight creeps so slowly into hearts of men
Who need more than they get
Daylight deals a bad hand to a woman
Who has laid too many bets
The mirror stares you in the face and says
“Baby, uh, uh, it don’t work”
You say your prayers though you don’t care
You dance and shake the hat
Dance, Boogie Wonderland, hey, hey
Dance, Boogie Wonderland
Sound fly through the night
I chase my vinyl dreams to Boogie Wonderland
I find romance when I start to dance in Boogie Wonderland
I find romance when I start to dance in Boogie Wonderland
All the love in the world can’t be gone
All the need to be loved can’t be wrong
All the records are playing and my heart keeps saying
“Boogie Wonderland, Wonderland”
Dance, Boogie Wonderland, hey, hey
Dance, Boogie Wonderland, hey, hey
I find romance when I start to dance in Boogie Wonderland
I find romance when I start to dance in Boogie Wonderland
Dance, dance (Boogie Wonderland), dance, dance
Dance, dance (Boogie Wonderland), dance, dance
Wonderland
Wonderland
All the love in the world can’t be gone (love in the world can’t be gone)
All the need to be loved can’t be wrong (need to be loved can’t be wrong)
All the records are playing and my heart keeps saying
Boogie Wonderland, Wonderland
Dance, Boogie Wonderland, hey, hey
Dance, Boogie Wonderland, hey, hey
I find romance when I start to dance in Boogie Wonderland
I find romance when I start to dance in Boogie Wonderland
Dance, dance, dance (Boogie Wonderland), dance, dance, dance, dance
Dance, dance (Boogie Wonderland), dance