About the song
Luther Vandross’s “Dance with My Father” is a heartfelt ballad that resonates deeply with listeners, touching on themes of love, loss, and cherished memories. Released in 2003 as the title track of his final studio album, the song holds significant emotional weight as Vandross reflects on his personal journey and pays tribute to his late father.
The album “Dance with My Father” was Vandross’s thirteenth and final studio release, marking a poignant moment in his career. Known for his soulful voice and impeccable vocal delivery, Vandross poured his soul into this album, crafting songs that spoke to the universal experiences of love, family, and longing. “Dance with My Father” stands out as a tribute not only to his own father but also to the universal bond between parent and child.
The song’s narrative is both poignant and nostalgic, recounting memories of dancing with his father and the profound impact those moments had on him. Vandross’s emotive vocals, paired with a gentle melody and stirring orchestration, evoke a sense of longing and remembrance. Lines like “Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence” capture the innocence of youth and the passage of time, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of loss and longing.
“Dance with My Father” transcends personal grief to become a song of collective mourning and celebration of paternal love. Its impact on society lies in its ability to evoke empathy and stir emotions universally, regardless of one’s personal experiences with loss. The song became an anthem for anyone who has ever yearned for a moment with a loved one who has passed, embodying the healing power of music to connect us through shared emotions.
In conclusion, “Dance with My Father” is not just a song but a poignant reflection on love, loss, and cherished memories. Luther Vandross’s legacy as a soulful crooner is encapsulated in this heartfelt tribute to his father, resonating with listeners worldwide. Its enduring popularity underscores its ability to touch hearts and evoke profound emotions, making it a timeless classic in the realm of soul and R&B music. Whether you’re familiar with Vandross’s work or discovering this song for the first time, “Dance with My Father” stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to convey the depths of human emotion and the beauty of cherished memories.
Video
Lyrics
Back when I was a childBefore life removed all the innocenceMy father would lift me highAnd dance with my mother and me and thenSpin me around till I fell asleepThen up the stairs he would carry meAnd I knew for sure I was lovedIf I could get another chanceAnother walk, another dance with himI’d play a song that would never ever endHow I’d love, love, love to dance with my father again, oohWhen I and my mother would disagreeTo get my way I would run from her to himHe’d make me laugh just to comfort me, yeah, yeahThen finally make me do just what my momma saidLater that night when I was asleepHe left a dollar under my sheetNever dreamed that he would be gone from meIf I could steal one final glance, one final stepOne final dance with himI’d play a song that would never ever end‘Cause I’d love, love, love to dance with my father againSometimes I’d listen outside her doorAnd I’d hear how my mother cried for himI pray for her even more than meI pray for her even more than meI know I’m praying for much too muchBut could you send back the only man she loved?I know you don’t do it usuallyBut dear Lord she’s dying to dance with my father againEvery night I fall asleep and this is all I ever dream