On the floors of Tokyo-o
Or down in London town to go, go
A-with the record selection and the mirror’s reflection
I’m a-dancing with myself
Oh, when there’s no one else in sight
A-in the crowded lonely night
Well, I wait so long for my love vibration
And I’m dancing with myself
Oh, oh, dancing with myself
Oh, oh, dancing with myself
When there’s nothing to lose, and there’s nothing to prove
And I’m dancing with myself, oh, oh, uh-oh
If I looked all over the world
And there’s every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let’s sink another drink
‘Cause it’ll give me time to think
If I had the chance, I’d ask the world to dance
And I’ll be dancing with myself
Oh, oh, dancing with myself
Oh, oh, dancing with myself
When there’s nothing to lose, and there’s nothing to prove
And I’m dancing with myself, oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh, oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, uh-uh, oh, ow!
Well, if I looked all over the world
And there’s every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let’s sink another drink
‘Cause it’ll give me time to think
If I had the chance, I’d ask the world to dance
And I’ll be dancing with myself
Oh, oh, dancing with myself
Oh, oh, dancing with myself
If I had the chance, I’d ask the world to dance
If I had the chance, I’d ask the world to dance
If I had the chance, I’d ask the world to dance
Ooh, aw!!
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh, dancing with myself
Oh, oh, dancing with myself
Oh, oh, dancing with myself
Oh, oh, dancing with myself
Oh, oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh
Well, if I looked all over the world
And there’s every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let’s sink another drink
‘Cause it’ll give me time to think
If I had the chance, I’d ask the world to dance
And I’ll be dancing with myself
Oh, oh, dancing with myself
Oh, oh, dancing with myself
If I had the chance, I’d ask the world to dance
If I had the chance, I’d ask the world to dance
If I had the chance, I’d ask the world to dance, ow!
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh) Aw, my leather’s all wet
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh) And I’ll sweat
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh) And I’ll sweat, sweat, sweat, sweat
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh) Sweat, sweat, sweat, sweat
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh) Sweat, sweat, sweat, sweat
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh) Sweat, sweat, sweat, sweat
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh) Sweat sweat ow!
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh)
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh)
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh)
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh) With myself
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh)
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh)
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh)
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh)
(Dancing with myself, oh, oh) Whoa, yeah
Embracing Solitude on the Dance Floor
“Dancing With Myself” by Billy Idol captures the exhilarating freedom of dancing alone, whether in the bustling streets of Tokyo or the heart of London. The lyrics paint a picture of longing and self-acceptance, as the narrator searches for connection but ultimately finds joy in his own company. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes liberation from societal expectations—there’s nothing to lose or prove when you’re dancing for yourself. Idol’s energetic delivery, combined with the song’s infectious punk-pop rhythm, turns solitude into celebration.
Universal Appeal and Personal Reflection
The song’s playful references to searching “all over the world” and sinking “another drink” highlight both the humor and vulnerability of human desire. Idol invites listeners to see the beauty in self-reliance, suggesting that sometimes the best company we can have is ourselves. “Dancing With Myself” endures as an anthem for anyone who’s ever owned the dance floor solo, turning loneliness into empowerment.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Billy Idol, Tony James
Release Year: 1980
Label: Chrysalis Records