Dance Away

Roxy Music's 'Dance Away' is a poignant exploration of heartbreak and the coping mechanisms people use to deal with emotional pain. The song begins with a nostalgic reflection on a seemingly perfect moment from the past, where the protagonist recalls walking someone home and sharing a kiss. This moment, however, is shattered when the protagonist sees their former lover with someone else, leading to a surge of emotions that they had previously been able to suppress. The line 'Dressed to kill, and guess who's dying?' encapsulates the intense pain and jealousy felt upon seeing the ex-lover with another person.

The chorus, 'Dance away the heartache, dance away the tears,' serves as both a literal and metaphorical escape from the protagonist's emotional turmoil. Dancing becomes a way to physically and mentally distance oneself from the pain, transforming a crowded room into a sanctuary where loneliness can be momentarily forgotten. The imagery of a 'crowded room full of open hearts, turn to stone' highlights the paradox of feeling isolated even when surrounded by people, a common experience for those dealing with heartbreak.

As the song progresses, the protagonist acknowledges the need to move forward, despite the lingering pain. The lines 'Now I know I must walk the line until I find an open door' suggest a journey towards healing and finding new opportunities. However, the repeated refrain of 'Dance away the heartache' underscores the ongoing struggle to cope with emotional wounds. The song's blend of melancholic lyrics and upbeat tempo creates a compelling contrast, reflecting the complex emotions involved in overcoming heartache and the resilience required to keep moving forward.