The Dancer

Album: Silverbird (1973)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In an interview with Melody Maker in January 1974 called "Ha! Ha! Said The Clown" in imitation of the Manfred Mann song, Leo Sayer told Jeff Ward that this song is about a father-figure trying to help someone who has lost his (or her) way. It's based on someone he knew slightly or knew of. "I heard she committed suicide while she was working in the south of France" he said. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander - London, England
  • Sayer wrote this song with David Courtney and recorded it for his first solo album, Silverbird, at Roger Daltrey's studio in Sussex, England. Daltrey was so impressed with Sayer and Courtney that he had them write songs for this first solo album, Daltrey, including the hit "Giving It All Away."

Comments: 2

  • Mark from Brighton, United KingdomOr perhaps Leo is a complete bulls--tter but thats what he said and I kind of believe him - he said the girls parents broke the news to him so maybe he didn'rt want to say too much about the real version back when it was such a fresh thing (maybe protecting her family's feelings?)
  • Mark from Brighton, United KingdomErm...he knew the girl who broke her neck when she fell from a cage at a Go Go club in Paris. She was a ballet dancer and Leo was indeed under her spell. How do I know this? I asked Leo today when he visited Brighton (and his co-writer David Courtney who is a friend of mine). The Dancer has always been one of my favourite songs, ever.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.

Ramones

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.