Dancing in the Street reached number 2 on the Billboard Charts in 1964. Released on July 31st, the song was sung my Martha and the Vandellas, and written by Marvin Gaye, William “Mickey” Stevenson, and Ivy Jo Hunter. This energetic song was covered by many artists in different genres including: The Mamas and the Papas, Grateful Dead, Van Halen, David Bowie and Mick Jagger and it crossed the waters to The Kinks in London. Stevenson drafted the song after watching people cooling off on a hot summer day when a water hydrant was opened on the street. The jubilant movement of the people looked like dancing. Here are some of the lyrics:
Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear, Just as long as you are there. So, come on every guy grab a girl, Everywhere around the world. They'll be dancing. They're dancing in the street.
It's just an invitation across the nation, A chance for folks to meet. There'll be laughing, singing, music swinging. Dancing in the street. Philadelphia, PA, Baltimore, and D.C. now. Can't forget the Motor City. All we need is music, sweet music. There'll be music everywhere. There'll be swinging, swaying, records playing. Dancing in the street.
If you have ever watched people dancing to it, cooling off would be the logical next step. It makes the listener move with abandon. No fancy choreographed steps for this lively beat. It is a fun song. My favorite lyrics say, “All you need is music, sweet music.” There is something about music that unites people. We may not agree on the type of music, but if we listen, eventually there will be a song that the words or the beat will move you. We don’t have to know the language, just enjoy.
After the year we just had, we need something that will allow us to shake off the unrealistic, unconscionable, and unprecedented things we survived. Instead of the violence in the streets, let’s dance. Can anyone be angry and dance? Really dance. The music taking over your body kind of dancing. No. We need that feeling as we embark on this new year. We need the feeling that comes along with operating in faith that our nation will heal and turn towards liberty and justice for all. That’s what I want and pray you do too. Our church has members of the three major political parties, and several cultures. We know that it is possible to work together when we put the welfare of all people over politics. If you feel the same, join us. We meet virtually for worship on Sunday mornings at 10 am Meeting ID: 851 2578 5976 Passcode: 850888 One tap mobile 1.301.715.s8592, Bible Study on Wednesdays, and Check-in to chat on Thursdays. More information can be found on our webpage www.eumcbeltsville.com or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/EUMCBeltsville/. Until next time:
Democracy
Advances when
Neighbors and
Communities are
Equitable