About the song
“Magic Dance” is one of the standout tracks from David Bowie’s iconic 1986 album Labyrinth: Original Soundtrack. The song was written by Bowie for the film Labyrinth, in which he starred as the Goblin King. Released as a single in 1986, “Magic Dance” became a memorable part of both the album and the movie, capturing the whimsical yet enigmatic tone of the film while showcasing Bowie’s versatility as both a performer and a composer. With its lively tempo, catchy chorus, and whimsical lyrics, “Magic Dance” remains a beloved track among fans and continues to be celebrated for its unique blend of theatricality, pop, and funk.
The song plays an integral role in the narrative of Labyrinth, as it accompanies a scene where Bowie’s character, Jareth the Goblin King, dances with the goblins and leads them in a magical, chaotic celebration. The playful and surreal imagery of the lyrics, particularly the refrain “You remind me of the babe, what babe? The babe with the power,” captures the film’s quirky charm, which blends fantasy, music, and adventure in a way that only Bowie could pull off. The infectious rhythm of the song and the memorable vocal performance by Bowie give it an almost playful, childlike energy, which contrasts sharply with the more brooding, melancholic undertones that defined much of his earlier work.
“Magic Dance” is not just a song for the film, but also a testament to Bowie’s adaptability as an artist. It blends elements of rock, funk, and dance, all wrapped in a colorful, almost carnival-like atmosphere. The track’s production features playful brass instrumentation and a bouncy beat, evoking a sense of fun and spontaneity. The lyrics, written by Bowie, are both nonsensical and evocative, offering a perfect reflection of the surreal world of Labyrinth. The song’s energy and catchy chorus make it a standout moment on the Labyrinth soundtrack and a highlight of Bowie’s career, particularly for those who grew up with the film in the 1980s.
On a deeper level, “Magic Dance” can be seen as a reflection of Bowie’s ability to fuse different aspects of his artistic identity. While many of his works are known for their introspection and exploration of complex themes such as alienation, identity, and society, “Magic Dance” is more lighthearted, even absurd. Yet, this contrast is part of Bowie’s genius: he was an artist capable of shifting between the dark, cerebral, and the fun, accessible side of pop culture. In this way, the song also highlights Bowie’s unique ability to entertain and captivate audiences of all ages, bridging the gap between children’s entertainment and adult rock music.
Culturally, “Magic Dance” represents one of the more playful moments in Bowie’s extensive body of work. The film Labyrinth became a cult classic, and with it, Bowie’s portrayal of Jareth and the songs from the soundtrack took on a life of their own. “Magic Dance” has become a beloved anthem for fans of the film and Bowie alike, often evoking nostalgia for the vibrant, imaginative world of the 1980s. It showcases Bowie’s ability to craft an unforgettable musical moment that crosses generational lines, reaching both children who grew up with the film and adults who appreciate Bowie’s artistic depth.
In the years since its release, “Magic Dance” has maintained its cultural relevance. It is frequently referenced in discussions about Bowie’s career and his lasting impact on pop culture. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its timeless appeal — it’s catchy, fun, and undeniably Bowie. Whether played at a 1980s-themed party or revisited by fans of the film, “Magic Dance” endures as a testament to David Bowie’s unparalleled ability to blend musical genres and create a piece of art that resonates across generations.
In conclusion, “Magic Dance” remains one of the most delightful and enduring tracks in David Bowie’s extensive catalog. It encapsulates the joy, mystery, and whimsy of Labyrinth, while also showcasing Bowie’s genius in creating a song that is both accessible and artistically rich. Its blend of playful energy, memorable lyrics, and bold production makes it a standout track in Bowie’s career and a beloved piece of musical history. “Magic Dance” is a perfect example of how Bowie could take even the most fantastical of concepts and transform them into something universally relatable and emotionally engaging.
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Lyrics
You remind me of the babe (what babe?)Babe with the power (what power?)Power of voodoo (who do?)You do (do what?)Remind me of the babeI saw my babyCrying hard as babe could cryWhat could I do?My baby’s love had goneAnd left my baby blueNobody knewWhat kind of magic spell to use(Slime and snails) or puppy dog tails(Thunder or lightning) then baby saidDance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Dance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Put that baby’s spell on meJump, magic jump (jump, magic jump)Jump, magic jump (jump, magic jump)Put that magic jump on meSlap that baby, make him freeI saw my babyTrying hard as babe could tryWhat could I do?My baby’s fun had goneAnd left my baby blueNobody knewWhat kind of magic spell to use(Slime and snails) puppy dog tails(Thunder or lightning) then baby saidDance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Dance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Put that baby’s spell on meJump, magic jump (jump, magic jump)Jump, magic jump (jump, magic jump)Put that magic jump on meSlap that baby, make him freeDance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Dance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Put that baby’s spell on meYou remind me of the babe (what babe?)The babe with the power (what power?)Power of voodoo (who do?)You do (do what?)Remind me of the babeDance, magic dance, ooh, ooh, oohDance, magicWhat kind of magic spell to use(Slime and snails) puppy dog tails(Thunder or lightning)Something frighteningDance, magic danceDance, magic dancePut that baby’s spell on meJump, magic jumpJump, magic jumpPut that magic jump on meSlap that baby, make him freeDance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Dance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Dance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Dance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Jump, magic jump (Jump, magic jump)Jump, magic jumpPut that magic jump on meSlap that baby, slap thatSlap that baby, make him freeDance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Dance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Dance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Dance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Dance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Dance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Dance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)Dance, magic dance (dance, magic dance)