Dance Band on the Titanic

Harry Chapin

About Dance Band on the Titanic

"Dance Band on the Titanic" is a song written and performed by Harry Chapin. The song was included on the album of the same name in 1977. Released as a single, the song became a hit on the Australian Charts. It has been included on numerous posthumous compilation albums.


Year:
1977
5:15
491 
#3

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Dance band on the Titanic
Sing "Nearer, my God, to Thee"
The iceberg's on the starboard bow
Won't you dance with me

Mama stood cryin' at the dockside
Sayin' "Please son, don't take this trip"
I said "Mama, sweet Mama, don't you worry none"
"Even God couldn't sink this ship"

Well, the whistle blew and they turned the screws
It turned the water into foam
Destination sweet salvation
Goodbye home sweet home

I'm in the dance band on the Titanic
Sing "Nearer, my God, to Thee"
The iceberg's on the starboard bow
Won't you dance with me

There was a trombone and a saxophone
The bass and drums were cookin' up the bandstand
And I was strummin' in the middle with this dude on the fiddle
And we were three days out from land

And now the foghorn's jammed and moanin'
Hear it groanin' through the misty night
I heard the lookout shout down "There's icebergs around"
"But still everything's all right"

Oh, the dance band on the Titanic
Sing "Nearer, my God, to Thee"
The iceberg's on the starboard bow
Won't you dance with me

They were burnin' all the flares for candles
In the banquet they were throwin' in first class
And we were blowin' waltzes in the barroom
When the universe went CRASH!

"There's no way that this could happen"
I could hear the old captain curse
He ordered lifeboats away, that's when I heard the chaplain say
"Women and children and chaplains first"

Well, they soon used up all of the lifeboats
But there were a lot of us left on board
I heard the drummer sayin' "Boys, just keep playin'"
"Now we're doin' this gig for the Lord"

I heard the dance band on the Titanic
Sing "Nearer, my God, to Thee"
The iceberg's on the starboard bow
Won't you dance with me

There's a wild-eyed boy in the radio shack
He's the last remaining guest
He was tappin' in a Morse code frenzy
Tappin' "Please God, S.O.S."

Jesus Christ can walk on the water
But a music man will drown
They say that Nero fiddled while Rome burned up
Well, I was strummin' as the ship go down

I'm in the dance band on the Titanic
Sing "Nearer, my God, to Thee"
The iceberg's on the starboard bow
Won't you dance with me

Dance band on the Titanic
Sing "Nearer, my God, to Thee"
The iceberg's on the starboard bow
Won't you dance with me

Dance band on the Titanic
Sing "Nearer, my God, to Thee"
The iceberg's on the starboard bow
Won't you dance with me

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Harry Chapin

Harry Forster Chapin (December 7, 1942 – July 16, 1981) was an American singer-songwriter best known for his folk rock songs including "Taxi", "W*O*L*D", and the No. 1 hit "Cat's in the Cradle". Chapin was also a dedicated humanitarian who fought to end world hunger; he was a key player in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977. In 1987, Chapin was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his humanitarian work. more »

5 fans

Written by: HARRY F. CHAPIN

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Genres
"Dance Band on the Titanic" falls into the categories of the folk and pop genres, known for its storyline-driven lyrics and melodic tune.
Album Details
The song is the title track from the album "Dance Band on the Titanic," which was released by Harry Chapin in 1977.
Song Theme
The song features an allegorical and descriptive narrative, telling a metaphorical story of a band continuing to play music while the Titanic sunk.
Chart Performance
Even though this song didn't make a significant chart impact, the influence and recognition of Harry Chapin have not diminished, and the song is considered part of his musical legacy.
Album Success
The "Dance Band on the Titanic" album peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard 200, showing an appreciated recognition at its time.
Inspirational Context
The central theme of the song was inspired by the legendary story of the Titanic's band that continued playing as the ship sank in 1912.
Characteristic Features
"Dance Band on the Titanic" exemplifies Chapin's style of storytelling through music, a characteristic that sets him apart as a unique artist in the pop and folk domain.
Song Length
The track is 5:13 minutes long, a bit longer than the average popular song length, providing a more extended narrative arc for listeners.
Legacy
This song showcase Chapin's talent and portrays his distinctive approach towards the blending of storytelling and music, a feature for which he remains revered till this date.
Charity Connection
The profits from Chapin's concerts, including shows featuring songs like "Dance Band on the Titanic," were often donated to charitable causes – a testament to his dedication to social issues.

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