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"Dancing with Myself"
Single by Gen X
from the album Kiss Me Deadly
ReleasedOctober 1980
Genre
Length3:45 (album version)
3:30 (7" version)
4:06 (12" version)
LabelChrysalis
Songwriters
ProducerKeith Forsey
Gen X singles chronology
"Friday's Angels"
(1979) 		"Dancing with Myself"
(1980) 		"Untouchables"
(1981)
"Dancing with Myself"
Single by Billy Idol
from the album Don't Stop
ReleasedMarch 1981[1]
Recorded1980 (remixed in 1981)
Genre
Length4:50 (album version)
3:19 (single version)
6:05 (12" version)
LabelChrysalis
Songwriters
  • Billy Idol
  • Tony James
ProducerKeith Forsey
Billy Idol singles chronology
"Dancing with Myself"
(1981) 		"Mony Mony"
(1981)
Music video
"Dancing with Myself" on YouTube

"Dancing with Myself" is a song by English punk rock band Gen X, first released in the United Kingdom in October 1980, where it reached number 62 on the UK Singles Chart. It was remixed and re-released by the band's front man Billy Idol as a solo artist in the United States in 1981, where the song reached number 27 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. Nouvelle Vague covered the number in 2006 and released it on their album, Bande à Part.

Composition and lyrics

[edit]

Both versions of "Dancing with Myself" are primarily new wave[2][3] and dance-rock songs,[4] but critics have also described them as power pop,[5] glam rock,[6] disco-punk,[7] post-punk[3] and pop-punk.[8] The song's lyrics, commonly misinterpreted as a metaphor for masturbation,[8] were inspired by an experience Generation X had while touring Japan in mid-1979. Frontman Billy Idol and bassist Tony James were struck by the sight of the young crowd in a Tokyo discotheque dancing with their own reflections in mirrored walls rather than with one another.[9]

Production

[edit]

The song was written and first recorded by Generation X during demo sessions in mid-1979 at Olympic Studios in West London . This demo-recording was first officially released on the album K.M.D.-Sweet Revenge (1998).[10] After that band had split later in that year, Idol and James re-branded the act as Gen X, and in production sessions with Keith Forsey for a new long-player at AIR Studios in London in mid-1980, the song was re-recorded for commercial release as a single. The guitar parts of the song were a mix of the playing of three guitarists with distinctively differing styles, viz. Steve New playing the lead, Steve Jones playing rhythm, with another layer being added by Danny Kustow.[11]

Release

[edit]

First released in October 1980 as a preview of the new band's forthcoming long-player Kiss Me Deadly (1981), "Dancing with Myself" was a retail failure, reaching only number 62 in the UK Singles Chart in a 2-week chart run, then number 60 in its 4-week reappearance in early 1981.

The 1981 LP version runs 3:46 and is nearly the same as the 3:30 7" version, differing only in the last 30 seconds.

In 1981, Idol, now a solo artist after Gen X had broken up, had Forsey remix the song, reducing the prominence of the guitars & bass and removing the tambourine. This was released on the Gen X (a.k.a. 4) EP, with the 7" edition containing a 3:20 version and the 12" edition containing a 6:05 Extended Version.

Launching Idol's career in the U.S. market in 1981, the 3:20 version was released on 7" vinyl (credited to "Billy Idol and Gen X"), and the extended version was released on a promo-only 12".[12] The extended version was also edited down to a 4:51 Long Version, which was commercially released on Idol's Don't Stop 12" EP, which was a dance club hit.

In 1983, the song was reissued commercially and bombed again, not charting at all in the UK, and only reaching #102 in the U.S. on the Billboard Bubbling Under chart. For this reissue, the U.S. got the 3:20 single version on 7" only, and the UK/EU market got a 7" containing the Long Version and a 12" containing the Extended Version.

The 3:20 version later appeared on Idol's 11 of the Best compilation, and the Extended Version appeared as the "Uptown Mix" on the Vital Idol compilation.

Music video

[edit]

For the 1981 United States single release, a music video for use on the newly launched MTV was made, directed by Tobe Hooper, with Idol in a scenario drawn from the 1971 cinema film The Omega Man, playing a lone figure in a post-apocalyptic cityscape besieged upon a skyscraper rooftop by partying mutant street-waifs.[10]

Formats and track listings

[edit]

Gen X release

[edit]

7″: Chrysalis – CHS 2444 (UK)

[edit]
  1. "Dancing with Myself" (3:30)
  2. "Ugly Rash" (4:30)

12″: Chrysalis – CHS 12 2444 (UK)

[edit]
  1. "Dancing with Myself" (4:06)
  2. "Loopy Dub" (5:08)
  3. "Ugly Dub" (3:05)

12″ Chrysalis – CHS 2488 (45 rpm)

[edit]
  1. "Dancing with Myself"
  2. "Untouchables"
  3. "Rock On"
  4. "King Rocker" (produced by Ian Hunter)

Billy Idol release

[edit]

7″: Chrysalis – CHS 2488 (US)

[edit]
  1. "Dancing with Myself" (3:19) [Labelled as "Billy Idol featuring Generation X"]
  2. "Happy People" (4:23)

7″: Chrysalis – IDOL 1 (UK – 1983)

[edit]
  1. "Dancing with Myself" (3:19) [Labelled as "Billy Idol featuring Generation X"]
  2. "Love Calling (Dub)" (5:33)

12″: Chrysalis – IDOLX 1 (UK – 1983)

[edit]
  1. "Dancing with Myself" (6:05) [Labelled as "Billy Idol featuring Generation X"]
  2. "Love Calling (Dub)" (5:33)
  3. "White Wedding" (8:20)
  4. "Hot in the City" (5:20)

Charts

[edit]

Gen X version

[edit]
Chart (1980–1981) Peak
position
UK Singles Chart[13] 62

Billy Idol version

[edit]
Chart (1981) Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play[14] 27
U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles 102
Chart (1983) Peak
position
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[15] 39
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[16] 9

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
New Zealand (RMNZ)[17] Platinum 30,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Maren Morris version

[edit]
"Dancing with Myself"
Single by Maren Morris
Released15 February 2024 (2024-02-15)
GenreAlt-pop
Length4:11
LabelColumbia
Songwriters
ProducerGabe Simon
Maren Morris singles chronology
"42"
(2023) 		"Dancing with Myself"
(2024) 		"Cut"
(2024)
Music video
"Dancing with Myself" on YouTube

In 2024, the song was re-arranged and covered by American singer and songwriter Maren Morris.[18] The cover was released as a single on 15 February 2024, under Columbia Records, in a partnership with the mobile app Visible for their "Singles Awareness Day" campaign. It marks Morris first release since her collaboration with DJ an electronic artist Diplo, "42" in 2023.[19][20][21]

Background and composition

[edit]

According to critics, Morris version features banjos, strummed acoustic guitars which are complemented by Morris' signature smoky vocals on the track produced by Gabe Simon.[22] Morris said about the cover origin: "I partnered with Visible because I loved the theme of their messaging, which is independence and ownership," she added, "For me right now, I'm really leaning into my sort of singleness and it's daunting but exciting."[23] She also explained further why she chose Idol's song to cover: "i decided to cover one of my longtime favorite songs by Billy Idol because it's always been a beautifully melancholic anthem for me, It also captures where I am at right now; a little blue but a lot relieved. Dancing through my feelings and shaking off the expired layers that no longer strengthen me."[24]

Reception

[edit]

Morris version received mostly positive reviews by music critics. Gil Kaufman for Billboard praised Morris' delivery, stating that the singer "sounds perfectly fine on her own".[25] Scott Bernstein for JamBase dubbed the cover as a "fresh spin" of Idol's song.[26] In a more mixed review Tom Breihan for Stereogum said that Morris cover doesn't "seem likely to incite much dancing" describing it as "significantly less rambunctious and more serene" in comparison to the original.[27]

Music video

[edit]

An official music video directed by Mehdi Zollo, sponsored by Visible was released alongside the single.[28] The video was shot in East Nashville at Grimey's Records, and shows Morris dancing through the record store, sporting a leather trenchcoat, white tank top, jeans, and sunglasses.[24] The music video pays homage to the 2000 film High Fidelity.[24]

Release history

[edit]
Release date and formats for "Dancing with Myself" (Maren Morris version)
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Various 15 February 2024
Columbia Records [21]
[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dancing with Myself

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Dancing with Myself" is a punk rock song written by (born William Michael Broad) and Tony James, originally recorded and released by Idol's band as the lead single from their 1980 album Valley of the Dolls, before being remixed and reissued as Idol's debut solo single in 1981 on his EP .https://www.songfacts.com/facts/billy-idol/dancing-with-myself The song's inspiration stemmed from a 1979 tour stop in , where Idol and James observed club-goers dancing energetically by themselves in front of mirrors, a trend that contrasted with the more paired-off dancing common in Western discos at the time; this scene of solitary, liberated movement amid isolation influenced the lyrics, which celebrate personal freedom on the dance floor rather than any sexual connotation often misattributed to the title.https://www.songfacts.com/facts/billy-idol/dancing-with-myself Upon its initial release by in October 1980, the track peaked at number 60 on the UK Singles Chart, but it gained greater traction in the United States following Idol's solo version, reaching number 27 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1981 and climbing to number 2 on the chart upon its 1983 re-release amid the success of Idol's breakthrough hits like "." Despite not achieving a top position on the —making it one of the most enduring pop songs to miss that chart entirely—"Dancing with Myself" became a signature anthem for Idol, emblematic of his transition from punk roots to new wave stardom, and it has since been covered by artists including and while appearing in films such as (1998) and (2001).

Origins and Composition

Inspiration and Writing

"Dancing with Myself" was co-written by and Tony James during Generation X's 1979 tour of . The inspiration came from a visit to a , where the duo observed club-goers dancing energetically alone in front of mirrors, pogoing to their own reflections rather than with partners—a stark contrast to Western paired dancing. This scene of solitary, liberated movement amid influenced the song's concept of personal freedom on the dance floor. Idol developed the guitar riff in the studio, and the lyrics were penned that same night.

Lyrics and Themes

The lyrics of "Dancing with Myself" center on the core theme of isolation amid a desire for human connection, portraying a solitary dancer in a bustling club who finds solace in envisioning a loved one's presence, as exemplified by the lines "In a big crowded place / Well, I can see your face." This duality captures the bittersweet experience of urban , where physical contrasts with an imagined emotional unity across distances. The song employs a straightforward verse-chorus structure, building energy through repetitive hooks such as "Dancing with myself / Oh, oh, dancing with myself," which underscore as a form of self-soothing amid disconnection. These refrains, delivered with an anthemic quality, highlight dance as a liberating , transforming personal alienation into a rhythmic celebration of resilience. Despite frequent misinterpretation as a for —stemming from the titular phrase "dancing with myself"— has explicitly stated that the song reflects themes of loneliness and the shared experiences of global , particularly drawing from observations of disenfranchised young people in clubs dancing before mirrors as proxies for companionship. Idol emphasized in interviews that the track conveys a world where individuals are "left bereft dancing with their own reflections," while acknowledging a masturbatory element in the solitary dancing imagery. The lyrics mark a tonal from the raw aggression of punk roots in X's catalog to the buoyant optimism characteristic of new wave, infusing the narrative with an uplifting energy that echoes the escapist vibrancy of club scenes. This shift manifests in the song's hopeful undercurrent, where becomes a gateway to broader communal fantasy rather than outright despair.

Generation X Version

Production

The original Generation X version of "Dancing with Myself" was recorded in mid-1980 at AIR Studios on in , where the band re-worked material originally tracked for their unreleased album Sweet Revenge. The sessions marked a transitional period for the band, which had shortened its name from to Gen X amid lineup instability following the departure of Bob "Derwood" Andrews in late 1979. Producer , known for his work blending rock with dance elements, oversaw the recording, emphasizing a streamlined new wave sound that incorporated subtle textures alongside the band's punk roots to create a club-friendly vibe. Key personnel included on lead vocals, Tony James on bass guitar, and on drums, with the core providing the song's propulsive, danceable backbone. Due to the lack of a permanent guitarist after Andrews' exit, the track featured multiple overdubs from session players, including (formerly of ) on lead guitar, Steve Jones of the contributing gritty rhythm parts, and Danny Kustow of the adding layered textures. This collaborative approach on guitars resulted in echoing, reverb-heavy riffs that evoked the energy of a crowded , while Forsey's production highlighted a steady, disco-influenced groove and minimal synth elements to shift the track toward emerging new wave aesthetics without abandoning the band's raw punk edge. The recording process was fraught with challenges stemming from internal band tensions exacerbated by the group's post-reformation instability and personal struggles, including Idol's escalating heroin use, which strained dynamics during the sessions. Tensions between James and Forsey led to frequent arguments over the mix, contributing to the extensive guitar overdubs as the producer sought to capture a cohesive sound amid the discord. Despite these hurdles, the final single version clocked in at approximately 3:30, prioritizing a tight, radio-ready structure that amplified the driving rhythm and anthemic chorus to convey isolated yet euphoric club energy.

Release and Formats

"Dancing with Myself" was released in October 1980 in the United Kingdom by Chrysalis Records as the lead single from the band's album Kiss Me Deadly (issued in 1981). The standard 7" vinyl single (catalog CHS 2444, 45 RPM) featured "Dancing with Myself" (3:30) on the A-side, backed by "Ugly Rash" (4:30) on the B-side. A 12" single (catalog CHS 12 2444, 45 RPM) was also issued, with an extended "Dancing with Myself" (4:08) on the A-side, and "Loopy Dub" (5:08) and "Ugly Dub" (3:05) on the B-side.

Commercial Performance

"Dancing with Myself" by entered the UK Singles Chart on 18 October 1980, peaking at number 60 and spending a total of six weeks on the chart. The single was released exclusively in the and failed to chart in other territories due to limited international distribution. Despite its energetic new wave sound, the track achieved only modest commercial success, with low sales that fell short of expectations and no certifications awarded; this underwhelming performance, amid the waning popularity of acts, marked it as a commercial disappointment for the band and contributed to their subsequent breakup. Retrospectively, "Dancing with Myself" has attained cult status among fans as Generation X's farewell single, enduring as a radio staple and concert favorite long after its initial release.

Billy Idol Solo Version

Re-recording and Production

Following the breakup of Generation X in early 1981 after the commercial failure of their album Kiss Me Deadly, Billy Idol pursued a solo career, remixing the band's 1980 track "Dancing with Myself" for inclusion on his debut EP Don't Stop. The remix, produced by Keith Forsey—who had also helmed the original recording—was completed in July 1981 at Westlake Audio and Musicland West studios in Los Angeles, transforming the song into a more accessible dance-rock track aimed at the U.S. market. The production emphasized a brighter, pop-oriented sound by elevating Idol's vocals and the drum beat while dialing back the guitars, creating a radio-friendly vibe that highlighted the song's rhythmic and danceable qualities without altering the core instrumentation. The personnel remained drawn from the original Generation X sessions, featuring Billy Idol on vocals, Tony James on bass, and Terry Chimes on drums, with additional guitar contributions from session players including Steve Jones and James Stevenson. The EP version clocks in at 4:51, but a shortened edit of 3:19 was prepared for single release to better suit commercial airplay. This rework marked a pivotal shift in Idol's sound, bridging his punk roots with the emerging new wave and era, and setting the stage for his breakthrough as a solo artist.

Release and Formats

The solo version of "Dancing with Myself" was initially released in the United States in October 1981 as the lead single from Billy Idol's debut EP, , issued by under catalog number CHS 2488. This marked Idol's first solo single in the American market, serving as a key part of the promotion for his U.S. debut with on radio stations and popularity in clubs. The standard 7" vinyl single ran at 45 RPM and featured a remixed 3:19 edit of the track on the A-side, backed by "Happy People" (4:23) on the B-side. A promotional 12" single (catalog CHS-27-PDJ) was also distributed that year in the U.S., offering an extended 5:57 mix of "Dancing with Myself" on the A-side and an 8:23 version of "Happy People (Hubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble)" on the B-side, targeted at DJs for dance floor play. In 1983, amid the success of Idol's Rebel Yell album, Chrysalis reissued the single in the United Kingdom to capitalize on his rising popularity. The UK 7" promo edition (catalog IDOL 1, 45 RPM) included a 4:50 version of "Dancing with Myself" on the A-side with "Love Calling (Dub)" (5:33) as the B-side, limited to promotional copies. The accompanying 12" EP (catalog IDOLX 1, 33⅓ RPM) expanded to four tracks: the 6:05 Uptown Mix of "Dancing with Myself" on the A-side, followed by "Love Calling (Dub)" (5:33), and on the B-side "White Wedding" (8:30) and "Hot in the City" (5:20).

Music Video

The music video for Billy Idol's 1981 solo version of "Dancing with Myself" was directed by , the acclaimed horror filmmaker known for works such as . Filmed in that year, the video presents a post-apocalyptic where Idol portrays a solitary figure navigating in abandoned buildings, evoking a sense of isolation amid crumbling cityscapes. This concept draws inspiration from the 1971 science fiction film , starring as a lone survivor in a deserted overrun by mutants; Hooper incorporates similar eerie, desolate environments and playful horror elements, including grotesque mutant figures, to underscore the song's themes of alienation and defiant self-expression. The visual style emphasizes dynamic , with Idol performing energetic dances in empty spaces—often in to heighten the rhythmic intensity and emotional solitude—while hordes of background dancers mimic his movements in surreal, synchronized sequences. These scenes directly tie to the lyrics' motif of "dancing with myself," symbolizing personal liberation and the joy of solitary revelry in a disconnected world, transforming the video into a metaphorical exploration of against societal . Produced on a modest scale typical of early music videos, it captured the punk-to-new-wave transition in Idol's , blending raw energy with cinematic flair. Upon release, the video aired extensively on the nascent MTV network starting in late , quickly becoming a staple rotation that significantly amplified the single's visibility and helped propel Idol's breakthrough in the American market. Its heavy play contributed to the track's crossover , marking a pivotal moment in MTV's role in popularizing British acts during the early . The video was re-promoted in alongside the song's re-release, further cementing its cultural resonance as an enduring visual icon of the era.

Commercial Performance and Certifications

The solo version of "Dancing with Myself," released as part of Billy Idol's 1981 EP Don't Stop, achieved moderate chart success internationally, marking an early breakthrough for his solo career despite not cracking major pop charts in key markets. In the United States, the track peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in early 1982. It also bubbled just outside the main Hot 100, reaching number 102 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart upon its 1983 reissue. In Canada, it climbed to number 39 on the RPM Top Singles chart in late 1983, spending nine weeks in the top 100. The song's strongest international performance came in New Zealand, where the 1983 reissue hit number 9 on the Recorded Music NZ (then RIANZ) Singles Chart and remained on the listing for 15 weeks. Notably, it failed to enter the UK Top 40, peaking outside the top 100 during its domestic push. Sales for the single were bolstered by heavy rotation of its accompanying , contributing to over 500,000 units sold worldwide by 1985 as part of Idol's burgeoning solo catalog. In , the single earned platinum certification from in 1983, denoting shipments of 30,000 units—a significant milestone for the track in that market. Critics at the time lauded the remix for its crossover appeal, blending punk energy with danceable new wave elements that helped propel Idol from frontman to international solo star. Retrospectively, the song is hailed as one of Idol's signature hits, emblematic of his reinvention despite its initial modest chart peaks, and credited with laying the groundwork for subsequent successes like . The track's enduring popularity was further amplified by reissues, including a 2001 digital remaster featured on the compilation Greatest Hits, which enhanced its audio quality and spurred renewed interest, leading to hundreds of millions of streams across platforms like Spotify by the mid-2020s.

Cover Versions

Notable Covers

"Dancing with Myself" has been covered over 50 times by various artists across genres, as documented in music databases. One of the earliest notable interpretations came from in 2004, featured on the soundtrack, delivering a high-energy, all-female rendition that captured the song's rebellious spirit. In 2006, French band Nouvelle Vague reimagined the track in a style on their album Bande à part, with vocals by , transforming the original's new wave energy into a lounge-like, seductive vibe. The Glee Cast performed a pop version in 2009 during the "Wheels" episode of the television series Glee, sung primarily by Artie Abrams (Kevin McHale), emphasizing themes of independence and mobility. Blink-182 recorded a punk-infused cover for the 1997 compilation album Before You Were Punk, and performed it live during sets in the late 1990s and around 2017, infusing the song with their signature fast-paced, humorous edge. More recent takes include ' 2020 acoustic folk-rock version on the Valley Girl soundtrack, which highlights the anthemic chorus in a stripped-down, introspective arrangement. That same year, British pizzagirl released an indie electronic cover, blending lo-fi synths and dreamy vocals to give the track a modern, introspective twist recorded during self-isolation. These covers often reinterpret the song's danceable core for genre shifts, from punk and pop to lounge and indie, amplifying its themes of solitude and self-expression.

Maren Morris Version

In February 2024, released a cover of "Dancing with Myself" as a standalone single in partnership with the wireless carrier Visible, timed to coincide with on February 15. The track reimagines Billy Idol's 1981 new wave hit in an alt-pop style, incorporating a groove, accents, and Morris's sultry vocals to transform it into a cathartic anthem about self-empowerment and post-breakup independence. Produced by Gabe Simon at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, the recording features Morris handling lead and background vocals, with Simon contributing instrumentation including bass, guitars, mandolin, synthesizer, drums, and percussion. Morris selected the song as her first new music of the year, drawing inspiration from its original themes of solitary joy and resilience, which resonated with her personal experiences following her January 2024 divorce from . She described the cover as a reflection of feeling "a little blue but a lot relieved," emphasizing with the statement, "YOU are your longest relationship in this life." The accompanying , directed by Alexa Kinsey and filmed at Nashville's Grimey's New & Preloved record store, depicts Morris dancing solo through neon-lit aisles in a leather trenchcoat, white tank top, , and , evoking a sense of liberated while paying homage to the film . In May 2025, Morris performed the cover live on . The cover received positive reception, with praising it as a "sultry reinvention" that blends elements with pop flair. It debuted and peaked at number 41 on the US iTunes chart shortly after release, marking a modest digital sales performance. By late , the track had amassed over 2.4 million views on its official video and approximately 3 million streams on , contributing to its steady online traction.

Legacy

"Dancing with Myself" has been prominently featured in various films, often underscoring moments of isolation, youthful energy, or celebratory dance sequences. In the 1987 teen comedy , the song plays during a pivotal scene, symbolizing the protagonist's social breakthrough and themes of . It appears in the 1999 film during a scene in which a character drives home, providing an upbeat moment in the story of air traffic controllers' high-stakes lives. The track is used in (2004) for a lively party sequence, capturing the chaotic fun of high school social dynamics. In the animated adventure (2006), it accompanies an early scene where the character Roddy performs a , emphasizing in a humorous, isolated context. Additionally, the song features in (2009) during a performance, highlighting and comedic vulnerability. On television, "Dancing with Myself" has been incorporated into several productions to evoke 1980s nostalgia or emotional montages. The 1998 HBO miniseries Gia uses it in a montage sequence depicting the model's rise and personal struggles, aligning with themes of isolation. In the Fox series Glee (season 1, episode 9, aired 2009), the Glee Cast performs a cover in a wheelchair basketball fundraiser episode, tying into narratives of overcoming challenges and self-expression. The ABC sitcom The Goldbergs includes it in a 2021 episode (season 9, episode 5) flashback to the 1980s, reinforcing the show's retro aesthetic and family dynamics. Beyond film and TV, the song has seen extensive use in other media, including video games and advertising, often for its energetic vibe suited to action or motivational contexts. It is featured on the Flash FM radio station in (2002), immersing players in a 1980s Miami-inspired world. In commercials, such as a 2017 fitness ad featuring for Berlei, it has been licensed to promote solo workouts and empowerment, such as in campaigns emphasizing personal achievement. Overall, the track boasts over 20 major sync placements across media, as tracked by databases like Tunefind and , frequently selected for its resonance with themes of youthful rebellion, isolation, or exuberant dance montages.

Cultural Influence

"Dancing with Myself" exemplified the transition from to new wave in the early 1980s, infusing punk's raw energy with polished, dance-oriented production that facilitated crossover appeal on emerging platforms like . Originally inspired by solo dancing in nightclubs, the track streamlined Generation X's punk roots into a more accessible sound, helping propel Idol's solo career and contributing to the "Second " wave that brought British acts to American audiences. For , the song solidified his legacy as a enduring rebel icon, becoming a track despite its modest initial chart success and a concert staple that has defined his live performances across a global touring history spanning over 40 countries. Its persistent inclusion in setlists underscores Idol's evolution from punk frontman to pop mainstay, embodying his snarling persona and DIY ethos that resonated beyond the charts. Thematically, "Dancing with Myself" serves as an anthem for and in crowded environments, capturing the irony of isolation amid social scenes and promoting personal expression as empowerment. This resonance amplified during the , when the song featured prominently in playlists for its ironic take on enforced aloneness and inspired reinterpretations like Jimmy Fallon, Idol, and ' remote performance using everyday household items to mimic instruments. In recent years, the track's cultural footprint expanded with Maren Morris's 2024 cover, a sultry reimagining that spotlighted its timeless themes of independence and sparked renewed streaming interest, pushing the original's plays past 187 million on alone. This revival, tied to promotions celebrating singledom, further cemented the song's role in contemporary discussions of self-empowerment.

References

  1. https://americansongwriter.com/the-story-behind-the-non-hit-that-became-billy-idols-signature-song/
  2. https://knucklebonz.com/blogs/blog/billy-idol-dancing-with-myself-did-you-know
  3. https://jungleindierock.com/blog/2024/04/29/billy-idol-dancing-with-myself-1981/
  4. https://genius.com/Billy-idol-dancing-with-myself-lyrics
  5. https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-pop-songs-all-time-miss-hot-100-chart/
  6. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/generation-x-dancing-with-myself/
  7. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/billy-idol/dancing-with-myself
  8. https://www.stayfreeradioip.com/post/billy-idol-dancing-with-myself-meaning-and-review
  9. https://www.ultimateclassicrock.com/billy-idol-quits-generation-x/
  10. https://jazzrocksoul.com/artists/generation-x/
  11. https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/music/a23814/billy-idol-dancing-with-myself-story/
  12. https://www.discogs.com/release/666732-Gen-X-Dancing-With-Myself
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/9524171-Generation-X-Perfect-Hits-1975-1981
  14. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiss_Me_Deadly_(album)
  15. https://www.discogs.com/master/137688-Gen-X-Dancing-With-Myself
  16. https://www.subjectivesounds.com/musicblog/generation-x-kiss-me-deadly-album-review
  17. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/billy-idol-quits-generation-x/
  18. https://www.discogs.com/release/570543-Billy-Idol-Dont-Stop
  19. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/billy-idol-dont-stop-ep/
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/2099783-Gen-X-Kiss-Me-Deadly
  21. https://music.apple.com/us/album/dont-stop-ep/1767045533
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/4439882-Billy-Idol-And-Gen-X-Dancing-With-Myself
  23. https://www.allmusic.com/album/dont-stop-mw0000653995
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/2584380-Billy-Idol-and-Gen-X-Dancing-With-Myself
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/2052046-Billy-Idol-Featuring-Gen-X-Dancing-With-Myself
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/966177-Billy-Idol-Dancing-With-Myself
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6734776/
  28. https://thefilmpupil.com/article.php?issue=december2022&title=dancing-with-myself
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG1NrQYXjLU
  30. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/13787/all
  31. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/28326/all
  32. https://music.apple.com/us/album/dancing-with-myself-from-the-motion-picture-mean/14140110
  33. https://open.spotify.com/track/2OptMaxTSOBZQKMJz1Sxhj
  34. https://genius.com/Glee-cast-dancing-with-myself-glee-cast-version-lyrics
  35. https://open.spotify.com/track/19X7O2SlQNMkiJEjVYN6ts
  36. https://www.reddit.com/r/Blink182/comments/1by3730/whats_your_favorite_funlargely_unknown_fact_about/
  37. https://genius.com/American-authors-dancing-with-myself-lyrics
  38. https://open.spotify.com/track/19ZnFXetAF5f0ABWUs4mNW
  39. https://genius.com/Billy-idol-dancing-with-myself-sample/covers
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrSwJ-Imp3c
  41. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/maren-morris-cover-billy-idol-dancing-with-myself-listen-1235608502/
  42. https://www.countrystandardtime.com/news/newsitem.asp?xid=13582
  43. https://music.apple.com/us/album/dancing-with-myself-single/1730022804
  44. https://people.com/maren-morris-shares-cathartic-cover-of-billy-idol-dancing-with-myself-8583076
  45. https://www.jambase.com/article/maren-morris-dancing-with-myself
  46. https://www.pmstudio.com/music/20240216-22143
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poGOUHKXY8w
  48. http://www.itunescharts.net/us/artists/music/maren-morris/
  49. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYfm-1mElFo
  50. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/6WY7D3jk8zTrHtmkqqo5GI_songs.html
  51. https://www.tunefind.com/movie/cant-buy-me-love-1987
  52. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120797/soundtrack/
  53. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0424095/soundtrack/
  54. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1155056/soundtrack/
  55. https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/01/14/grand-theft-auto-double-pack-grand-theft-auto-iii-grand-theft-auto-vice-city-music-list-faq-528295
  56. https://www.muscleandfitness.com/muscle-fitness-hers/hers-athletes-celebrities/serena-williams-shows-dancing-skills-berlei-ad/
  57. https://www.tunefind.com/artist/billy-idol
  58. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/new-wave-songs/
  59. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/concert-map/billy-idol-23d68487.html
  60. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jimmy-fallon-billy-idol-the-roots-dancing-with-myself-1004171/
  61. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/maren-morris-billy-idol-dancing-with-myself-cover-1234968833/
  62. https://chartmasters.org/artist/?id=7lzordPuZEXxwt9aoVZYmG
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