(No More) Dancing In The Street by John Hiatt is a song that reflects on the changing times and the loss of freedom and individuality. The lyrics depict a world where dancing, once a symbol of expression and rebellion, has been restricted and replaced by conformity. The song begins by describing a friend of the narrator who has been repeatedly arrested but keeps returning to dance. This friend was known for his wild spirit and dancing all across America. However, now there is no more dancing in the streets, and the reason behind it is not explicitly mentioned. Martha and the Vandellas, a vocal group from the 1960s, are mentioned as a reminder of a time when people were encouraged to express themselves freely. But now, the listener is compared to "idiots" dancing to the Bee Gees, implying a shift towards more mainstream and unoriginal trends. The lyrics suggest that society has become dull and sexless, lacking the excitement and innovation that dancing once brought. The latest craze, perhaps referring to a popular trend or style, is out of sight, and the speaker wonders what happened to it. The chorus repeats the lack of dancing in the street, emphasizing that this freedom has been lost. The following lines criticize the mindset of people who no longer imagine and settle for empty plates, symbolizing their satisfaction with the mundane. The bridge section laments the loss of fun and humor that was present before, blaming the reconsideration of rules for the change. Consumer affairs, referring to societal pressures and conformity, is said to have people dancing in pairs, dressed like fools. The song concludes by emphasizing once again that there is no more dancing in the street. The repetition implies the permanence of this loss and the clear distinction between the past and the present. Overall, "(No More) Dancing In The Street" portrays a world where individuality and expression have been suppressed, replaced by conformity and a lack of imagination. The song mourns the loss of freedom and creativity that dancing once represented.
