Story Behind the Song: 'The Dance'

Рет қаралды 273,769

8 жыл бұрын

Songwriter Tony Arata with Bart Herbison of the Nashville Songritwers Association International on Tony's huge hit with Garth Brooks

Пікірлер: 207

@tomburton1037 Жыл бұрын

"you don't get to pick and chose your memories of life" Tony Arata. Now this should be a song.

@michaelskyrealm 7 жыл бұрын

one of the greatest songs ever written.

@candysantillo3325 5 жыл бұрын

Michael G Gonzalez agreed!

@royalzavala8545 4 жыл бұрын

Michael G Gonzalez if it wasn’t for the movie “Peggy Sue Got Married” we would not have “The Dance”

@mellissaskeen6605 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. Still brings tears to my eyes

@bcoh8741 3 жыл бұрын

People from all walks of life should be able to appreciate this song. It’s a masterpiece.

@carmenwise2256 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely AGREE!

@bevroberts8440 3 жыл бұрын

Mr. Arata, thank you so much for this song. It really hits home.

@oldermusiclover 3 жыл бұрын

it does indeed

@marycanary Жыл бұрын

Absolutely!

@audreeshatto 2 ай бұрын

This is my all time fav song. It will be played at my funeral

@sarahart6100 8 күн бұрын

Mine too

@Pecan215 3 жыл бұрын

I loved hearing Tony Arata's story about The Dance. Glad I got to hear Tony play and sing.

@19lhernandez 3 жыл бұрын

This song gets me EVERYTIME!! 😢

@tomoconnell4949 3 ай бұрын

This one of the best crafted songs that I have ever heard, and encompasses the saddest but most beautiful lines ever

@kathleenhuntley639 Жыл бұрын

Wow! - My cow-boy husband, with a Master's Degree and PTSD was a dancer... and sometimes an SOB - But we danced! Often he would watch then say - "Let's show them how honey"... and we did - He has been gone 16 years now - and through it all - I would have missed the dance. Thank you... Beautiful!

@IllyaLeonovMorganFreepony 4 жыл бұрын

I have never heard this song without crying. It is amazing.

@fierywolf1981 6 жыл бұрын

My favorite country song, I've heard it done by a hundred artists but Garth's will always be my favorite. Thank you for sharing the story of how it came about.

@sergeantmasson3669 3 жыл бұрын

Kelly Clarkson does a great version also.

@annward4149 3 жыл бұрын

Oh Kelly Clarkson has The Dance perfectly sung!!!!! All hands down for Kelly. She puts you right there into the song. She sings it totally convincing you she's been there with the tears in her voice. And with her divorce wow she has the song 100%. You rock Kelly

@314cstaff 3 жыл бұрын

Scotty Mcquery sang an amazing version as well

@BJane58 19 күн бұрын

The song is a masterpiece. He was right ……how lucky for him he was turned down by so many . Garth Brooks is The Dance. Can’t imagine writing something like this. One of greatest pieces of music written in the past 100 years.Unfortunately, he is right. We can’t pick and choose our memories. If only we could…..

@WildPhotoShooter 6 жыл бұрын

This is my personal favourite Garth Brooks song, a beautiful beautiful song.

@jennifursun3303 5 жыл бұрын

mine is Your Song

@arturofernandez7482 4 сағат бұрын

Song of America. Then and now. God bless America.

@michellemichon 3 жыл бұрын

Y'all have a piece of my heart and tear drops every time I hear that song no matter who sings it. It's from the heart.

@sandyshore8787 3 жыл бұрын

Tony, it is SUCH a beautiful song. I am so glad that I got to hear you sing the song yourself. For the first time I heard all of the words and had a better understanding of the song and lyrics. You have a way of singing it! You have a very nice voice.

@Dani-ICU-RN 3 жыл бұрын

Omg...THIS IS EXACTLY my story..21 years married... Not exactly " happy".. but I know I WAS MEANT TO BE THEIR MAMA".. AND I'd do it again..in spite of maybe more( mom) tears than smiles..... my girls are AMAZING♡

@alicearnold4117 3 жыл бұрын

Danielle my daughter has your story too. Married eighteen years and stunned with a divorce, abruptly having to take your broken-hearted kids and leave your beautiful dream home. The spouse was happy go lucky, happy to move on and two states away from those sweet girls. It took her three years to move through the worst of the grief and there is always some kind of drama with her ex but we have the blessing of those three beautiful girls. Wishing you the best.

@artismyheart4886 3 жыл бұрын

Currently in a not so great marriage, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately. The What If’s, what could have been’s, what if I had taken a different path? Then I look at my kids and think how I might not ever have had them if it weren’t for my relationship with their father.

@barbarabavier675 2 жыл бұрын

This song means SO MUCH to me. My husband passed away from Stage IV Esophageal Cancer on March 23, 2019 at age 59. We had 31 total years together; some rough, some wonderful. We were just getting ready to enjoy our retirement and should have had 30 more years together. But like the song says, I’m glad I didn’t know the way it all would end. I could have missed the pain, but I’d have had to miss the dance. I wonder what Mr. Arata thinks of Kelly Clarkson’s version?

@JaimeMesChiens Жыл бұрын

My partner, love-of-my life, Benjamin, my life partner, eternal beloved, died on 29 Sept 2017. He was 42-yr old and it was sudden and unexpected. I was numb. I couldn’t comprehend what had happened and I couldn’t cry. I wanted to cry, but my soul was dead. Shocked into auto pilot. Then, I heard and saw this on GMA. Mr Brooks performed it live. This performance, this song. I started sobbing first, followed by the most-intense tragic, deep pain. I realised why my survival didn’t allow me to feel for six weeks: it was too immense. It was overwhelming. I cried that entire day, couldn’t sleep that night. Cried on-and-off all night, and spent the following day laying on the sofa. Crying. This song brought about such agony, but it was necessary for me to survive. It still hurts. I miss my Benjamin every day. I like to think he is somewhere, watching me, and is also sobbing at the cruel way he had to leave me. This song brings it all back to day zero. Not a day goes by. Benj is always with me. I’ve not been able to “move on” and get involved with another man. Many do, and my family and friends urge this for me. I may some day, or may not. I don’t think it would be fair to another man to live with Benj’s ghost, always beside me. Eternal Beloved. Barbara, I am so sorry for your loss. If you’d like to talk to me, I would love to hear you. Let me know, please tag me, and I’ll post my email for you. 💔

@danielroos5426 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for writing such a beautiful song. Honestly, it has given me comfort when putting down a couple of my dogs. That probably sounds weird but it has been so painful with my last dog, I can't even sing that song without bursting into tears. I'm not sure I would have ever gotten him if I knew the heartbreak that I was going to feel when I lost him but this song helps me realize exactly what you said. You don't get to pick and choose your memories.

@StarBright1976 Жыл бұрын

Wow, this song also had a connection with me and a great dog of mine. I lost when she was almost 15 years old. I had a very difficult time dealing with my loss. But this song held a lot of meaning helping me deal with my loss. 10 years after her passing this song was sung while I was eating at a restaurant with my husband. I couldn’t help myself from breaking down crying, remembering my girl. Such a powerful song. But I’m glad I didn’t miss my 14 plus year dance with my best girl, Ginny. I cry whenever I hear that song and now there are others also in my memories.

@BJane58 19 күн бұрын

Unfortunately, i understand all too well. When I hear this song, I think of my beloved dogs and cats. And sometimes when the pain is great,I’ wonder if I would have changed having them. I just miss them so. Thank you for expressing how I feel

@debrajones4840 Жыл бұрын

My favorite song of all time

@SilentKnight43 3 жыл бұрын

It usually takes me a few beers in the bar before I get the spine to do a few karaoke tunes on stage - but when I do I've often chosen The Dance (and a few Keith Whitley songs) for two reasons. Primarily the poignant lyrics apply to much of my life - and thankfully the song is in a key I can sing. I always try and put the same inflection in the vocals as Garth to sound as close to him as possible, rather than re-interpreting it. It's definitely a special song that will remain a classic for generations. It's haunting, introspective...yet flows beautifully with such a nice melody.

@JesusSaves80 Жыл бұрын

This song reminds me of my mom and dad dancing in the living room,and I caught them and I recorded it on my phone, and it was there last dance becuz right after he passed of cancer, I cry everytime I hear it

@cherylbrowning3303 3 жыл бұрын

Some of Gods greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

@peggyhawkinson3061 3 жыл бұрын

Oh, I think they’re always answered……

@laurenrizzuto878 3 жыл бұрын

Our lives are better left to chance...I cry everytime I hear it.

@maryrohloff2254 Жыл бұрын

I have loved this song. I appreciated the story behind it. No matter what we do in our life there are heart breaking,things that happen . In my own life that has been true. One of my favorite verses is Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. The difficult experiences are the ones that teach you,the most.

@lninas2003 5 жыл бұрын

I love Peggy Sue got married, makes me cry every time I see it, and the dance is my favorite country song. So happy I found this video, I've been waiting almost 30yrs to hear the story of this amazing song. Thank you ❤️

@amorl4520 3 жыл бұрын

Watch Kelly Clarkson just sing it at the Kennedy Center. Tribute to brooks and Joan Bias . Better than garth.

@superannieoakley4513 4 жыл бұрын

Wonderful story. Hits so true for me. Truly married the man of my dreams & we were living a great life, even after my accident. I thought things were still great, just a bump...but he asked for a divorce after 32yrs. I was devastated, but thankful for the unconditional love he Had given me & our 2 beautiful children

@BrooklynBaby100 3 жыл бұрын

Jesus that’s awful.. I’m sorry he left you.

@kennyg63 6 жыл бұрын

Glad I found this video. Tony seems like a great guy.

@debrajones4840 Жыл бұрын

This is my song Hubby is gone away but I cherish this song

@kristanhelms9803 4 жыл бұрын

So glad to find the person who wrote this terrific song!! It will stand the test of time.

@susanheller2328 3 жыл бұрын

My late husband loved this song! We saw Garth in a concert live in Boston! When he sang it the audience sang along! Wow... and my dear husband five years later came. Down with cancer, but always had this “song choice” while having chemo. Unfortunately he died after 6 years battling this horrible disease, but it always reminds me of how we never know about life. So.. hang on to every good minute!

@davexxx316 5 ай бұрын

Still to this day, The Dance always hits home emotionally like no other song

@greenbeagle13 6 жыл бұрын

Now I've gotta' see this movie because this song is amazing. Can't believe folks that know music turned this song down.... wow. Garth Brooks is the only one that could have done this song justice, so maybe it was simply destiny. "For a moment, all the world was right".... best lyric ever written....

@goooch888 3 жыл бұрын

This song means so much to so many.

@SaraVV 4 жыл бұрын

My high school graduating class voted for this song for our year. I love it.

@jomac841 3 жыл бұрын

Your grad class has great taste! Ours was “(Good Riddance) Time of Your Life” because apparently my class didn’t understand it was a crappy breakup song.

@songwritersspotlight Жыл бұрын

Thank you for writing one of the most beautiful songs, sung by one of the best artists in country music! 🙏

@backyardmech 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for writing this epic piece of music and sharing it with us !

@jensz9360 3 жыл бұрын

Thank goodnes he saw Peggy Sue Got Married. Also thank goodness he and Garth crossed paths. Its an actual example of the lyrics "Our lives are better left to chance / I could've missed the pain / but I'd have had to miss the dance" They were both struggling Nashville hopefuls. Amazing really how it all fit like a puzzle.

@thepunadude 3 жыл бұрын

I KNOW GARTH HAS A ROCK BACKGROUND, THATS ALL ME, NEVER MUCH FOR COUNTRY. HEARD THIS 'AT A TIME IN MY LIFE' & I WAS TOAST! TO THIS DAY I STILL GET TEARY EYED HEARING IT. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

@lulugirl7043 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Tony Arata for this song. Not only did Garth Brooks do it right it also will forever be linked with Dale Earnhardt. Having Garth sing it at the 2001 NASCAR awards was so moving in remembrance of loosing Dale Earnhardt. Again, Thank You.

@travishunterbrown 2 жыл бұрын

Wow. WOW!! One of the best songs ever created!

@kevindupre4014 6 ай бұрын

Beautiful comment.... My condolences and respect to you. ✌️

@angieallen4884 Жыл бұрын

One of my all time favorite songs; it came at a time (1990) when I really needed the message. Thank you so much!

@skinnyp98 3 жыл бұрын

life on this old Earth summed up in a few fine words

@ginger1549 8 ай бұрын

When I hear this song it makes me sad - of course - for all I've lost and at the same time happy that God blessed me with some wonderful people & that I had so much in the first place. A song that can bring out so much emotion is amazing.

@angelusa73 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you US base radio in Aviano, Italy. Heard you there first time and could even r get it of of my head , bought the tape in Germany giving a hard time to my sister not able to find American music there either and brought it "home" holding it like a piece of the type of gold that makes only me happy:)

@waheedahosein9496 2 жыл бұрын

i lost it when he started singing. so raw and wholesome. so beautiful.

@dannylharper6889 4 жыл бұрын

So freaking Beautiful

@endlessgaming2603 3 жыл бұрын

I think only garth could've pulled it off. It was meant for him.

@wendigibbs1966 3 жыл бұрын

He’s got a Johnny Cash feel to his voice. I loved hearing this story, one of my all time favorite songs.

@Traveling_with_christina. Жыл бұрын

Garth brooks the dance is one of the songs that I’m going to have them play at my funeral

@tomtruesdale6901 2 жыл бұрын

WOW, I just found this video and it is wonderful to hear the story behind this song. Thank you for writing it Mr. Arata and for letting Garth make it the hit that it is.

@NXNX7 5 жыл бұрын

Probably my fave song ever

@bradr1913 3 жыл бұрын

I love the way Tony songs this song. Deep traditional country sound.

@lauriebustard2737 2 жыл бұрын

Mr. Arata…thank you so much for sharing this emotional piece. I work in a hospice and have sung it for many residents and their families. It has brought so much emotion and comfort to those who hear it. Blessings and Thanks again🥰

@jed-henrywitkowski6470 Жыл бұрын

Given the inspiration and premises of the song, it is ironically fitting that it was turned down for three years only to have the best have their hands on it.

@tammyvanlue2417 4 жыл бұрын

Love it!I myself have had a up and down life.But everytime I would think oh I should have done this or that differently. Then instantly I stop and think no I wouldn't have because if I would have changed one single thing I wouldn't have what I do have!And that's 4 wonderful Sons 6 wonderful grandchildren and I cherish each and every one of them and I'm sure there is more to come. And last but not least. The wonderful Men that helped me to achieve this. And the Dance says it all 😍👍

@d.beauchamp3893 3 жыл бұрын

This is the song that holds the most special meaning to me. One never knows when we could ever lose someone very dear a and close to our heart. Many thanks for the lyrics of this song Mr. Tony Arata. I was meant to come across this song again. By surprise and my greatest shock..I became widowed by an ever distressing phonecall by emergency paramedic while I was in another state. It was in 2016 to my surprise that I had lost my dear husband John. I have heard this song before but today it describes to a T my emotions of that very heart wrenching day. One never knows when we can easily lose someone that is dearest to our heart. God bless all.

@lightningscott5624 4 жыл бұрын

Simply incredible

@brentonyancheck4861 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 🙏 so much Tony for writing such a gem! I enjoy performing it and am honored to do so! Done it numerous times at funerals along with go rest high (Vince) and believe (b&d). Thanks man for such an amazing piece that I honestly believe God had a helping hand in inspiring you to compose it!!!! Take care man!!

@mama23hauhnar 7 ай бұрын

One of the greatest country music i have ever listen.....till today

@donnasepulveda3957 3 жыл бұрын

We know it was all in GODS PRECIOUS TIMING MOMENT AND GOOD FOR THE SOUL. All .y so far 75 yrs still up and dancing but for rhe greatest way to tell someone u k now hey. This one,s for u live donnasepulveda

@violettompkins206 2 жыл бұрын

It is a beautiful song, I love it. One of my favorites of all time.✌❤🎶

@MrSmid888 2 жыл бұрын

This video led me to getting into this track. Sometimes on different parts of the pond we live in parallel universes when it comes to music. Wow, this song is amazing, cheers

@melissareynolds56 4 жыл бұрын

This has always been my fav song and will be

@christinescully1603 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic song .❤️🙌👏👍💞

@davecarlson8136 2 жыл бұрын

I had the great pleasure of seeing Tony in a home concert setting. One of the highlights of my concert history. Thank you Tony.

@candysantillo3325 5 жыл бұрын

I’m only three years late seeing this..This video was great and just as wonderful as the song which is one o& the best ever written!Thank you for sharing

@lisavaden9903 5 жыл бұрын

I totally agree

@raymondlyons8494 2 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU TONY FOR BEING THERE FOR TERRI. WE LOVE THE DANCE AND ENJOYED OUR TIMES AT THE BLUEBIRD WITH YOU AND TERRI.

@arnosquellati44 4 жыл бұрын

I love this song. Thank you for telling the story behind the song.

@zanzan7710 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful......! ! Thank you 🙏 Never knew you wrote 🤷‍♀️. ...Beautiful ! It’s nice knowing about it.

@davidhbradyjr 5 жыл бұрын

Truly timeless.

@barbaraolson600 3 жыл бұрын

Love this song,beautiful.

@slinman100 3 жыл бұрын

Brings me to tears every time. ❤️

@enchantinglysimple 2 ай бұрын

Just beautiful ❤

@aaronwilbanks6269 6 ай бұрын

Very interesting story. 1986, turned down by everybody, this smash hit. Amazing. What a story, so much so I made a note of it. When the time comes, i would apprecate your help. Don't let evil win.

@thegrilldaddy9475 Жыл бұрын

Thank whoever that camera human was because as a guitarist it was so nice to watch the musician and singer play both their instruments! So thank you for the angle to show him and him playing

@jayneneewing2369 3 жыл бұрын

What an interesting story about this song which I love. Thanks for the interview, and tanks alway for the wonderful song. It tells a true story for many of us.

@jc5112 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing, the story, It is once favorite songs from Garth

@thereynoldsranchable Жыл бұрын

Peggy sue got married? Will have to watch that.. At the end of this podcast I was crying, so powerful to hear the writer singing. Such truth in the song !!

@glennweeks7176 6 жыл бұрын

the best song ever...

@donniehill5688 3 жыл бұрын

God Bless you Tony, Thank you for changing my life. Your song hit me Hard and had me focus on my life. It has continued to be a great part going forward.

@miriamjoy9217 Жыл бұрын

My husband and I just divorced, but today we decided this is our song. Btw, he works for Garth and is the man standing on stage next to Garth holding the camera. How appropriate we chose a Garth song to express our relationship. It explains "Us".

@joshackley2496 2 жыл бұрын

My favorite song since I was a kid... Amazing

@BlancaIzaguirre-wk5wn Жыл бұрын

The Dance is my favorite song

@emmadalrymple4102 3 жыл бұрын

Sir, I cry each time I hear this, whomever sings the lyrics. Thank you.

@angelusa73 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you US Aviano base radio fir being the first to play song that was never able to forget again looking for a way to find it finally in Germany where I bought my first country music tape one of many more

@zuggman6530 3 жыл бұрын

Been there, :)

@bakilacat1 3 жыл бұрын

Such a beautifully conveyed message

@tomkilcullen5421 3 жыл бұрын

All I got to say is NUFF SAID. Thanx and blessings your way.

@Purifiedinfire 5 жыл бұрын

My dad passed away when I was 15. This was my mom and dads wedding song when I was 5. I always thought it was a song of a couple breaking up or someone passing away but it was unclear. It still seemed oddly accurate in our lives. It really does have relevance to us.

@joycecolemanallsep3732 3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate you written this song!

@brettlarsen1511 3 жыл бұрын

My absolute favorite country song, for many reasons

@normagomez9660 3 жыл бұрын

Mr. Arata this is a beautiful song!

@jancaffrey8011 2 жыл бұрын

Great song and. Does have meaning ❤️

@customfacebookpages Жыл бұрын

Best song ever

@cktoday8214 3 жыл бұрын

This song always makes me emotional

@gsp404faith5 Жыл бұрын

This song hits straight to my soul.

@marig6184 3 жыл бұрын

This is my favorite song of all time, thank you! GB is not my fav, but I love the song!

@armendinaguerrero1898 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful 💕

@pattywilson5770 3 жыл бұрын

Garthwe loved you in the past. We love you now. We also missing you now. If you felt like you needed to take time off. That's great. I hope one day in the future, that you will come back with some more great music. Take care.