“The Safety Dance” is a quirky and infectious new wave song by Canadian band Men Without Hats, released in 1982 as the second single from their debut album, Rhythm of Youth. Written by the band’s lead singer, Ivan Doroschuk, the song became a massive international hit, known for its catchy melody, energetic beat, and unusual, medieval-themed music video.
The lyrics of The Safety Dance are a defiant call for freedom of expression, particularly on the dance floor. Ivan Doroschuk wrote the song after being kicked out of a club for “pogo dancing”, a style associated with the punk movement, where dancers would jump up and down rather than following traditional dance moves. The lyrics emphasize personal choice and rebellion against conformity.
Musically, The Safety Dance is built around a synth-driven melody, an upbeat danceable rhythm, and electronic percussion, making it a perfect fit for the new wave movement of the early 1980s. The song’s bright and bouncy energy contrasts with its subtle critique of social restrictions, making it both fun and thought-provoking.
The song was a huge commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and No. 1 in Canada and South Africa. It also charted well in the UK and other European countries, solidifying Men Without Hats as one of the standout acts of the early MTV era.
The music video, directed by Tim Pope, became an iconic part of the song’s legacy. It features Ivan Doroschuk dressed in medieval attire, dancing through an old English village. It was filmed in the village of West Kington in Wiltshire, England.