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!
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.
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
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.
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🥰
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 😍👍
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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♡
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.
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.
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?
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. 💔
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 ❤️
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....
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
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.
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.
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…..
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.
Great song ! type in "ron howard cover" listen to Opie sing "The Dance"! To all of us who have lost loved ones "Life goes that fast, and we will see them again that soon"! 1
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
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.
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".
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:)
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
History Timeline: 1986 - Tony Arata writes the famous song “The Dance” 1989 - Garth Brooks releases The Dance on his debut album “Garth Brooks” 2014 - Teresa Shaw’s sign “Chemo This Morning, Garth Tonight, Enjoying The Dance”
Today is the first time that I've actually heard Garth Brooks singing "The Dance"!! For years it was only people doing covers of this song. I think this song was very exclusive to Garth Brooks. I've never seen that video ever again.
If I remember correctly, that was the first video associated with this song. It included JFK and MLK, Jr., among others. I have repeatedly searched for that original video, but cannot find it anywhere. I heard that Garth Brooks said that the song is actually meant to be about people who are willing to risk death in able to live and promote the ideals that they believe in. JFK and MLK, Jr. would certainly fit into that category.
The first time I ever saw Garth Brooks in concert here in San Diego,almost 40 years ago, that video was playing behind him as he sang…I’ll never forget it and I still cry every time I hear this beautiful song and I am now in my eighties….
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
We played this song at. my husband's funeral! He had always ask for that so we did it for .him. He passed on a Monday November 11 1996 with colon cancer! His Mother had passed in July 1995 I believe that's right 💚! Yep his family blamed me and haven't spoke to me yet. He took his life and I get the blame! So Sad
People are always quick to judge and slow to forgive. However, sometimes life's pains become too much to bear. Especially, cancer. Cancer comes in an emotional form, too. When any pain becomes unbearable, people will do what they feel they need to do to end it. I will never judge you, or anyone else, for what your husband did in that situation. People talk about "how brave" someone was, while secretly shaking in their boots. I am sorry for your loss, and his family's loss of you. (Sorry for rambling.)
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!!
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
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
What do you mean “old band?” They just started singing a little bit ago when I was in high school. They aren’t an old band like Count Basie or Tommy Dorsey or Duke Ellington!! They’re as young as The Beatles, Herman’s Hermits, and Country Joe & the Fish!! 🤪
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.
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.
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 !!
This one of the best crafted songs that I have ever heard, and encompasses the saddest but most beautiful lines ever
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!
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.
Kelly Clarkson does a great version also.
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
Scotty Mcquery sang an amazing version as well
So glad to find the person who wrote this terrific song!! It will stand the test of time.
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.
Mr. Arata, thank you so much for this song. It really hits home.
it does indeed
Absolutely!
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🥰
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 😍👍
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.
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
life on this old Earth summed up in a few fine words
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.
Sir, I cry each time I hear this, whomever sings the lyrics. Thank you.
The Dance is my favorite song
This song hits straight to my soul.
Beautiful......! ! Thank you 🙏 Never knew you wrote 🤷♀️. ...Beautiful ! It’s nice knowing about it.
So great
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.
All I got to say is NUFF SAID. Thanx and blessings your way.
one of my favourites for sure. Have to confess i've murdered it on a number of occasions, usually in the shower but i gave it my best lol
Hahaha :)
I had the radio station play this song for the victims in Joplin Missouri tornado
Thanks
Tybee Island!!!!
Well I never knew that....
Thank God it wound up with Garth
Being deaf, I have to use captions... I highly recommend you use them on the song portion of this video. Guaranteed to give you a laugh.
I loved hearing Tony Arata's story about The Dance. Glad I got to hear Tony play and sing.
I think only garth could've pulled it off. It was meant for him.
This song gets me EVERYTIME!! 😢
one of the greatest songs ever written.
Michael G Gonzalez agreed!
Michael G Gonzalez if it wasn’t for the movie “Peggy Sue Got Married” we would not have “The Dance”
Absolutely. Still brings tears to my eyes
People from all walks of life should be able to appreciate this song. It’s a masterpiece.
Absolutely AGREE!
This is my personal favourite Garth Brooks song, a beautiful beautiful song.
mine is Your Song
"you don't get to pick and chose your memories of life" Tony Arata. Now this should be a song.
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.
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.
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
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.
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♡
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.
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.
I have never heard this song without crying. It is amazing.
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?
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. 💔
Glad I found this video. Tony seems like a great guy.
Thanks for writing this epic piece of music and sharing it with us !
This is my all time fav song. It will be played at my funeral
Mine too
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 ❤️
Watch Kelly Clarkson just sing it at the Kennedy Center. Tribute to brooks and Joan Bias . Better than garth.
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.
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....
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
Jesus that’s awful.. I’m sorry he left you.
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.
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.
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…..
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.
Garth brooks the dance is one of the songs that I’m going to have them play at my funeral
Great song ! type in "ron howard cover" listen to Opie sing "The Dance"! To all of us who have lost loved ones "Life goes that fast, and we will see them again that soon"!
1
George strait
Some of Gods greatest gifts are unanswered prayers
Oh, I think they’re always answered……
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
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.
So freaking Beautiful
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".
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:)
My favorite song of all time
This is my song Hubby is gone away but I cherish this song
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.
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!
Simply incredible
Our lives are better left to chance...I cry everytime I hear it.
This song reminds me of the day my mom died
Here because Kelly Clarkson. It’s one of my favorite country songs ever, but until now curious of the meaning behind it because the lyrics cut deep.
Same here wanted to know the story and Kelly's rendition was stunning
One of my all time favorite songs; it came at a time (1990) when I really needed the message. Thank you so much!
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!
My high school graduating class voted for this song for our year. I love it.
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.
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.
History Timeline:
1986 - Tony Arata writes the famous song “The Dance”
1989 - Garth Brooks releases The Dance on his debut album “Garth Brooks”
2014 - Teresa Shaw’s sign “Chemo This Morning, Garth Tonight, Enjoying The Dance”
Still to this day, The Dance always hits home emotionally like no other song
Years ago I watched a video of "The Dance" and it had a scene of JFK in his assignation . Does anybody have this ?
Today is the first time that I've actually heard Garth Brooks singing "The Dance"!! For years it was only people doing covers of this song. I think this song was very exclusive to Garth Brooks. I've never seen that video ever again.
If I remember correctly, that was the first video associated with this song. It included JFK and MLK, Jr., among others. I have repeatedly searched for that original video, but cannot find it anywhere. I heard that Garth Brooks said that the song is actually meant to be about people who are willing to risk death in able to live and promote the ideals that they believe in. JFK and MLK, Jr. would certainly fit into that category.
The first time I ever saw Garth Brooks in concert here in San Diego,almost 40 years ago, that video was playing behind him as he sang…I’ll never forget it and I still cry every time I hear this beautiful song and I am now in my eighties….
Wow. WOW!! One of the best songs ever created!
Beautiful comment.... My condolences and respect to you. ✌️
Probably my fave song ever
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
I totally agree
7 people have no soul
It's now 10. Those people are sad.
We played this song at. my husband's funeral! He had always ask for that so we did it for .him. He passed on a Monday November 11 1996 with colon cancer! His Mother had passed in July 1995 I believe that's right 💚! Yep his family blamed me and haven't spoke to me yet. He took his life and I get the blame! So Sad
fu.....them
People are always quick to judge and slow to forgive. However, sometimes life's pains become too much to bear. Especially, cancer. Cancer comes in an emotional form, too. When any pain becomes unbearable, people will do what they feel they need to do to end it. I will never judge you, or anyone else, for what your husband did in that situation.
People talk about "how brave" someone was, while secretly shaking in their boots.
I am sorry for your loss, and his family's loss of you.
(Sorry for rambling.)
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!!
He’s got a Johnny Cash feel to his voice. I loved hearing this story, one of my all time favorite songs.
This song means so much to so many.
Thank you for writing one of the most beautiful songs, sung by one of the best artists in country music! 🙏
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
Been there, :)
Truly timeless.
It is a beautiful song, I love it. One of my favorites of all time.✌❤🎶
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
the best song ever...
What do you mean “old band?” They just started singing a little bit ago when I was in high school. They aren’t an old band like Count Basie or Tommy Dorsey or Duke Ellington!! They’re as young as The Beatles, Herman’s Hermits, and Country Joe & the Fish!! 🤪
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.
Song of America. Then and now. God bless America.
Thank you
i lost it when he started singing. so raw and wholesome. so beautiful.
This has always been my fav song and will be
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.
I lost my husband and son in a car accident, your song got me thru some really dark times.
I just loved this! So cool to hear the songwriter's version in his own voice. Very, very cool!
The Garth version is far superior but Tony......Thank you, thank you, thank you. It's just a phenomenal song!!
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 !!
I love the way Tony songs this song. Deep traditional country sound.
The only song I liked better than the dance was He stopped loving her today by George Jones... I might have to say it’s a tie..for both of songs...
Two great ones for sure.
Lot of weird cuts in this video… anyway he’s a very talented songwriter and we need more of them nowadays
Bart, why do you have such high pitched squeaky voice ?