“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“The Ballroom Blitz” is a high-energy song by the British glam rock band Sweet, released in 1973. Known for its catchy hook and driving beat, the song captures the essence of the glam rock era with its flamboyant style and theatrical performance. The track quickly became a hit, rising to become one of Sweet’s most recognizable and enduring songs, and continues to be celebrated for its electrifying live performances and infectious energy.
About The Composition
- Title: The Ballroom Blitz
- Composer: Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman
- Premiere Date: September 1973
- Album/Opus/Collection: Desolation Boulevard
- Genre: Glam rock, hard rock
Background
“The Ballroom Blitz” was inspired by an incident in 1973 when Sweet was performing at the Grand Hall in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and were driven offstage by a barrage of bottles. This chaotic experience influenced the band to create a song that captured the frenzied and sometimes unpredictable nature of live performances. The song’s release in September 1973 marked a significant point in Sweet’s career, showcasing their ability to blend catchy melodies with a hard rock edge.
Musical Style
The musical style of “The Ballroom Blitz” is characterized by its powerful guitar riffs, energetic drumming, and strong vocal harmonies. The song’s structure features a memorable call-and-response section between the lead singer and the band, which adds to its dynamic and engaging nature. The theatrical elements and driving tempo make it a quintessential example of the glam rock genre.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “The Ballroom Blitz” reflect the chaos and excitement of a live rock performance. Themes of rebellion and exhilaration are prevalent throughout the song, capturing the spirit of youthful abandon and the thrill of being part of a raucous crowd. The vivid imagery and energetic delivery contribute to the song’s enduring appeal.
Performance History
“The Ballroom Blitz” has been performed by Sweet in numerous concerts and live shows around the world, becoming a staple of their setlist. Notable performances include their appearances on television programs such as “Top of the Pops,” where the band showcased their flamboyant stage presence and dynamic sound. The song’s live renditions are often noted for their intensity and the enthusiastic response from audiences.
Cultural Impact
The cultural impact of “The Ballroom Blitz” is significant, with the song appearing in various films, television shows, and commercials over the years. Its inclusion in movies like “Wayne’s World” helped introduce it to new generations, solidifying its status as a classic rock anthem. The song’s influence can be seen in the works of later artists who were inspired by its high-energy style and theatrical flair.
Legacy
Today, “The Ballroom Blitz” remains an important part of Sweet’s legacy and a defining track of the glam rock era. Its enduring popularity is evident in its frequent airplay on classic rock radio stations and its presence in popular culture. The song continues to be celebrated by fans old and new, highlighting its timeless appeal and the lasting impact of Sweet’s music.
Conclusion
“The Ballroom Blitz” by Sweet is a testament to the vibrant and theatrical spirit of the glam rock era. Its infectious energy and memorable live performances make it a song worth revisiting. For those interested in exploring the glam rock genre, “The Ballroom Blitz” serves as an excellent starting point, inviting listeners to dive into the exuberant and colorful world of 1970s rock music.
Video
Lyrics
Are you ready, Steve? Uh-ha!
Andy? Yeah!
Mick? Okay.
All right, fellows, let’s go!
Oh, it’s been getting so hard
Livin’ with the things you do to me, ah-ha
My dreams are getting so strange
I’d like to tell you everything I see, mm
Oh, I see a man at the back as a matter of fact
His eyes are red as the sun
And a girl in the corner, let no one ignore her
‘Cause she thinks she’s the passionate one
Oh yeah, it was like lightning
Everybody was frightening
And the music was soothing
And they all started grooving
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
And the man at the back said: “Everyone attack”
And it turned into a ballroom blitz
And the girl in the corner said: “Boy, I wanna warn ya”
It’ll turn into a ballroom blitz
Ballroom blitz
Ballroom blitz
Ballroom blitz
Ballroom blitz
Oh, I’m reaching out for something
Touching nothing’s all I ever do
Oh, I softly call you over
When you appear, there’s nothing left of you, ah-ha
Now the man at the back is ready to crack
As he raises his hands to the sky
And the girl in the corner is everyone’s mourner
She could kill you with a wink of her eye
Oh yeah, it was electric
So frantically hectic
And the band started leaving
‘Cause they all stopped breathing
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
And the man at the back said: “Everyone attack”
And it turned into a ballroom blitz
And the girl in the corner said: “Boy, I wanna warn ya”
It’ll turn into a ballroom blitz
Ballroom blitz
Oh yeah, it was like lightning
Everybody was frightening
And the music was soothing
‘Cause they all started grooving
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
And the man at the back said: “Everyone attack”
And it turned into a ballroom blitz
And the girl in the corner said: “Boy, I wanna warn ya”
It’ll turn into a ballroom blitz
Ballroom blitz
Ballroom blitz
Ballroom blitz
Ballroom blitz
It’s, it’s a ballroom blitz
It’s, it’s a ballroom blitz
It’s, it’s a ballroom blitz
Yeah, it’s a ballroom blitz