I must admit that it is (almost) fun to research material online and constantly find out how many different (and conflicting) facts are available for a given topic. Of course, it can also be a bit alarming if one is researching something where misinformation can cause harm (ie drugs or medical treatments, etc.). Since those who post incorrect “facts” about the meanings behind certain popular songs are not going to cause much harm or change the rotation of the earth, we will forgive these transgressions. However, from a songwriter’s perspective, the question must be asked: do we really NEED to know the original “meaning” behind a song?
Jackson Browne’s “For a Dancer” first appeared on the 1974 platinum album Late For The Sky and has led fans online to debate whether the song was the result of Browne’s wife’s suicide (who was actually occurred after the song’s release) or the death of his friend Adam (who inspired “Adam’s Song” on Jackson’s 1972 debut album) among other theories. This mix of fact and fiction really begs the question: Why is it important to know the real meaning behind a song? Especially when it’s clear, given online postings related to this song, “For a Dancer” had different meanings to many different people, regardless of what prompted Browne to write this song.
A fan wrote about their father (whom they referred to as their “best friend”) who passed away three years ago and recounted how difficult this loss has been. His father was a great admirer of Jackson Browne. Recently, the writer was with his dying uncle, got out of bed, and suddenly Jackson Browne’s “For a Dancer” came on. The uncle died several hours later and the fan believes his father “played that song” (from above) to help him get over the loss of the uncle.
Another online writer dedicated “For a Dancer” to her mother and friend who had recently died. A dancer wrote how she relates to the song and wants to keep it in her head until she dies. Another wrote: “My dad and my ex (plus dog, cat, horse and uncle) left this crazy planet over the past year. This song speaks to my heart. Finally, another fan posted: “My dad died ten years ago. He loved this song ever since he was a little boy. They played it at his funeral. Every time I listen to it I remember the good things about it.”
Regardless of what actually drove Jackson Browne to write “For a Dancer,” the song ranks among Browne’s best work. The four-minute, forty-two-second piece was the sixth track on the Grammy-nominated album Late For the Sky and is a must-have for any music fan. And it is our suggestion that you listen, enjoy and place and add your OWN meaning to the song. It’s the only one that really matters.