“Murder on the Dancefloor” by Sophie Ellis-Bextor

As comically illustrated on the music video, in “Murder on the Dancefloor”, Sophie Ellis-Bextor is actually taking on the role of a participant in a dance contest who cheats in order to best her competitors. Likewise the concept the song itself is based on is such competitions indeed being cutthroat, indeed even ‘murderous’, affairs.

But the language is very vague and does not get into the specifics of the sheisty tactics used by competitive dancers. Rather the narrative comes off as if the singer, who once again would be someone who seriously competes in the art, recognizes that treachery is practiced during such contests. So based on the first verse we can say that she has likewise decided to adopt a similar modus operandi as a defense against those who cheat. But throughout the whole ordeal, what she seems primarily interested in is actually representing on the dance floor.

Conclusion

So we can say that this song features a unique subject matter for a track that went on to become a massive international hit. That is to say you don’t come across many pop songs about the underhandedness present in competitive dancing.

Facts about “Murder on the Dancefloor”

Sophie Ellis-Bextor wrote this song along with one of the track’s co-producers, Gregg Alexander. And the other co-producer is Matt Rowe.

This track was released on 3 December 2001 as the second single from Sophie’s maiden album, “Read My Lips”. The labels that put it out are Polydor Records and the Universal Music Group.

“Murder of the Dancefloor” went on to become Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s signature tune. It charted in over 20 nations overall, which includes peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart and topping the Polish Singles Chart.  In fact it is said to have been the most-played track in Europe during 2002.

“Murder on the Dancefloor” has also been certified Gold in Belgium, France and the UK.