Claire De Lune / Ballerina


Claire De Lune / Ballerina
Written by Dennis DeYoung
Lead Vocals by Dennis DeYoung

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It seems you finally had to choose
I guess there was no other way
Between my love and satin shoes
I knew the words you'd have to say

It all began so long ago
That the memory's hardly clear
But when I seen you dance I know
Half your love I'll always share

Ballerina when you dance there's music
Colored lights illuminate your movement
Crowded halls anticipate your gentle smile

Ballerina from the first I knew that
You would always have to dance I knew that
There would surely come a day when you would go
Baby I know...

Dance for me, I beg of you, dance for me
Dance for me, ballerina, dance for me

Ballerina when you dance there's music
Colored lights illuminate your movement
Crowded halls anticipate your gentle smile

Interpretation

Love can be painful. It can be hard to be in love with someone who has dedicated their life to pursuing a dream. This might be a nod to the sacrifice that Dennis knew Suzanne was facing as Styx was starting their meteoric rise to national and international fame.

It seems you finally had to choose
I guess there was no other way
Between my love and satin shoes
I knew the words you'd have to say

To be the best at something takes sacrifice. Long hours of practice, travel, etc. requires a conscious decision about priorities. You have to decide whether we can have a life together or you can be the ballet star you've always wanted to be.

It all began so long ago
That the memory's hardly clear
But when I seen you dance I know
Half your love I'll always share

We've known each other a long time, and I can see how much you love dancing.

Ballerina when you dance there's music
Colored lights illuminate your movement
Crowded halls anticipate your gentle smile

You are well on your way to being a superstar (or perhaps one already).

Ballerina from the first I knew that
You would always have to dance I knew that
There would surely come a day when you would go
Baby I know...

I've always known it would come down to this. It's in your blood.

Dance for me, I beg of you, dance for me
Dance for me, ballerina, dance for me

At least I can love you from a distance, watching you do what you love.

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