Introduction
“The Ballroom Blitz” is a seminal track by the British glam rock band Sweet, released in September 1973. The song was penned by the prolific songwriting duo Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, who were instrumental in crafting many of Sweet’s hits. This high-energy anthem draws inspiration from a real-life incident that occurred on January 27, 1973, during a performance at the Grand Hall in Kilmarnock, Scotland. On that night, the band was forced offstage due to a hostile audience pelting them with bottles, an event that left a lasting impression and directly influenced the song’s creation.
Recorded in June 1973 at London’s Audio International Studio, “The Ballroom Blitz” showcases Sweet’s signature blend of glam rock flamboyance and hard rock intensity. The track opens with a memorable roll call—”Are you ready, Steve? Andy? Mick?”—a nod to the band’s lineup: Steve Priest, Andy Scott, and Mick Tucker. This introduction sets the stage for a dynamic musical experience characterized by driving guitar riffs and infectious rhythms. Notably, the initial guitar and drum riff bears a resemblance to Bobby Comstock’s 1963 song “Let’s Stomp,” highlighting the band’s ability to draw from and build upon existing musical motifs.
Upon its release, the song achieved significant commercial success, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and number five on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its popularity extended globally, topping the charts in Canada and securing high positions in Australia and several European countries. The song’s energetic vibe and catchy chorus have ensured its lasting appeal, leading to numerous covers and appearances in various media over the decades.
“The Ballroom Blitz” stands as a testament to Sweet’s impact on the glam rock movement of the early 1970s. Its fusion of theatrical flair and rock sensibility captures the essence of an era defined by musical experimentation and vibrant performances. Decades later, the song continues to resonate with audiences, embodying the enduring spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
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Lyrics: The Ballroom Blitz
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