"And We Danced" is a song by the American rock band the Hooters, released as a single in 1985. The song appeared on the band's second album, Nervous Night. It peaked at No. 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 3 on the Mainstream Rock chart. "And We Danced" became the band's second consecutive Top 10 hit in Australia, reaching No. 6.

The Hooters performed "And We Danced" at the Live Aid benefit concert in Philadelphia on July 13, 1985.

The music video for the song was nominated for the Best New Artist award at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards. The video featured live footage of the band filmed at the now-demolished Exton Drive-In in Exton, Pennsylvania.

Background Singer Eric Bazilian said:

The song is notable for its distinct instrumentation, featuring Eric Bazilian on mandolin, and Rob Hyman on the melodica, blending traditional folk instruments with 1980s power pop. This specific instrumental pairing is also highlighted on the song's single release cover art, which depicts the band members holding both instruments.

Reception and accolades Cash Box said that the song shows the "band’s flair vocally and instrumentally" and has "an appealing Springsteen-like purely American sound."

"And We Danced" was ranked as the 88th greatest song of the 1980s on internet radio station WDDF Radio's "The 88 Greatest Songs of the 80's" second annual Independence Day countdown in 2017.

Cover versions Canadian duo Sons of Maxwell covered the song on their 1998 album The Neighbourhood. Their version was released as a single in 1999 and peaked at number 54 on RPM'''s Country Tracks.

Fellow Philadelphia artist Atom and His Package incorporated a cover of the chorus into the end of his 1997 song "Goalie" off the A Society of People Named Elihu album.

British/Australian folk duo The April Maze released a cover of the song on their 2012 album Two.''

Personnel Rob Hyman – lead vocals, keyboards, melodica Eric Bazilian – lead vocals, electric guitar, mandolin Andy King – bass, background vocals John Lilley – electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, melodica David Uosikkinen – drums

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (1985)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)6Germany (Media Control Charts)72New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)9U.S. Billboard Hot 10021

Year-end charts Chart (1985)PositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)43

References