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I have to admit that it is (almost) fun to research material online and constantly discover how much different (and conflicting) data is available for a given topic. Of course, it can also be a bit alarming if one is investigating something where misinformation can cause harm (i.e. drugs or medical treatments etc) to 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 the suicide of Browne’s wife (who actually it happened 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 of a song? Especially when it’s clear, given the online posts related to this song, “For a Dancer” had different meanings to many different people, regardless of what motivated Browne to write this song.
A fan wrote about the death of his father (who was referred to as his “best friend”) three years ago and recounted how difficult this loss has been. The father was a huge fan of Jackson Browne. The writer was recently with his dying uncle, got out of bed, and suddenly Jackson Browne’s “For a Dancer” rang out. 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 his mother and friend who had recently passed away. 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 ex (plus a dog, a cat, a horse and an uncle) left this crazy planet for the past year. This song speaks to my heart. Finally, another fan posted:” My dad died ten years ago. He LOVED this song since he was a kid. They played it at his funeral. Whenever I listen to him, I remember the good things about him. “
Regardless of what really motivated 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 song 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 attach and attach your OWN meaning to the song. It’s the only one that really matters.