Dancing In The Moonlight (It's Caught Me In Its Spotlight)

Album: Bad Reputation (1977)
Charted: 14
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This uptempo, slightly jazzy number was clearly influenced by Van Morrison, of whom Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott was a big fan. One of Morrison's famous songs is "Moondance."
  • The subtitle was added by the band's American record company, Mercury, to distinguish it from the King Harvest song with the same title released four years earlier. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 5

  • Steve from Torrance, CaWhile "The Boys are Back in Town" was ubiquitous on rock radio in the late 1970s, this was the song that made me a Thin Lizzy fan. It should have been a huge hit, but was probably considered too "jazzy" by the rockers, and too "heavy" by the popsters. I also consider Bad Reputation to be their best album.
  • Marcus from Stockholm, SwedenThis is probably the best song ever written! Can't get enough of it.
  • Micael from Varberg, SwedenIf you listen closely around 1:45-1:46, when the line "... and I'm walking home" is sung, you can hear a whistling sound in the background.
  • Jim from Proctorville, Oh I've had the Live and Dangerous album since it was released and this is my all time favorite song by my all time favorite band. It's been 30 years and I still haven't tired of the whole album or this song.
  • Roddie from Waterford, Irelandalexander in London....Sorry but ur incorrect.
    King Harvests song "Dancing In The Moonlight" was indeed released in 1973. However Thin Lizzys song of the same name(apart from the subtitle) was released in 1977 and is an entirely different song..............for the FACTS on Philip and Thin Lizzy please refer to www.roisindubh.info where you will find all the facts. There are also many excellent links to other sources of the real facts
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Timothy B. Schmit

Timothy B. SchmitSongwriter Interviews

The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.