Permission To Dance
by BTS

Album: Butter (2021)
Charted: 16 1
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • BTS recorded this upbeat pop song as part of the CD single of "Butter." The four-track single also includes instrumental versions of both tracks.
  • The song is a celebration of individuality and enjoying life. Rather than giving into depression in trying times, the K-Pop septet remain upbeat as they "don't need permission to dance."
  • BTS released the single on July 9, 2021, which coincided with the eighth anniversary of the group's fanbase, ARMY. The South Korean boy band's label, Big Hit, described the song as one that "will make your heart beat to the rhythm of BTS's positive energy."
  • Ed Sheeran wrote "Dance" with his frequent collaborators, Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid and British producer Steve Mac. Sheeran previously co-penned BTS' 2019 song "Make It Right."

    "Butter" co-writer Jenna Andrews also contributed to writing the track.
  • Steve Mac and Jenna Andrews co-produced the song with "Butter" writer Stephen Kirk.
  • BTS worked on "Permission to Dance" in February 2021, before they recorded "Butter."
  • Shot in an empty desert, the video shows BTS showcasing their A-list dance moves before being joined by a troupe of dancers.
  • BTS performed "Permission To Dance" live for the first time during their July 9, 2021 comeback special A Butterful Getaway.
  • After seven weeks atop the Hot 100 with "Butter," BTS continued their streak at #1 with this song. In doing so, the Korean band became the first artist to replace themselves at the Hot 100 summit since Drake in 2018. The Toronto rapper replaced "Nice For What" with "In My Feelings" on the July 21, 2018 chart.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Tony Banks of Genesis

Tony Banks of GenesisSongwriter Interviews

Genesis' key-man re-examines his solo career and the early days of music video.

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Sam Hollander

Sam HollanderSongwriter Interviews

The hitmaking songwriter/producer Sam Hollander with stories about songs for Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, Train, Pentatonix, and Fitz And The Tantrums.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.