Smooth Dancer

Album: Who Do We Think We Are (1973)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • To the uninitiated, this group composition, which includes the phrase, "you're acting like a girl with a false pregnancy," might appear to be about a man who is disenchanted with his girlfriend, but the smooth dancer in question is Ritchie Blackmore. In his biography of the time serving Deep Purple lead guitarist, Jerry Bloom reveals that Ian Gillan was taking a swipe at the often temperamental man in black. "Smooth Dancer" begins: "Black suede, don't mean you're good for me..."

    This was Blackmore's preferred mode of dress at the time, and it is difficult to credit that he was unaware of the lyricist's true intent. Gillan quit shortly after Who Do We Think We Are was released, though he stayed with the band until June 1973 to fulfill touring commitments, but his bark was obviously worse than his bite because he and Blackmore were reunited for the 1984 Perfect Strangers album when Deep Purple was reformed with its Mark II lineup. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Eric Clapton

Eric ClaptonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really write "Cocaine" while on cocaine? This question and more in the Clapton edition of Fact or Fiction.

Kim Thayil of Soundgarden

Kim Thayil of SoundgardenSongwriter Interviews

Their frontman (Chris Cornell) started out as their drummer, so Soundgarden takes a linear approach when it comes to songwriting. Kim explains how they do it.

The Girl in That Song

The Girl in That SongFact or Fiction

Billie Jean, Delilah, Sara, Laura and Sharona - do you know who the girls in the songs really are?

Mick Jones of Foreigner

Mick Jones of ForeignerSongwriter Interviews

Foreigner's songwriter/guitarist tells the stories behind the songs "Juke Box Hero," "I Want To Know What Love Is," and many more.

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")Songwriter Interviews

Phil was a songwriter, producer and voice behind many Philadelphia soul classics. When disco hit, he got an interesting project: The Village People.

Benny Mardones

Benny MardonesSongwriter Interviews

His song "Into The Night" is one of the most-played of all time. For Benny, it took him to hell and back.