September 1, 2023

Music Friday: The Pointer Sisters Pursue a Pot of Gold in 1983’s ‘Neutron Dance’

Welcome to Music Friday when we bring you fun, throwback songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the lyrics or title. Today, The Pointer Sisters pursue a pot of gold in the sensational 1983 tune “Neutron Dance,” which famously plays behind the opening car chase sequence in Beverly Hills Cop.

A song that drives home the point that the best time to make positive changes in your life is right now, “Neutron Dance” features this singalong phrase: “I know there’s a pot of gold for me / All I got to do is just believe / Oh, I’m so happy doin’ the neutron dance / I’m just burnin’ doin’ the neutron dance.”

The gospel-inspired hit starts off with lead singer Ruth Pointer listing all the things that are going wrong in her life. She’s lost her boyfriend, her apartment and her brand new Chevrolet. But, despite her challenges, she’s still happily doing the Neutron Dance, knowing that something precious is just around the corner.

Interestingly, co-writer Allee Willis explained in an interview with songfacts.com that “Neutron Dance” is actually a political commentary. In 1983, the US and Soviet Union were still embroiled in the Cold War and the threat of a nuclear strike loomed large in the minds of the citizens of both countries.

She explained that “I’m just burning, doing the Neutron Dance” meant that someone could push the nuclear button tomorrow and “we could all go up in smoke, so make your change now.” She added, “If your life isn’t working… change it. Because it’s really up to you.”

“Neutron Dance” was released as the fourth single from The Pointer Sisters’ album Break Out. Supported by the popularity of Eddie Murphy’s breakout performance in Beverly Hills Cop and consistent airplay on MTV, “Neutron Dance” charted in 10 countries, including a #6 placement on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Canadian Singles Chart.

Hailing from Oakland, CA, The Pointer Sisters became household names during the 1970s and 1980s as they scored 13 Top 20 hits, including “Slow Hand,” “He’s So Shy,” “I’m So Excited” and “Jump (For My Love)”. The sisters earned three Grammy Awards and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.

Please check out the video of The Pointer Sisters performing “Neutron Dance” during Disneyland’s 30th anniversary TV special in February of 1985. The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along…

I don’t wanna take it anymore
I’ll just stay here locked behind the door
Just no time to stop and get away,
‘Cause I work so hard to make it everyday.

Woo-hoo
Woo-hoo

There’s no money fallin’ from the sky,
‘Cause a man took my heart and robbed me blind.
Someone stole my brand new Chevrolet,
And the rent is due, I got no place to stay.

Woo-hoo Ooo-oo-oo
Woo-hoo Ooo-oo-oo

And it’s hard to say,
Just how some things never change.
And it’s hard to find,
Any strength to draw the line.
Oh, I’m just burnin’ doin’ the neutron dance
I’m just burnin’ doin’ the neutron dance.

Woo-hoo

Industry don’t pay a price that’s fair
All the common people breathin’ filthy air
(Lord have mercy)
Roof caved in on all the simple dreams
And to get ahead your heart starts pumpin’ schemes

And it’s hard to say,
Just how some things never change
And it’s hard to find,
Any strength to draw the line
Well, well, well
I’m just burnin’ doin’ the neutron dance
I-I-I’m just burnin’ doin’ the neutron dance.

Woo-hoo
Woo-hoo

I’m on fire, yeah
Said, I’m on fire, yeah-eh

And it’s hard to say,
Just how some things never change
And it’s hard to find,
Any strength to draw the line
Well, well, well, I’m just burnin’ doin’ the neutron dance
I-I-I’m just burnin’ doin’ the neutron dance.

I know there’s a pot of gold for me
All I got to do is just believe
Oh, I’m so happy doin’ the neutron dance
I’m just burnin’ doin’ the neutron dance
I’m so happy (it’s in my hands),
Doin’ the neutron dance, (well).
I’m just burnin’ (it’s in my feet),
Doin’ the neutron dance.

Well, well, well, well
Woo-hoo
Woo-hoo
Woo-hoo

I’m so happy,
Doin’ the neutron dance, (yeah).
I’m just burnin’,
Doin’ the neutron dance.