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.
![](https://thejewelerblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/pointersisters1.jpg?w=575)
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.
Credit: Image by Manfred Werner – Tsui, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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💎 Step back in time with Elliott's Jewelers at our August Estate Jewelry Event! From August 22nd to 24th, explore exquisite, historical pieces from our collection. Preview our treasures here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and reserve your private viewing appointment between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history! 👑 🕰️
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Book an Appointment At Elliott’s Jewelers, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible appraisal for your jewelry. Our jewelry experts are trained and certified in jewelry appraisal, and ...1 CommentComment on Facebook
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Gorgeous
💎 Discover timeless treasures at our August Estate Jewelry Event! Join us from August 22nd-24th at Elliott's Jewelers. Each piece has a unique story waiting to be part of yours.
Explore our exclusive collection here and book your private appointment from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm daily. Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention. ✨ Find your next jewel with us! See more here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories&
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Elliott's Jewelers wishes you and your family a Happy 4th of July! We will be closed on Thursday, July 4th. Elliott's Jewelers was thrilled to be part of Mitch and Lauren Fussell's love story. Do you have an Elliott's Jewelers story too? Let's celebrate by sharing it with us so we can continue making history together! Your stories inspire us every day. 🎆
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