Story Behind the Song: 'The Dance'

Songwriter Tony Arata with Bart Herbison of the Nashville Songritwers Association International on Tony's huge hit with Garth Brooks

[tomoconnell]

This one of the best crafted songs that I have ever heard, and encompasses the saddest but most beautiful lines ever

[bevroberts]

Mr. Arata, thank you so much for this song. It really hits home.

[Pecan]

I loved hearing Tony Arata's story about The Dance. Glad I got to hear Tony play and sing.

[michaelskyrealm]

one of the greatest songs ever written.

[audreeshatto]

This is my all time fav song. It will be played at my funeral

[tomburton]

"you don't get to pick and chose your memories of life" Tony Arata. Now this should be a song.

[IllyaLeonovMorganFreepony]

I have never heard this song without crying. It is amazing.

[fierywolf]

My favorite country song, I've heard it done by a hundred artists but Garth's will always be my favorite. Thank you for sharing the story of how it came about.

[kathleenhuntley]

Wow! - My cow-boy husband, with a Master's Degree and PTSD was a dancer... and sometimes an SOB - But we danced! Often he would watch then say - "Let's show them how honey"... and we did - He has been gone 16 years now - and through it all - I would have missed the dance. Thank you... Beautiful!

[kennyg]

Glad I found this video. Tony seems like a great guy.

[angieallen]

One of my all time favorite songs; it came at a time (1990) when I really needed the message. Thank you so much!

[sandyshore]

Tony, it is SUCH a beautiful song. I am so glad that I got to hear you sing the song yourself. For the first time I heard all of the words and had a better understanding of the song and lyrics. You have a way of singing it! You have a very nice voice.

[songwritersspotlight]

Thank you for writing one of the most beautiful songs, sung by one of the best artists in country music! 🙏

[superannieoakley]

Wonderful story. Hits so true for me. Truly married the man of my dreams & we were living a great life, even after my accident. I thought things were still great, just a bump...but he asked for a divorce after 32yrs. I was devastated, but thankful for the unconditional love he Had given me & our 2 beautiful children

[kristanhelms]

So glad to find the person who wrote this terrific song!! It will stand the test of time.

[lninas]

I love Peggy Sue got married, makes me cry every time I see it, and the dance is my favorite country song. So happy I found this video, I've been waiting almost 30yrs to hear the story of this amazing song. Thank you ❤️

[davexxx]

Still to this day, The Dance always hits home emotionally like no other song

[maryrohloff]

I have loved this song. I appreciated the story behind it. No matter what we do in our life there are heart breaking, things that happen . In my own life that has been true. One of my favorite verses is Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. The difficult experiences are the ones that teach you, the most.

[d.beauchamp]

This is the song that holds the most special meaning to me. One never knows when we could ever lose someone very dear a and close to our heart. Many thanks for the lyrics of this song Mr. Tony Arata. I was meant to come across this song again. By surprise and my greatest shock..I became widowed by an ever distressing phonecall by emergency paramedic while I was in another state. It was in 2016 to my surprise that I had lost my dear husband John. I have heard this song before but today it describes to a T my emotions of that very heart wrenching day. One never knows when we can easily lose someone that is dearest to our heart. God bless all.

[tomtruesdale]

WOW, I just found this video and it is wonderful to hear the story behind this song. Thank you for writing it Mr. Arata and for letting Garth make it the hit that it is.