Inspiration Behind I Hope You Dance:
I Hope You Dance was conceived from a moving experience between Tia Siller and her sick mother. Tia’s mother provided an inspirational message before departing, ” I hope you dance.” Tia’s mom wanted her to take a chance, by living life to its fullest. Upon completing this song, Lee Ann Womack debuted I Hope You Dance on an episode of Extreme Hope Makeover Edition after a needy family was given a new home to live in.
Biblical Application:
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full, John 10:9-10.
Exegesis pf I Hope You Dance:
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed
The opening stanza is a call for Carpe Diem, seize the day. Maintain your passion for life, never take anything for granted and take time to love others.
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Stay optimistic when dreams and goals don’t happen right away. Give faith a fighting chance so you’ll be ready to dance when the opportunity arises.
I hope you dance (dance)
I hope you dance (dance)
Celebrate life.
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin’ might mean takin’ chances, but they’re worth takin’
Lovin’ might be a mistake, but it’s worth makin’
Don’t allow fear to narrow your options in life. Take the path less traveled, don’t be afraid to fail and pursue love even when it hurts.
Don’t let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin’ out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Flee the root of bitterness. Never give up and slow down to reflect upon the beauty all around you.
I hope you dance (time is a wheel in constant motion)
I hope you dance (always rolling us along)
I hope you dance (tell me who wants to look back on their years)
I hope you dance (and wonder where those years have gone)
Make the most of the opportunities that you have in life. Stay present and live for the here and npw.
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Enjoy the wonders of this world. Stay grounded and be ready when new doors open.
Dance, I hope you dance (dance)
I hope you dance (time is a wheel in constant motion)
I hope you dance (always rolling us along)
I hope you dance (tell me who wants to look back on their years)
I hope you dance (and wonder where those years have gone)
Keep your head up, stay alert and seize the opportunities that God provides in life.
Tell me who wants to look back on their years (dance)
And wonder where those years have gone (dance)
Live your life without regrets.
Final Thoughts:
This song brought tears to my eyes when I first heard it on ABC as part of the Extreme Home Makeover Edition. Between the daily news cycle and social media, this world has become consumed with dwelling on what’s wrong, who is to blame and why we should hate them. I Hope You Dance serves as a welcomed change, calling listeners to make the most of their life. Instead of playing the victim card, stop living in the past so that you can start living the abundant life that God has designed for you.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 