Dance Band on the Titanic (song)

"Dance Band on the Titanic" is a song written and performed by Harry Chapin. The song was included on the album of the same name in 1977. Released as a single, the song became a hit on the Australian Charts. It has been included on numerous posthumous compilation albums.

"Dance Band on the Titanic"
Single by Harry Chapin
from the album Dance Band on the Titanic
B-side"I Wonder What Happened to Him"
Released1977
Recorded1977
GenrePop/rock
Length4:35
LabelElektra Records
Songwriter(s)Harry Chapin
Producer(s)Steve Chapin
Harry Chapin singles chronology
"A Better Place to Be (Live)"
(1976)
"Dance Band on the Titanic"
(1977)
"Flowers Are Red"
(1978)
Singles from Dance Band on the Titanic
  1. "Dance Band on the Titanic"
    Released: 1977

Background

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When describing the song, Chapin says that the entertainment industry acts like the Titanic's actual band; creating diversions so no one focuses on the iceberg.[1]

Record World said that the song "incorporates bits of music hall, jazz and boogie-woogie, all underlying a bizarre tale of a famous sinking, icebergs and all."[2]

Chart performance

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Chart (1977) Peak
position
Australia [3] 87

Other uses

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  • It was included on the Lies and Legends cast recording in 1984.

References

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  1. ^ "Dance Band on the Titanic live 1977". YouTube.
  2. ^ "Single Picks" (PDF). Record World. August 27, 1977. p. 30. Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  3. ^ "Top 100 Singles of 1977".