“How Can I Dance” serves as the 2nd track from Ava Max’s third studio album Don’t Click Play the song is a bold, empowering pop anthem, it explores themes of emotional confinement and reclaiming power over a relationship that has her caged.
The song can also be seen as a broader commentary on artis...
[Intro]
Oh, woah, oh
How can I dance when you tie my hands up?
Oh, woah, oh
How can I lo-lo-lo-love if you keep me in chains?
[Verse 1]
Think you can lock me, baby?
I'm not a bird in your cage (Oh, oh)
You wanna play with fire?
Boy, that's a dangerous game (Oh, oh)
[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause I'm better off dancing alone
While you're spending the night with your own ego
Baby, now all you get is the ghost
When I leave, oh, oh, oh, oh
[Chorus]
Oh, woah, oh
How can I dance when you tie my hands up?
Oh, woah, oh
How can I lo-lo-lo-love if you keep me in chains?
'Cause these wings were made to fly
So I can break free from your hold
Oh, woah, oh
How can I lo-lo-lo-love if you keep me in chains?
[Verse 2]
No, I won't tiptoe 'round ya
This ain't a Russian ballet (Oh, oh)
You use your sticks and stones
But baby, I'm holding grenades (Oh, oh)
[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause I got a heart you could never break
No matter the things you say
So shut up and save the air you breathe
Baby, now all you get is the ghost
When I leave, oh, yeah, yeah, oh
[Chorus]
Oh, woah, oh
How can I dance when you tie my hands up?
Oh, woah, oh
How can I lo-lo-lo-love if you keep me in chains?
'Cause these wings were made to fly
So I can break free from your hold
Oh, woah, oh
How can I lo-lo-lo-love if you keep me in chains?
How Can I Dance was written by Ava Max & Pink Slip & JBACH & Jim Lavigne.
Ava Max released How Can I Dance on Fri Aug 22 2025.