When King Harvest sang this song in 1972, it became pretty popular. Contrary to the opinions and interpretations out there concerning its meaning, it has always been a song of clean-dancing, joy and celebration of life.
For those unfamiliar with it, song author Sherman Kelly and his girlfriend spent a night on a beach in 1969 where they were the first to be brutally attacked by a gang, who eventually murdered 8 American tourist, in St. Croix. He was left for dead and she was raped. Out of the horrors they experienced, he decided to write a song about the complete opposite of what they endured and what life should be like. “Everybody’s dancing in the moonlight/everybody’s feeling warm and bright/it’s such a fine and natural sight/everybody’s dancing in the moonlight.”
It isn’t easy to get over horrific attacks, and even more difficult to see a brighter side to it, yet that’s what he did.
Millions of people the world-over can relate to hardships, tortures, brutality, trafficking, and worse things, and people often spend their lives trying to get over their ordeals. King Harvest painted that picture for us in the midst of evil.
King Jesus, the Lord of the harvest (Matthew 9:38), painted a similar picture for Israel saying, “Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! Begin the music, strike the timbrel, play the melodious harp and lyre. Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and when the moon is full, on the day of our festival;” (Psalm 81:1-3).
They were called to celebrate life and to rejoice before His presence. Likewise, He shows us the horrors of real evil in our lives as well. The “harvest” referred to in scripture is the world which is ready to be reaped/gathered unto God for salvation, though many refuse to be gathered unto Him.
Jesus has written songs for us as well-songs that depict life in the coming New World (Revelation 21:5; Isaiah 65:17). Through the help of the Holy Spirit, He wants us to experience forgiveness, restoration, therapeutic healing, and New Life in Jesus. Are you ready to forgive your accusers, your mockers, and those who may have left you for dead? It’s not easy at all. But will you MAKE the choice to do so? Jesus knows your tears and fears. He knows when you’ve wished life was over. He also knows the end from the start- the end of your life. He knows that you can triumph over everything by placing your faith in Him.
It’s time to sing praises anew to God and to dare to dance under the moonlight or sunlight for Him! He will not leave you for dead; instead, He’ll infuse you with life for a glorious experience!
God Bless!
Sam
Dancing In the Moonlight King Harvest, 1972
Do You Want to Dance? Bobby Freeman, 1958
