About the song
“Maniac,” a hit song from the iconic 1983 film *Flashdance*, emerged from an unusual inspiration rooted in both horror and dance. Originally conceived by songwriter Dennis Matkosky during a moment of dark humor sparked by a news report on a serial killer, the song’s early lyrics were eerie and graphic. Matkosky and collaborator Michael Sembello found further inspiration in the 1980 horror film “Maniac,” which added depth to their creation.
The song’s evolution took a pivotal turn when *Flashdance* director Adrian Lyne heard a demo of “Maniac” and envisioned it as a driving force for the film’s narrative about a determined dancer. Phil Ramone, the music supervisor, recognized its potential and urged Sembello to revise the lyrics to better fit the film’s storyline. This collaboration led to a new recording of the song that became synonymous with the film’s memorable training sequence featuring the protagonist Alexandra Owens.
Upon the film’s unexpected success, “Maniac” soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. The accompanying music video, crafted from scenes of *Flashdance*, became a staple on MTV, helping to popularize both the song and the film. This synergy between music and visuals marked a turning point in Hollywood, highlighting the profitability of music videos as promotional tools for movies.
Michael Sembello’s career received a significant boost from the song’s success, earning him personal appearances and accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Album of All Time. While “Maniac” was a standout track on his debut album, Sembello remained focused on evolving his musical style rather than replicating its formulaic success.
Over the years, “Maniac” has been covered and remixed, with notable versions achieving chart success in various countries. Its enduring popularity underscores its place in pop culture history, a testament to its infectious beat, memorable lyrics, and enduring association with the spirited world of *Flashdance*.
“Maniac” remains a beloved anthem of determination and perseverance, resonating with audiences through its compelling blend of storytelling, music, and cinematic flair.
Video
Lyrics
Just a steel town girl on a Saturday night
Lookin’ for the fight of her life
In the real-time world no one sees her at all
They all say she’s crazy
Locking rhythms to the beat of her heart
Changing movement into light
She has danced into the danger zone
When the dancer becomes the dance
It can cut you like a knife, if the gift becomes the fire
On a wire between will and what will be
She’s a maniac, maniac on the floor
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
She’s a maniac, maniac on the floor
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
On the ice-blue line of insanity is a place most never see
It’s a hard-won place of mystery touch it, but can’t hold it
You work all your life for that
Moment in time, it could come or pass you by
It’s a push-shove world, but there’s always a chance
If the hunger stays the night
There’s a cold kinetic heat, struggling, stretching for the beat
Never stopping with her head against the wind
She’s a maniac, maniac, I sure know
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
She’s a maniac, maniac, I sure know
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
It can cut you like a knife, if the gift becomes the fire
On a wire between will and what will be
She’s a maniac, maniac, I sure know (I sure know)
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
She’s a maniac, maniac, I sure know
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
Maniac, maniac, I sure know
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
She’s a maniac, maniac, I sure know (I sure know)
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before