From the recording Michael V. Ficocelli: A Songwriter's Sampler
Inspired by the title of Norman Mailer’s book ‘Tough Guys Don’t Dance.’ Written and originally performed at the Songwriter’s Guild, NYC, 1986 and later arranged/performed by my wonderful son, Eric Ficocelli for Barbra and Tom’s wedding, August 2014.
Lyrics
Friday night Johnny got behind the wheel
Greased back his hair lookin' for a heart to steal
Turned seventeen about a week ago
Just started shavin' but he lets the stubble grow
Stopped by the high school to hear the local band
And caught sight of that knockout Jenny Rand
She looked good in her skintight spandex pants
She looked at Johnny and she fell into a trance
He played it cool not to let his feelings show
She said, "let's dance,"
He said, "there's something you should know"
Tough guys don't dance
Don't waste time on fine romance
Here's your big chance
To ride with me 'cause tough guys don't dance
They jumped into Johnny's old man's Chevrolet
And headed out to the outskirts of LA
Ten seconds flat and he was into overdrive
And she was prayin' that just maybe she'd survive
Zoomed off the highway, they drove down Tawtucket road
And Johnny's water pipe was ready to explode
They reached the end and he turned the engine key
There were no streetlights it was really hard to see
Johnny felt for Jenny's hand along the seat
And said, "lay back
This time you're in for quite a treat"
Tough guys don't dance
Don't waste time on fine romance
Here's your big chance
To ride with me 'cause tough guys don't dance
That's when Jenny said she had plenty to give away
Johnny started to stutter and tremble inside
He fumbled with the keys, then he started to drive away
'Cause the one thing she didn't know
This tough guy was scared to let go
Again he says
Tough guys don't dance
Don't waste time on fine romance
Here's your big chance
To ride with me 'cause tough guys don't dance
Tough guys don't dance
Don't waste time on fine romance
Here's your big chance
To ride with me 'cause tough guys don't dance
They don't dance