"I adored this song the first time I heard it on the radio. To me, it's a love song-but it's a love song to Lee Ann Womack's two daughters, to whom the song is dedicated. I think my radio announcer said it best: "This is the ultimate dedication song for parents." The lyrics, which are included, are beautiful: "I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean/whenever one door closes I hope one more opens..." There are quite a few cliches packed in here, but they're heartfelt, and the end result is sentimental and sweet, rather than sap.This single is ideal for people who: A) like ballads, or B) like the song but not the genre of music it comes from. The first song is the pop version of the single, and the second is the album version. The differences are that in the pop version, the acoustic guitar is diminished, her backup vocalists are female rather than the Sons of the Desert (at least I think that's who it is, if the Billboard listing is correct), and there isn't a trailing instrumental ending; track time for the pop version is 4:04, while that for the album version is 4:54.My only problem with the CD is there are only two songs for ......if full albums worked that way they'd cost .......... It would have been nice if there had been an extra or different track. Still, if you don't already have her album but like the song, it's worth it (I didn't give it five stars for nothing-I do love this song! ^_^) Otherwise, I would just recommend buying the album. The pop version isn't *that* much different, and besides, Lee Ann would probably rather you have the full album, anyway! ^_~"
The Dance of Life
Shea White | Elkhorn, Ky United States | 03/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This song is awesome to encourage others to take the "Dance of Life." The first time I heard this song, I was inspired by its words. I am a middle school science teacher. Besides only teaching science, I also teach life lessons on a daily basis. I'm not the "typical" come in, sit down, and do you work teacher. I use music in my classroom on a regular basis to teach certain concepts. I constantly tell my students to take every chance and opportunity that life brings your way to better yourself. I shared this song with them to encourage them to always "dance and never sit out and miss the chance. What a pwerful statement!"
A Inspiring "Theme Song"
C. Ryan | Winthrop, WA United States | 10/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD has two versions of "I Hope You Dance", that allow this inspiring balad to come through with it's encouraging message. I like to keep it in my car CD player to get me inspired in the morning or on the way to a tough meeting."
Incredible Song!
Stephanie Anne | Maine, USA | 02/03/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This song/CD is just what I've been looking for! The encouragement in the lyrics is wonderful. I have a friend suffering with a terminal illness, and this fills her with the courage to live what life she has left to the fullest. A must have for anyone with problems in their lives."
The Perfect Parents Song
Proud PaPa | Baltimore, MD USA | 11/10/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard this song on a tribute video tape for a high graduating class which included my daughter. I instantly feel in love with it because it connected with my wishes for her success. This one of the few songs that make me cry. For any parent that has very strong love for their children this the perfect song for expressing what you hope for their futures, but also, to demonstrate to them just how big the world is compared to them and that the world owes them nothing, that they have to work hard for everything that they receive in life."