About the song
Background
- Songwriters: Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of the legendary disco group Chic. They wrote and produced the song specifically with Diana Ross in mind.
- Release: 1980, as the lead single from her album diana.
- Success: It became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100, Soul, and Disco charts in the US. It also achieved international success, reaching number 1 in several countries.
- Genre: Classic disco sound with elements of funk and pop.
Lyrics
The lyrics express feelings of overwhelming infatuation and delight in being in love. Here’s a key excerpt:
- “Upside down, boy you turn me Inside out and round and round Instinctively, you give to me The love that I need”
Themes
- Euphoria of Love: The primary theme is the intoxicating and disorienting joy of being in love, where the world seems to flip “upside down”.
- Surrender to Emotion: There’s a sense of happily surrendering control and letting oneself be swept away in powerful feelings.
- Romantic Obsession: The repeated chorus highlights an almost obsessive focus on the object of the singer’s affection.
Additional Notes
- Iconic Music Video: The music video showcased Diana Ross with striking visuals, glamorous outfits, and dynamic dance sequences that further propelled the song’s influence.
- Disco Era Anthem: “Upside Down” is a quintessential example of the late 1970s/early 1980s disco sound, with its upbeat rhythm, infectious melodies, and shimmering production.
Video
Lyrics
I said upside downYou’re turning meYou’re giving love instinctivelyAround and round you’re turning me
Upside downBoy, you turn meInside outAnd round and roundUpside downBoy, you turn meInside outAnd round and round
Instinctively you give to meThe love that I needI cherish the moments with youRespectfully I say to theeI’m aware that you’re cheatingWhen no one makes me feel like you do
Upside downBoy, you turn meInside outAnd round and roundUpside downBoy, you turn meInside outAnd round and round
I know you got charm and appealYou always play the fieldI’m crazy to think you are mineAs long as the sun continues to shineThere’s a place in my heart for youThat’s the bottomline
Upside downBoy, you turn meInside outAnd round and roundUpside downBoy, you turn meInside outAnd round and round
Instinctively you give to meThe love that I needI cherish the moments with youRespectfully I say to theeI’m aware that you’re cheatingBut no one makes me feel like you do
Upside downBoy, you turn meInside outAnd round and roundUpside downBoy, you turn meInside outAnd round and round
Upside downBoy, you turn meInside outAnd round and roundUpside downBoy, you turn meInside outAnd round and round
Upside down you’re turning meYou’re giving love instinctivelyAround and round you’re turning meI say to thee respectfully
Upside down you’re turning meYou’re giving love instinctivelyAround and round you’re turning meI say to thee respectfully
I said a upside down you’re turning meYou’re giving love instinctivelyAround and round you’re turning me
I say to thee respectfullyUpside down you’re turning meYou’re giving love instinctivelyAround and round you’re turning meI say to thee respectfully
Upside down you’re turning me