Michael Sembello is an inspirational musician. He excels as a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, and his sound crosses multiple genre boundaries. His work is known for creative compositions and unique performance style.
He’s crafted memorable melodies for film soundtracks. His musical versatility has created a lasting impact. Sembello’s biggest hits include Maniac, Automatic Man, and Talk. These songs have remained popular for decades. He is a defining voice in 1980s music, contributing to pop, rock, and film music.
About the Song
Maniac, Michael Sembello’s breakthrough hit from the film Flashdance (1983), combines powerful electronic beats with energetic guitar work.
Originally inspired by a horror film, the lyrics were reworked to fit the movie’s dance theme. Its pulsing rhythm and fervent vocals perfectly embody the fierce dedication of a dancer pursuing their dreams.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | April 11, 1983 |
| Album | Bossa Nova Hotel |
| Writers | Michael Sembello & Dennis Matkosky |
| Producers | Michael Sembello & Phil Ramone |
Maniac by Michael Sembello Lyrics
Verse 1
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
Pre-Chorus
It can cut you like a knife
If the gift becomes the fire
On the wire between will and what will be
Chorus
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
Verse 2
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
Pre-Chorus
There’s a cold kinetic heat
Struggling, stretching for the peak
Never stopping with her head against the wind
Chorus
She’s a maniac, maniac at your door
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
She’s a maniac, maniac at your door
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
Bridge
Ooh, oh
Oh
Guitar Solo
Pre-Chorus
It can cut you like a knife
If the gift becomes the fire
On the wire between will and what will be
Chorus
She’s a maniac, maniac at your door
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
She’s a maniac, maniac at your door
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
Maniac, maniac at your door
And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before
Similar Songs Like Maniac
If you love Maniac by Michael Sembello, check out these high-energy tracks with flowy beats and a perfect mix of rock and pop.
- “Automatic Man“: A high-energy track with strong keyboard instrument elements, a lofty beat, and Sembello’s signature vocal style, making it an unforgettable hit.
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“It’s Over“: This soulful song with Michael Sembello’s emotive vocals, blending smooth rock and heartfelt melodies for a powerful listening time.
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“Cadillac“: With its funky rhythm and energy, Cadillac showcases Sembello’s signature rock-pop fusion, giving an unforgettable groove.
- “Talk“: This song still shows Sembello’s specific fusion of rock and electronic elements with high energy.
Similar Artists Like Michael Sembello
Check out these artists who bring a similar combination of catchy melodies and energy.
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Kenny Loggins
Genre: Pop/Rock
Top Albums: Celebrate Me Home (1977), Nightwatch (1978), High Adventure (1982) -
Irene Cara
Genre: Pop/Rock, R&B
Top Albums: Anyone Can See (1982), What a Feelin’ (1983), Carasmatic (1987) -
Laura Branigan
Genre: Pop/Rock
Top Albums: Branigan (1982), Self Control (1984), Hold Me (1990) -
Daryl Hall & John Oates
Genre: Pop/Rock, Soul
Top Albums: Abandoned Luncheonette (1973), Voices (1980), H2O (1982)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Film is the Song She’s a Maniac From?
The song She’s a Maniac by Michael Sembello is from the 1983 film Flashdance.
How Successful was the Song Maniac?
Michael Sembello’s Maniac was very successful. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned Grammy nominations. It sold over one million copies.
Who Performed the Dance in Flashdance to Maniac?
Jennifer Beals portrayed the character Alex Owens, though most of the dancing was actually performed by body double Marine Jahan.
