SANDERS: The chorus peaks with Robyn accepting reality and dancing through the pain. ROBYN: (Singing) I'm in the corner, watching you kiss her. On the same dance floor, she sees this ex dancing with another girl. SANDERS: In "Dancing On My Own," Robyn is at the same club as an ex-lover. SLOAN: That's a really sad song, actually. SLOAN: It's definitely got a long history in pop, like "MMMBop" by Hanson. Nate Sloan says that puts "Dancing On My Own" right up there with a bunch of other classic sad songs that sound happy. Does she love you better than I can? That's a breakup song. SANDERS: Somebody said you got a new friend. ROBYN: (Singing) Somebody said you got a new friend. After the music starts all happy and dancey, Robyn turns it around when she starts to sing. SANDERS: Nate says what also makes this song special is that it's one big bait and switch. SLOAN: Co-host of the podcast Switched on Pop and assistant professor of musicology at the University of Southern California. NATE SLOAN: You know, it's right around where scientists have placed the preferred walking tempo. SANDERS: The song's about 118 beats per minute, a tempo engineered almost perfectly for human movement. SAM SANDERS, BYLINE: From the start, Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" reaches right into your soul and latches on. (SOUNDBITE OF ROBYN SONG, "DANCING ON MY OWN") It's the latest musical deep dive in our American Anthem series.
Swedish pop star Robyn made a breakup song that became a millennial anthem full of energy and perseverance. Some are full of rage, some full of sadness. Every generation needs a good breakup song.