First Dance

First Dance
Released	November 17, 2009
Album	My World
Recorded	February 6, 2009; by Jeremy Stevenson at Icon Studios, Atlanta, GA
Genre	R&B / Teen Pop / Soul-ballad
Length	3:42
Written by	Justin Bieber / Usher Raymond IV / Alexander Parhm Jr. / Ryon Lovett / Jesse Wilson / Dwight Reynolds
Produced by	Pretty Boi Fresh
Label
Additional information
Mixed by	Jaycen-Joshua Fowler / Dave Pensado / Giancarlo Lino (assistant)
Instruments	Keyboards: Skrapp

“First Dance” is a song by Justin Bieber, included the 6th track on his debut EP, My World. Featuring his mentor, R&B singer Usher.

Composition and lyrical interpretation

“First Dance” is an R&B and teen pop ballad that sees Bieber and Usher trade lines, with lyrics about a first dance. Most music critics were skeptical of the lyrical content presented in the song, and according to Jon Caramanica of The New York Times, the song's melody is similar to that of Michael Jackson's "You Are Not Alone". Bieber described the song as "a slow groovy song that people can dance to". It is written in the key of A♭ minor, and vocals in the piece span from the low note of G₃ to the high note of E₅, and the song features the chord Em₇.

Some people consider the song to be about taking a girl's virginity under the guise of taking her to her first prom.

Audio

First Dance

Lyrics

[Hook: Usher]
It’s your chance take her hand to the floor, to the floor
(Fellas just the moment you’ve been waiting for)
Girl if you see something you like then let him know
(Ladies I know you’re ready)
‘Cause you only got one chance (Yeah yeah), she your first dance
(You never forget your first dance)
So take advantage of the slow jam
(Tell her JB), yeah man

[Verse 1: Justin Bieber]
When I close my eyes, I see me and you at the prom
We’ve both been waiting so long for this day to come
Now that it’s here, let’s make it special
I can’t deny, there’s so many thoughts in my mind
The DJ’s playing my favorite song (Favorite song), ain’t no chaperones (Chaperone)
This could be the night of your dreams

[Chorus: Justin Bieber]
Only if you give, give the first dance to me
Girl, I promise I’ll be gentle
I know we gotta do it slowly
If you give, give the first dance to me (Give it to me)
I’m gon’ cherish every moment
‘Cause it only happens once, once in a lifetime

[Verse 2: Justin Bieber]
I couldn’t ask for more
We’re rocking back and forth under the disco ball
We’re the only ones on the floor
I can’t deny, so many thoughts in my mind
The DJ’s playing my favorite song (Favorite song), now we’re all alone (All alone)
Here’s the opportunity

[Chorus: Justin Bieber]
Only if you give, give the first dance to me
Girl, I promise I’ll be gentle
I know we gotta do it slowly (Yeah)
If you give, give the first dance to me (Give it to me)
I’m gon’ cherish every moment
‘Cause it only happens once, once in a lifetime

[Bridge: Justin Bieber]
Everybody says that we look cute together
Let’s make this a night the two of us remember
No teachers around to see us dancing close
I’m telling you our parents will never know
Before the lights go up and the music turns off
Now’s the perfect time for me to taste your lip gloss
Your glass slippers in my hand right here
We’ll make it before the clock strikes nine

[Chorus: Justin Bieber]
If you just give, give the first dance to me
Girl, I promise I’ll be gentle
But we gotta do it slowly
If you give (Give), give the first dance to me (Give the first dance, baby)
I’m gon’ cherish every moment (Whoa oh oh)
‘Cause it only happens once, once in a lifetime

[Hook: Usher]
It’s your chance take her hand to the floor, to the floor
Girl if you see something you like then let him know
‘Cause you only got one chance, she your first dance
So take advantage of the slow jam, yeah man

[Outro: Justin Bieber]
If you give, give the first dance to me (Give it to me)
I’m gon’ cherish every moment
‘Cause it only happens once, once in a lifetime

Credits

Credits adapted from Tidal.

• Producer: Pretty Boi Fresh
• Composer: Alexander Parhm, Jr. / Dwight Reynolds / Jesse Wilson / Justin Bieber / Ryon Lovett / Usher Rayjmond
• Lyricist: Alexander Parhm, Jr. / Dwight Reynolds / Jesse Wilson / Justin Bieber / Ryon Lovett / Usher Rayjmond
• Assistant Mixer: Giancarlo Lino
• Associated Performer: Dwight "Skrapp" Reynolds
• Featured Artist: Usher
• Keyboards: Dwight "Skrapp" Reynolds
• Mixer: Dave Pensado / Jaycen-Joshua Fowler
• Recording Engineer: Jeremy Stevenson
• Studio Personnel: Dave Pensado / Giancarlo Lino / Jaycen-Joshua Fowler / Jeremy Stevenson