The narrator describes a whimsical encounter with a dancing bear and an organ-grinder, where they join hands and run away together. They share moments of joy and sadness, symbolized by the fiddle-de-dum and fiddle-de-dee, as they journey over the hills and far away.

Meaning of "The Dancing Bear" by Natalie Merchant

"The Dancing Bear" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the fleeting moments of joy and companionship that can be found in unexpected places. The dancing bear represents a whimsical escape from the mundane reality, offering a sense of freedom and adventure. The organ-grinder symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of change, as indicated by the phrase "over the hills and far away." The bittersweet ending, where the narrator and the bear return together, reflects the cyclical nature of life and the importance of cherishing moments of connection and happiness amidst the challenges and hardships we face. Overall, the lyrics seem to convey a message about embracing life's ups and downs and finding beauty in simple moments of shared experience.