Meaning of "John, I'm Only Dancing" by The Chameleons

The lyrics of "John, I'm Only Dancing" by The Chameleons seem to portray a sense of detachment and superficiality in relationships and interactions. The speaker observes others around them, describing Annie as neat and Joe as strong, but there is a sense of skepticism or irony in their descriptions, hinting that appearances may not always be what they seem. The repeated refrain of "John, I'm only dancing" could be interpreted as a way of reassuring someone that their dancing together is just a form of harmless fun and not indicative of deeper feelings or commitments. The longing for love and touch is evident throughout the lyrics, but it seems as if the speaker finds temporary solace or connection in the act of dancing, which becomes a way of escaping or transcending the complexities of human relationships. The mention of a "shadow love" that is "quick and clean" suggests a fleeting and fleeting nature of emotions, hinting at a sense of impermanence and detachment in the relationships or interactions being described.