The song was written by group member John Hall and journalist-turned-lyricist Johanna Hall (then a married couple). According to Johanna Hall, John Hall wrote the melody first, and when on first hearing it Johanna suggested "Dance with Me" as the title John rejected the idea as too simple. The couple were out driving one day when Johanna, struck by inspiration, blurted out the lyrics: "Pick the beat up and kick your feet up", and John was won over to the idea of her writing the song's lyric for the title "Dance With Me".

Featuring a melodica solo by Larry Hoppen, "Dance With Me" was introduced on the album Let There Be Music and was issued as that album's second single July 19 1975 to become Orleans' first Top 40 single, reaching a Billboard Hot 100 peak of #6 that October.

"Dance With Me" served for the title of a musical revue of compositions by John and Johanna Hall which was mounted by the Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey at its Madison venue from 1-17 December 2000.

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