The phrase in question is French and directly translates to “So we dance”. The construction “alor” is a colloquial shortening of “alors,” meaning “so,” “then,” or “therefore.” “On” is a pronoun, similar to “one” or “we,” and “danse” is the present tense, first-person plural, or third-person singular form of the verb “danser,” meaning “to dance.” Thus, a direct rendering of the expression conveys a sense of resignation or perhaps a defiant embracing of difficult circumstances through the act of dancing.
The expression gained widespread recognition due to its use as the title of a popular song. The song’s lyrics often explored themes of societal hardship, financial struggles, and the challenges of daily life. The significance of the phrase lies in its ability to encapsulate the human response to adversity. It suggests that even when faced with overwhelming problems, people can find solace, release, or a form of resistance through movement and music. The selection of this particular phrase as a song title effectively communicates the overarching themes within the music.