Context

This line is spoken by The Joker (played by Jack Nicholson) in the film Batman, directed by Tim Burton (1989).

Bruce Wayne (Batman) is just about to come out of the superhero closet to his girlfriend Vicki. But surprise! The Joker and his goons have just barged in. Preppie Bruce Wayne must save Vicki from the clutches of this evildoer, but he's not tripped out in full Batman gear. So he grabs a fire poker while The Joker pulls out a pistol. (Note to Bruce: do not taunt The Joker when he's packin' heat... just sayin.') Before he pulls the trigger, The Joker says, "Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight? I ask that of all my prey. I just like the sound of it." Bang!

Where you've heard it

It seems like every garage band this side of the universe has their own version of "Dancin' with the devil in the pale moonlight." But this version also pays tribute to another Joker who left us all too soon—Heath Ledger.

Finally, maybe this cartoon answers the question once and for all.

Additional Notable References:

• Is Catwoman ripping off The Joker's line?

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

The Joker isn't just your basic psycho villain, he's an arrogant one. That's why Nicholson and Ledger had a blast playing him. So leave this quote alone except at a Halloween party, when it might work as a nice icebreaker.