Up on the Roof ©, by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, was recorded in 1962 by The Drifters. It evokes the tar “beaches” atop high-rise apartments in America’s cities where urban dwellers escaped the stresses of daily life. This rock and roll classic is sweetly yearning and city-centered, but its message is universal. We all need time to breathe, find serenity, and gaze at the stars.
When we were teenagers in Brooklyn, my friend, Carmela, and I spent hours at the pizza parlor putting quarters in the juke box, playing Up on the Roof over and over and over. Over time, Carole King became one of our rock and roll idols.
A rock and roll classic also performed by such musicians as Bruce Springsteen and James Taylor, Up on the Roof combines the hard grind of urban life and the possibility for peaceful solitude. Because of its urban setting and soothing melody, the Drifters’ song reminds me of another cityscape musical delicacy: Simon and Garfunkle’s The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy).
Or, if you just wanna get up and dance, and get extremely excited, click here.
Up On The Roof
When this old world starts getting me down
And people are just too much for me to face
I climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right into space
On the roof, it’s peaceful as can be
And there the world below can’t bother me
Let me tell you now
When I come home feelin’ tired and beat
I go up where the air is fresh and sweet (up on the roof)
I get away from the hustling crowd
And all that rat race noise down in the street (up on the roof)
On the roof, the only place I know
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Let’s go up on the roof (up on the roof)
At night the stars put on a show for free
And darling, you can share it all with me
I keep a-tellin’ you
Right smack dab in the middle of town
I’ve found a paradise that’s trouble proof (up on the roof)
And if this world starts getting you down
There’s room enough for two
Up on the roof (up on the roof)
Up on the roof (up on the roof)
Oh, come on, baby (up on the roof)
Oh, come on, honey (up on the roof)
Everything is all right (up on the roof)
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Carole King/Gerry Goffin
Up On the Roof© lyrics Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
With thanks to Song Facts and to Wikipedia
