The Meaning Behind The Song: Up On The Roof by The Drifters
The Drifters’ 1962 classic hit, “Up On The Roof,” is a timeless classic that still enjoys immense popularity today. The song, written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, has been covered by several artists over the years, including James Taylor, Neil Diamond, and Bruce Springsteen.
The song’s enduring popularity is mainly due to its relatable lyrics and catchy melody. While the lyrics evoke wistful nostalgia, they also provide an important lesson about finding peace and solace amidst the chaos of everyday life. This article examines the meaning behind the song, “Up On The Roof.”
The Inspiration Behind The Song
The inspiration behind “Up On The Roof” came from a time when Gerry Goffin and Carole King were working in the Brill Building, located on Broadway in Manhattan. The Brill Building was a hub of songwriting activity in the early 1960s and where Goffin and King wrote many of their hits.
Goffin described the inspiration behind the song in an interview with Rolling Stone in 2008. “One day we went up on the roof of the building, and it was just so peaceful and beautiful up there. It inspired us to write about the feelings of escape and solitude that one could find on a rooftop.”
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Up On The Roof” describe the desire to escape the tumultuous world below and find peace and solitude on a rooftop. The song’s opening line, “When this world starts getting me down, and people are just too much for me to face,” and its chorus, “Up on the roof, everything is all right,” captures this sentiment perfectly.
The song’s lyrics go on to describe the sights and sounds one might experience while on a rooftop, from the roar of the city below to the stars in the sky. The lyrics emphasize the idea that being on a rooftop is a place of solace where one can escape the stresses of everyday life.
The Music
The music of “Up On The Roof” is as memorable as its lyrics. The song features a catchy melody, soulful vocals, and a memorable saxophone solo. The song’s lilting rhythm perfectly captures the feeling of being on a rooftop and gazing out at the world below.
The use of the saxophone solo was a nod to the jazz and soul music of the era. The Drifters were known for incorporating elements of these genres into their music, and the saxophone solo in “Up On The Roof” became one of the song’s most memorable features.
The Legacy of “Up On The Roof”
Over the years, “Up On The Roof” has become a beloved classic and an enduring favorite among listeners of all ages. The song has been covered by countless artists, attesting to its lasting popularity.
The song has also been used in numerous films and television shows, including an iconic scene in the film Mean Streets and a memorable episode of The Office. The song has also been referenced in books, such as Stephen King’s novel, It, in which the characters sing the song while hiding from a monster.
The Message of “Up On The Roof”
The enduring popularity of “Up On The Roof” can be attributed to its timeless message of finding solace in a chaotic world. The song encourages listeners to take a step back from the stresses of life and find peace in simple things.
The message of “Up On The Roof” is still relevant today, perhaps even more so in a world that seems to grow more complex and stressful every day. The song’s message of finding solace in a simple rooftop view reminds us all to slow down, and appreciate the beauty of life.
In Conclusion
With its memorable melody and relatable lyrics, “Up On The Roof” is a timeless classic that still resonates with listeners today. The song’s message of finding solace in a chaotic world is as relevant now as it was when it was first released.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of music that speaks to the human experience. It is clear that “Up On The Roof” will continue to delight listeners for decades to come.
