Up on the Roof

The Drifters

About Up on the Roof

"Up on the Roof" is a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and recorded in 1962 by The Drifters. Released late that year, the disc became a major hit in early 1963, reaching number 5 on the U. S. pop singles chart and number 4 on the U. S. R&B singles chart. In the UK it was a top ten success for singer Kenny Lynch, whose version was also released in 1962.


Year:
1991
2:17
94 
#2

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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)

(brief instrumental-chiefly strings)

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 roo-oo-oof (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)

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The Drifters

The Drifters are a long-lived American doo-wop and R&B/soul vocal group. They were originally formed to serve as backing group for Clyde McPhatter (of Billy Ward & the Dominoes) in 1953. more »

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Written by: Carole King, Gerry Goffin

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


19 facts about this song

Song Origins
"Up on the Roof" is a song written by American songwriters Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Although Carole King herself performed the song, it was first recorded and made popular by The Drifters in 1962.
Kenny Lynch Version
British singer Kenny Lynch was the first artist to cover "Up on the Roof" in the UK in the same year as its original release. His recording charted higher (at number 10) than The Drifters' version (at number 38) in the UK Singles Chart.
Co-writer Performance
Later in her career, Carole King herself performed and recorded a version of "Up on the Roof". It appeared on her album "Writer" and the successful live album "The Carnegie Hall Concert".
Cultural Impact
The song "Up on the Roof" has been covered by numerous other artists over the years, including Laura Nyro, James Taylor, and Bruce Springsteen, indicating its enduring popularity and cultural weight.
Song Inspiration
The song was inspired by Goffin and King's desire to "get away from it all". The "roof" in the title represents an escape from the chaos of the city life.
Award Recognition
In 2004, "Up on the Roof" was named number 114 on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Song Theme
Despite the soothing theme of escape to peaceful solitude, the song also explores themes of loneliness and longing for companionship.
Library of Congress Selection
In 2007, “Up on the Roof” was chosen for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or artistically significant".
James Taylor Version
James Taylor's cover of 'Up on the Roof' gained immense popularity and was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male at the 19th Annual Grammy Awards.
United Artists Records
The original version by The Drifters was released under the label of Atlantic Records, while Kenny Lynch's version was produced by United Artists Records.
Songwriters
"Up On The Roof" is a hit song written by two legendary songwriters Carole King and her then-husband Gerry Goffin.
First Record Release
The song was first recorded by The Drifters in 1962 and it reached no. 5 on Billboard's Hot R&B Sides chart, and also number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Kenny Lynch's Version
British singer Kenny Lynch was the first artist who made a cover version of the song in the same year of its original release (1962), and his version charted at no. 10 in UK Singles Chart.
Carole King's Version
Carole King herself recorded the song and included it in her third studio album, "Writer," released in 1970. King's version was not a hit, but it became a staple of her concert performances for years.
Classic Pop Song
"Up on the Roof" is a classic pop song that has been covered by many well-known artists. Besides Lynch and King, artists who have covered the song include James Taylor, Robson & Jerome, and Laura Nyro.
Lyrics Inspiration
The inspiration behind the song's lyrics came from Goffin's love of New York's skyline, especially when viewed from the tops of buildings.
Becoming a Standard
In 2004, the song was named number 113 in Rolling Stone’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, fortifying its status as a standard of the pop music canon.
Preserved in Library of Congress
In 2019, "Up On the Roof" was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
Dominant Theme
The song has a dominant theme of seeking solace from the hustle and bustle of city life, supported by its lyrics about finding a peaceful and private oasis on a rooftop in a bustling metropolis.

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    Up on the Roof

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1963

    Billboard #5


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