Up On The Roof
The Drifters Lyrics
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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)
The Drifters' "Up On The Roof" is an ode to the power of a rooftop escape. The song's narrator is tired of the chaos of the world and the people who inhabit it, and finds solace in the calm and peacefulness of the rooftop. The simple act of climbing the stairs and looking out over the world from a new perspective allows the singer to leave his cares behind and escape from the rat race. The rooftop becomes a sanctuary, a place away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life where the world below can't intrude.
The lyrics suggest that the rooftop is a magical place, where anything is possible. It's "trouble proof," and "where you just have to wish to make it so." The stars provide a free nightly show, and the singer's invitation to "come on, baby" and "come on, honey" implies that the rooftop is a space meant to be shared. In the end, the song argues that sometimes the best way to deal with the problems of the world is to take a step back, gain some perspective, and find a peaceful escape.
Line by Line Meaning
When this old world starts getting me down
When life becomes depressing and overwhelming to handle
And people are just too much for me to face
And I am unable to deal with people
I climb way up to the top of the stairs
I ascend to the highest point in my vicinity
And all my cares just drift right into space
And all my problems fade away
On the roof, it's peaceful as can be
The rooftop provides serene calmness
And there the world below can't bother me
Where no one can disturb me
Let me tell you now
Listen to me
When I come home feelin' tired and beat
After a tiring and hectic day at work
I go up where the air is fresh and sweet (up on the roof)
I go to the roof, where the air is clean, clear and refreshing
I get away from the hustling crowd
I escape from the hustling crowd
And all that rat race noise down in the street (up on the roof)
And avoid the noise and fast-paced life on the streets
On the roof, the only place I know
The only place where I feel comfortable and safe is on the rooftop
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Where you can make things happen just by wishing
Let's go up on the roof (up on the roof)
Let's go to the rooftop
At night the stars put on a show for free
At night, stars put on a free show
And darling, you can share it all with me
You can share this experience with me
I keep a-tellin' you
I keep telling you
Right smack dab in the middle of town
In the middle of the town
I've found a paradise that's trouble proof (up on the roof)
I have discovered a trouble-free paradise on the roof
And if this world starts getting you down
And if you are feeling burdened by the world
There's room enough for two
There is enough space for two on the roof
Up on the roof (up on the roof)
Let's go to the rooftop
Up on the roof (up on the roof)
Let's go to the rooftop
Oh, come on, baby (up on the roof)
Come on, let's go to the rooftop, baby
Oh, come on, honey (up on the roof)
Come on, let's go to the rooftop, honey
Everything is all right (up on the roof)
Everything will be okay when we are on the rooftop
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Carole King, Gerry Goffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@loveslela
Up on the Roof
The Drifters
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 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)
Songwriters: Goffin Gerald, King Carole
@hockemeyer1
In the late 62, my bedroom was in the attic of my grandmother's home. There was a window that open like a door which lead to the porch roof. Many nights I sat on the roof listening to the sounds of Chicago and music on WLS radio. This song reminds me of that time. Often it was played while I was on the roof. And, from 1948 thru 1953 we lived in the Trumbel Park housing project in Chicago. The women hung their laundry on lines on the flat roofs of the building while us kids played. There was a brick wall along the edge that was taller than a 3 year old can reach so there was no fear of falling. I wish those simple times for my great grandchildren.
@smoton2
What a a great story to read while listening to this song. Thank you.
@jameskeyes1131
Lived in southern Michigan and grew up with WLS and Larry Lujack & Tommy Edwards. Animal Stories was classic.
@jacquelinerussell8530
Me for my grandchildren they are missing so much good good music
@shannonmartin9488
God BLESS YA!!!
@RS3DArchive
My bedroom was on a hill, but it was still WLS.
@alisahopeangel5532
I think the Drifters has to be one of the best groups of all time
@timmchugh6386
Spot on
@joshpryor2193
I believe they are.
@errolcampbell3918
They are my all time favorite group