In 1958, Ben Nelson joined a doo wop group, The Five Crowns. Later that same year, The Drifters' manager fired the members of the group and replaced them with The Five Crowns, who had performed several engagements with The Drifters. He co-wrote the first hit by the new version of The Drifters, "There Goes My Baby" (1959). He also sang lead, using his birth name, on "Save the Last Dance for Me," a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, "Dance With Me," "This Magic Moment," "I Count the Tears," and other The Drifters hits.
In 1960 he left the group after failing to gain a salary increase and a fairer share of the group's royalties. At this point he assumed the more memorable stage name Ben E. King in preparation for a solo career. Remaining on Atlantic, King scored his first solo hit with the stylish, Latin-tinged ballad "Spanish Harlem" (1961). "Stand by Me" was his next recording. "Stand by Me", written by King along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller was voted one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America. "Stand by Me" and "Spanish Harlem" were named as two of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and were both also given a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.
King's records continued to place well on the pop charts until 1963, when British pop bands began to dominate the popular music scene. His hits after 1963 were "What is Soul?" (1967), "Supernatural Thing, part 1" (1975), and the re-issue in 1986 of "Stand by Me" following the song's use as the theme music to the movie of the same name.
Under The Boardwalk
Ben E. King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fire-proof
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby is where I'll be
(Under the boardwalk) out of the sun
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be havin' some fun
(Under the boardwalk) people walking above
Under the board-walk (board-walk!)
From the park you hear the happy sound of a carousel
Mm-mm, you can almost taste the hot dogs and French fries they sell
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea
On a blanket with my baby is where I'll be
(Under the boardwalk) out of the sun
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be havin' some fun
(Under the boardwalk) people walking above
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be making love
Under the board-walk (board-walk!)
Oooooh, under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby is where I'll be
(Under the boardwalk) out of the sun
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be havin' some fun
(Under the boardwalk) people walking above
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be falling in love
Under the board-walk (board-walk!)
The song “Under the Boardwalk” by Ben E. King & The Drifters has an upbeat rhythm and paints a vivid picture of a summer day at the beach. The lyrics describe the heat of the sun beating down on the roof and the hot tar underfoot, creating a desire for a cooler, more comfortable place. The solution is to head “under the boardwalk,” a shaded area by the sea where the heat is less intense. The singer adds that they will be on a blanket with their lover, no doubt enjoying each other’s company away from the scorching sun.
As the song continues, the singer highlights the sounds and smells of the beach, including the calliope-like music of the carousel in the nearby park, and the aroma of hot dogs and French fries wafting through the air. Despite the distractions, the singer remains focused on their love interest, referencing the potential for fun, making love, and falling in love, all while under the boardwalk. The song’s catchy refrain of “Under the board-walk” anchors the verses and serves as a reminder of the cool, shaded spot that awaits.
Overall, “Under the Boardwalk” is a fun and playful song that captures the carefree spirit of summertime at the beach. It celebrates the simple pleasures of escaping the confines of the heat and the city, and enjoying time with a loved one in the cool shade by the sea.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, when the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the roof
When the sun is so hot that it makes the tar on the roof melt and burn, causing discomfort
And your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fire-proof
The intense heat makes your shoes feel extremely hot, to the point where you wish your feet were capable of withstanding fire
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
Going underneath the boardwalk that is right by the ocean
On a blanket with my baby is where I'll be
Spending time with my significant other on a comfortable blanket
(Under the boardwalk) out of the sun
Seeking the shade and protection from the harsh rays of the sun
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be havin' some fun
Enjoying each other's company and engaging in playful activities
(Under the boardwalk) people walking above
Observing the passersby who are walking on the boardwalk above
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be making love
Engaging in intimate romantic activity away from the public eye
Under the board-walk (board-walk!)
Reaffirming the location where they will be spending their time
From the park you hear the happy sound of a carousel
The sound of the carousel in the nearby park can be heard, contributing to the cheerful atmosphere
Mm-mm, you can almost taste the hot dogs and French fries they sell
The smell of the food being sold nearby is so strong that it almost feels like you can taste it
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea
Continuing to enjoy the cool shade and views of the ocean from under the boardwalk
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be falling in love
The intimacy and romantic atmosphere is bringing them closer together and perhaps even leading to falling in love
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Arthur Resnick, Kenny Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Axgoodofdunemaul
Even as a teenager, I thought there was something special about this song. It still gives me goose bumps, fifty years later. If you see a white-haired old man riding past on his bicycle singing this under his breath, it's me.
@ooihockkhai2899
i love the rolling stones version
@stevenwhite2708
Good I like
@raidkoast
+Axgoodofdunemaul
I thought i was the only one.
But more often then not i just sing some metal... But old music is good too. :P
@salhesper3799
+Axgoodofdunemaul same here for a 64 year old woman...........:-)
@terrywelsh8235
I think the drifters did this song better than anyone else did.
@StarskyandDutch
My father passed a few nights ago. I’ve been a wreck ever since. He was on his last leg of cancer treatment, basically beat it then got pneumonia. Somehow avoided getting corona. I miss him a ton. He wasn’t talking that night but was able to see and hear my sister and I. I played this song for him, it was one of his favorites. It hurts to write this, but love ya dad. And shoutout to the drifters for making an absolute timeless classic.
@allison9501
I'm sorry for your loss. My friends mother passed a few weeks ago. I know its not the same, but may your father rest in piece.
@StarskyandDutch
Chris Cramer sending condolences to you and your friend. And thank you!
@Etcher
My dad passed last month at 81. I'm right there with you. We used to listen to this song together when I was a kid and he was working on his boat. I dream about him every night.