Lynch had many UK hit singles in the early 1960s, including the two top-tens "Up on the Roof" in December 1962 and "You Can Never Stop Me Loving You" in June 1963. In addition, he has written songs for others — notably Small Faces' #3 hit "Sha-La-La-La-Lee" with legendary American songwriter Mort Shuman.
His numerous TV appearances include roles in Celebrity Squares, Room at the Bottom and Curry and Chips as well as minor parts in Z-Cars, The Sweeney, Til Death Us Do Part and Treasure Hunt.
Known for charity work, Lynch has often played in charity football matches and Michael Parkinson's 'Celebrity Cricket' fundraisers.
Whilst on a coach with the Beatles (on tour with Helen Shapiro), Lynch reportedly offered to help them write a song, but quickly became frustrated and criticised their ability to compose music - see From Me to You. Years later he appeared on the cover of Wings 1973 album Band on the Run, along with other celebrities. He attended the funeral of Alan Ball on May 3rd , 2007.
In 2018, Lynch had a concert tour with Jimmy Tarbuck and Anita Harris, as well as appearing in ITV's Last Laugh in Vegas.
Up On the Roof
Kenny Lynch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 weak
I go up where the air is fresh and sweet
I get away from the hustling crowd
And all that rat race noise down in the street
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
At night the stars put on a show for free
And darling, you can share it all with me
I keep a-tellin' you
The right smack dab in the middle of town
I've found a paradise that's trouble proof
And if this world starts getting you down
There's room enough for two
Up on the roof
Come on, baby
There's room enough for two
The song "Up on the Roof" by Kenny Lynch is a beautiful ode to finding respite from the struggles of the world. The lyrics express that when the world becomes too much and people are too overwhelming to face, the singer finds solace on the roof. The roof symbolizes a place of escape from the fight of the world, a place where all cares and worries can drift away. The peace of the roof is emphasized with the contrast of the hustling crowd and rat race noise down in the street.
When the singer comes home feeling tired and weak, they seek refuge on the roof. It is a peaceful place where the air is fresh, and the world below can't bother them. At night, the stars come out, providing a free show for all, where one can share it all with another. The roof is described as paradise, and it's enjoyed free from the struggles of the world.
The song expresses that the roof is a place of solitude that one can share with someone else - there's room enough for two. The song sets a tranquil and wistful tone, conveying a longing to leave the chaos behind and relax up on the peaceful roof.
Overall, "Up on the Roof" by Kenny Lynch is an uplifting and hopeful song that encourages finding a peaceful spot wherever it may be to escape from the bustle and noise of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
When this old world starts getting me down
When the world becomes overwhelming and difficult to deal with.
And people are just too much for me to face
When individuals seem like too much to deal with.
I climb way up to the top of the stairs
I retreat to a place where I can gather my thoughts.
And all my cares just drift right into space
All the worries and anxieties disappear and fade away.
On the roof, it's peaceful as can be
The rooftop is tranquil and serene.
And there the world below can't bother me
The craziness of the world below is nonexistent and can't affect me.
Let me tell you now
Now, let me share something with you.
When I come home feelin' tired and weak
After a long, tiring day, when I feel drained and exhausted.
I go up where the air is fresh and sweet
I go to where the air is clean, refreshing, and enjoyable.
I get away from the hustling crowd
I escape from the large, busy, and noisy crowds.
And all that rat race noise down in the street
I escape from the noise and the chaos on the street.
On the roof, the only place I know
The rooftop is the only peaceful and calm spot I know.
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Where you can create your world only with your mind.
Let's go up on the roof
Let's go to the rooftop, where we can find peace and quiet.
At night the stars put on a show for free
At night, the stars display their beauty without any cost.
And darling, you can share it all with me
You can be with me, and we can enjoy the sight of the stars bringing us inner peace.
I keep a-tellin' you
I repeatedly inform you.
The right smack dab in the middle of town
The perfect spot located in the middle of the town.
I've found a paradise that's troubleproof
I have discovered a trouble-free paradise.
And if this world starts getting you down
When the world becomes too difficult for you.
There's room enough for two
There is enough room for two of us to escape from our worries together.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Carole King, Gerry Goffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Trotskyist-
R.I.P to the last of the great legends of the 60’s and 70’s GodBless you Kenny and say hi to Sid James and all the crew of that great magnificent era .
@tennybrickell4423
R.I.P Kenny and Thankyou for the memories 😊
@tristanprice7236
We still have Petula!
@davidhuxtable1553
Nice bloke, much loved and much missed.
Top singer from East London!
@tomknight7015
I remember going to see him I’m Manchester with my wife and what a night and this song was my lasting memory of him …. ❤️
@carolines6798
So sad. I lost my Dad a couple of months ago, same age as Kenny. He was born 3 days before my Dad in the same place in London too. He will be up on the roof with my Dad entertaining him now 😊
@sonicstep
My condolences 😢
@carolines6798
sonicstep thank you 🙏
@shahzadirshad2258
I lost my father 8:30pm, 23rd Sept, he was 87, same generation. they both spread joy and laughter wherever they went. RIP on the big roof :)
@jeanmorrell9470
I remember the first time I heard this recording by Kenny. I had goosebumps. He should have reached No.1 in the charts. No singer has made a better version of this great song. Thanks Kenny Lynch.