Under The Boardwalk
Platters & Drifters 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 boardwalk, boardwalk!
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 boardwalk, boardwalk!
Ooh, 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 boardwalk, boardwalk!
The song "Under The Boardwalk" by The Drifters and The Platters is a nostalgic ode to simpler times spent with a loved one. The first verse describes a hot summer day, with the sun beating down and making the tar on the roof hot enough to burn. The singer longs for relief from the heat and imagines escaping to the cool shade under the boardwalk by the sea. The second verse adds to the idyllic picture by describing the sounds and smells of a nearby park, with the happy din of a carousel and the tempting aromas of hot dogs and French fries.
Throughout the song, the refrain emphasizes the pleasure of being sheltered from the sun under the boardwalk, away from the crowds of people walking above. The singer imagines enjoying time with their partner, perhaps even "making love" as the romantic setting inspires passion. Ultimately, the chorus repeats the idea that under the boardwalk is the perfect place to be, offering both fun and romance.
Overall, the lyrics to "Under The Boardwalk" celebrate a kind of innocent joy that comes from simple pleasures and being close to someone special. The idea that the best moments in life can be found in unassuming places is a common theme in pop culture, and this classic song captures that sentiment perfectly.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh when the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the roof
When the sun is shining intensely and heating up the tar on the rooftop, causing discomfort and possibly pain.
And your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fire proof
The heat from the sun is so intense that it causes the shoes to get hot enough to cause discomfort, making one wish their feet were protected from the heat.
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
Seeking refuge from the sun by going under the boardwalk located by the sea.
On a blanket with my baby is where I'll be
Relaxing and enjoying the company of a romantic partner on a blanket placed under the boardwalk.
(Under the boardwalk) out of the sun
Being under the boardwalk shields one from the intense heat of the sun.
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be havin' some fun
Choosing to spend time under the boardwalk is seen as enjoyable and entertaining.
(Under the boardwalk) people walking above
There are individuals walking on the boardwalk located above the couple, but they are not noticed or bothered by them.
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be falling in love
The couple feels a sense of closeness and intimacy due to their surroundings, and it deepens their feelings for each other.
From the park you hear the happy sound of a carousel
Sounds of a joyful carousel can be heard from a nearby park.
Mm-mm, you can almost taste the hot dogs and French fries they sell
The smell of food being sold nearby is so prominent that it seems almost real.
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea
Reiterating the peaceful and romantic setting of being under the boardwalk located by the sea.
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be making love
The couple takes advantage of the privacy and intimacy provided by the setting under the boardwalk and engage in sexual activity.
Ooh, under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
A reaffirmation of the setting, emphasizing the sense of relaxation and pleasure it brings.
(Under the boardwalk) out of the sun
A repetition of the idea that being under the boardwalk shields one from the heat of the sun.
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be falling in love
Reiterating the idea that the setting has brought the couple closer and deepened their feelings for each other.
Under the boardwalk, boardwalk!
A celebratory ending to the song, expressing the enjoyment and good times had under the boardwalk.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, 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.