The group was founded as The Roosters by Chattanooga, Tennessee natives Sam Gooden, Richard Brooks, and Arthur Brooks, who moved to Chicago, Illinois and added Jerry Butler and Curtis Mayfield to their lineup to become Jerry Butler & the Impressions. By 1962, Butler and the Brookses had departed, and after switching to ABC-Paramount Records, Mayfield, Gooden, and new Impression Fred Cash collectively became a top-selling soul act. Mayfield left the group for a solo career in 1970; Leroy Hutson, Ralph Johnson, Reggie Torian, and Nate Evans were among the replacements who joined Gooden and Cash before the group's demise in 1983.
Inductees into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, The Impressions are best known for their 1960s string of hits, many of which were heavily influenced by gospel music and served as inspirational anthems for the Civil Rights Movement.
Personnel:
Jerry Butler (1958 - 1960)
Curtis Mayfield (1958 - 1970)
Sam Gooden (1958 - 1983)
Arthur Brooks (1958 - 1962)
Richard Brooks (1958 - 1962)
Fred Cash (1960 - 1983)
Leroy Hutson (1970 - 1973)
Ralph Johnson (1973 - 1976)
Nate Evans (1976 - 1979)
Reggie Torian (1973 - 1983)
Discography
Albums
1963: The Impressions
1964: Keep on Pushing
1964: The Never Ending Impressions
1965: One by One
1965: People Get Ready
1966: Ridin' High
1967: The Fabulous Impressions
1968: We're a Winner
1968: This Is My Country
1969: The Young Mods' Forgotten Story
1969: The Versatile Impressions
1969: Amen
1970: Check out Your Mind!
1972: Times Have Changed
1973: Preacher Man
1974: Finally Got Myself Together
1974: Three the Hard Way
1975: First Impressions
1975: Sooner or Later
1976: It's About Time
1976: Originals
1976: Loving Power
1979: Come to My Party
1981: Fan the Fire
Up Up And Away
The Impressions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Would you like to glide in my beautiful balloon?
We could float among the stars together, you and I
For we can fly, we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
It wears a nicer face in my beautiful balloon
We can sing a song and sail along the silver sky
For we can fly, we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
Suspended under a twilight canopy
We'll search the clouds for a star to guide us
If by some chance you find yourself loving me
We'll find a cloud to hid us, keep the moon beside us
Love is waiting there in my beautiful balloon
Way up in the air in my beautiful balloon
If you'll hold my hand we'll chase your dream across the sky
For we can fly, we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
The Impressions’ “Up Up And Away” is a song that invites listeners to let their imaginations soar beyond the limits of reality while at the same time highlighting the beauty of the world. The lyrics describe the idea of taking to the skies in a balloon, exploring the stars, and floating among the clouds. The invitation is extended to a partner, with the suggestion that they can find peace, joy, and love in the beautiful landscape of the world seen from up high.
The lyrics describe the feelings of freedom and wonder that are characteristic of childhood dreams, with the metaphor of the balloon representing the imagination's ability to elevate someone beyond the barriers of their mundane surroundings. The romantic subtext of the song is one of shared dreams and mutual exploration, and it highlights the idea that love can be found anywhere, even among the clouds. The concept of being suspended under a twilight canopy represents a world of the imagination that is both magical and mysterious.
Overall, "Up Up And Away" is a song about limitless possibilities, escaped from the confines of reality, and is designed to encourage listeners to tap into the power of their imaginations.
Line by Line Meaning
Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?
I am inviting you to take a ride with me in my amazing balloon.
Would you like to glide in my beautiful balloon?
We can slowly descend and gently move among the clouds together.
We could float among the stars together, you and I
Let's enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the star-filled sky while floating in the balloon.
For we can fly, we can fly
We have the ability to soar through the sky in this balloon.
Up, up and away
We are lifting off the ground and ascending higher and higher through the air.
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
This balloon is truly a magnificent sight to behold and journey in.
The world's a nicer place in my beautiful balloon
Everything looks and feels more beautiful and peaceful when seen from the high vantage point of this balloon.
It wears a nicer face in my beautiful balloon
The world looks happier and more welcoming when viewed from the comfort of this balloon.
We can sing a song and sail along the silver sky
We can enjoy the experience of floating in this balloon while singing and watching the amazing view of the bright sky above us.
Suspended under a twilight canopy
We are hanging underneath a beautiful, naturally scenic canopy created by the time of day (twilight).
We'll search the clouds for a star to guide us
We'll look at the clouds around us to find a star that's shining bright enough to help guide us through our journey.
If by some chance you find yourself loving me
If you happen to fall in love with me during our time in this balloon, it will be a joyful surprise.
We'll find a cloud to hide us, keep the moon beside us
If we want to have a more private experience, we'll use the clouds to shield us from the view below and enjoy watching the moon alongside us.
Love is waiting there in my beautiful balloon
This balloon journey can be a perfect setting for love to blossom between us both.
Way up in the air in my beautiful balloon
We'll be soaring high up in the air with nothing besides our balloon around us - a truly breathtaking experience.
If you'll hold my hand we'll chase your dream across the sky
If we hold hands, we can make your dreams come true as we enjoy this beautiful balloon ride through the sky.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JIMMY WEBB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Keith Fuqua
on People Get Ready
Amen brothers. Get ready people