About the song
“Up on the Roof” is a timeless song that was written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, and recorded by The Drifters in 1962. This track quickly gained popularity, becoming a major hit in early 1963. It climbed to number 5 on the U.S. pop singles chart and number 4 on the U.S. R&B singles chart. In the UK, a version by singer Kenny Lynch, released the same year, also achieved success, reaching the top ten.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of urban escape and romantic retreat. The narrator describes finding solace on the rooftop of a building, away from the stresses of the world below. This idea of escaping to a serene, elevated space captures the song’s essence, as reflected in lines like:
“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…”
The composition of the song features a distinctive melody and arrangement. The Drifters’ version is notable for its use of a catchy riff that also appears in their later hit “Under the Boardwalk.” The personnel on the recording included Rudy Lewis on lead vocals, with instrumental backing from musicians such as Don Arnone and Al Casamenti on guitars, Ernie Hayes on keyboards, and George Duvivier on bass.
Gerry Goffin, who considered “Up on the Roof” his favorite among his lyrics, was initially hesitant about the song’s themes. Carole King encouraged him to embrace the concept of a rooftop sanctuary, inspired partly by scenes from the musical *West Side Story*. Despite Goffin’s doubts, the song proved to be a hit, and his concerns were soon allayed.
The song’s influence and appeal have endured over the decades. It was ranked number 114 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2010 and is recognized as one of the 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Various artists have covered “Up on the Roof,” including Laura Nyro, James Taylor, and Robson & Jerome, with the latter’s 1995 version becoming a number-one hit in the UK.
“Up on the Roof” continues to be celebrated for its evocative lyrics and soothing melody, making it a beloved classic in the realm of popular music.
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Lyrics
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)