When thinking about a song that successfully describes the feeling of needing to escape or find solitude away from the hustle and bustle and chaos of New York City, Carole King’s song ‘Up on the Roof’ comes to mind. ‘Up on the Roof’ takes feelings of needing to escape and find peace and puts them into words as she describes how going up on the roof of her building can offer this solitude. The tranquil, melodic rhythm and sound of the song take her audience to this peaceful place without even needing a roof to escape to.
‘Up on the Roof’ was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin as a songwriting team. The song was originally recorded in 1962 by The Drifters, an American pop and R&B vocal group and has been covered by numerous artists since, including James Taylor, Neil Diamond, Ike & Tina Turner, and Bruce Springsteen.
Carole King first recorded her own version of the song in 1970 as a part of her album Writer, then performed it live throughout her tours in 1971. More specifically, King performed the song at her debut solo concert at Carnegie Hall on June 18, 1971, and with James Taylor in 1970.
In examining the history behind the song, the yearning for a peaceful escape from the loudness and chaos of New York City is certainly at the forefront; however, inspiration was also pulled from West Side Story, illustrating an even deeper connection to New York. More specifically, the lyrics were born out of the imagery from the film West Side Story (1961), such as images of characters sitting on rooftops in moments of peace, passion, or liberation.
In addition, Amy Burton from NYFOS highlighted that Carole King came up with the melody and rhythm for “Up on the Roof” while she was driving.
On close examination of the lyrics, it is evident that ‘Up on the Roof’ draws inspiration from the “Tin Pan Alley” music and songs, particularly in its themes of escapism and reaching different listeners. The song itself is about escaping to the roof, particularly with the concept of a paradise isolated from the city, as King sings, “I’ve found a paradise that’s trouble proof.” In addition, the song is one of inclusion, emphasizing that this sort of escapism is not only for certain people, but rather, for everyone. This is evident in the lyrics, “And darling, you can share it all with me,” and “There’s room enough for two,” emphasizing the fact that there is space for every New Yorker to find this solace away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This emphasis on the fact that finding solace away from the city is available to everyone is continually emphasized in the universal and generic experience that her lyrics explain. The lyrics do not speak of a specific niche experience that one might need to find solace away from, but rather, the universal experience of a busy and loud city that every New Yorker experiences. Through this theme, ‘Up on the Roof’ acts as a tool of unison for all New Yorkers and their experience of becoming overwhelmed in the city and needing to escape.
The lyrics also comment on and emphasize the need to connect with one another, a common trope that happens in New York, as it is easy to feel isolated or lonely in a city of people that often feels disconnected and individualistic. King’s lyrics emphasize connection amongst individuals through the use of words, exemplified in the use of the word We in the line “We got the stars up above us and the city lights below, oh” instead of choosing to use I.
An emphasis on the need to connect with one another, and include each other in finding solace and escape from the overwhelming city, is perhaps what many New Yorkers need now more than ever, particularly as we live in polarizing times and our nation seems to feel more inhumane than anything else. This particularly illustrates the timelessness of ‘Up on the Roof’ as it encompasses a feeling that is universal and enduring.
‘Up on the Roof” Lyrics
When this old world starts a getting me down
And people are just too much for me to face
I’ll climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right into space
On the roof, its peaceful as can be
And there the world below don’t bother me
No, no
So when I come home feeling tired and beat
I go up where the air is fresh and sweet
I get far away from the hustling crowd
And all that rat race noise down in the street
On the roof, that’s the only place I know
Look at the city, baby
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Let’s go up on the roof
And at night the stars, they put on a show for free
And darling, you can share it all with me
That’s what I say, keep on telling you
The right smack dab in the middle of town
I’ve found a paradise that’s trouble proof
And if this old starts a getting you down
There’s room enough for two
Up on the roof, up on the roof, up on the roof oh now
Everything is all right, everything is all right
Come on
Put down what you’re doing tonight and climb the stairs with me
And see
We got the stars up above us and the city lights below, oh
Up on my roof now
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