About The Song
“Under the Boardwalk” is a classic R&B song recorded by The Drifters in 1964. It’s known for its smooth melody, evocative lyrics, and nostalgic portrayal of summer romance. Let’s dive into the details of this beloved track:
Background:
- Artist: “Under the Boardwalk” was performed by The Drifters, a vocal group known for their soulful harmonies and iconic hits.
- Release Date: The song was released in June 1964 as a single by Atlantic Records.
- Writers: “Under the Boardwalk” was written by Kenny Young and Arthur Resnick, who crafted its vivid imagery and romantic sentiment.
Musical Style:
- Genre: The song falls into the R&B and soul genres, featuring a laid-back groove, lush instrumentation, and smooth vocal harmonies.
- Instrumentation: The recording includes a mix of instruments such as saxophones, keyboards, drums, and bass, creating a warm and inviting sound reminiscent of a summer day at the beach.
- Vocals: The Drifters deliver soulful and heartfelt vocals, conveying the longing and romance expressed in the song’s lyrics.
Lyrics:
- Theme: “Under the Boardwalk” celebrates the joy and intimacy of a summer romance spent beneath the boardwalk at the beach.
- Narrative: The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a couple seeking refuge from the sun’s heat, finding solace and love in each other’s company amidst the sounds of the ocean and the laughter of beachgoers.
- Memorable Lines: Iconic lines like “Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah” and “We’ll be falling in love, under the boardwalk” evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for carefree summer days.
Cultural Impact:
- Chart Success: “Under the Boardwalk” was a commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of The Drifters’ most enduring hits.
- Cover Versions: The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, attesting to its enduring popularity and timeless appeal.
- Pop Culture: “Under the Boardwalk” has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a beloved classic.
Conclusion:
“Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters is a timeless anthem of summer love and nostalgia, celebrated for its evocative lyrics, soulful harmonies, and infectious melody. With its vivid imagery and romantic sentiment, the song continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, transporting them to a simpler time of carefree romance and sun-drenched days at the beach. As a quintessential example of R&B and soul music from the 1960s, “Under the Boardwalk” remains a cherished favorite and a beloved part of The Drifters’ legendary repertoire.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Oh, when the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the roof
And your shoes get so hot, you wish your tired feet were fireproof
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 making love
Under the boardwalk, boardwalk
From the park you hear the happy sound of a carousel
Mmm, you can almost taste the hot dogs and french fries they sell
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 making love
Under the boardwalk, boardwalk
Oh, 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