About the Song
The Drifters, a legendary doo-wop group with a string of hits in the 1960s, delivered a timeless summer anthem in 1964 with “Under the Boardwalk.” This infectiously catchy song isn’t just about a sunny day at the beach; it’s a celebration of young love, stolen moments, and the thrill of summer romance.
The song opens with a relatable scenario: “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 fire proof.” These vivid opening lines instantly paint a picture of a scorching summer day, setting the stage for the action to unfold. The protagonist seeks refuge from the heat, not just physically but also romantically.
The chorus, “Under the boardwalk, down by the sea / Yeah, on a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be,” is the heart and soul of the song. It’s a declaration of love and a yearning for intimacy. The “boardwalk” becomes more than just a physical location; it transforms into a secret haven, a place shielded from the outside world where love can blossom.
“Under the Boardwalk” isn’t all smooching and stolen kisses. The lyrics, “People walking above (Under the boardwalk) / We’ll be fallin’ in love (Under the boardwalk),” create a sense of playful tension. The couple is aware of the world around them, but they’re lost in their own little bubble, their love story unfolding amidst the sights and sounds of the bustling beach.
The song’s upbeat tempo and doo-wop harmonies perfectly capture the carefree spirit of summer. The Drifters’ smooth vocals exude a youthful charm, making the listener feel like they’re right there with the couple, sharing in their stolen moments of joy.
“Under the Boardwalk” isn’t a complex ballad exploring the intricacies of love. Its strength lies in its simplicity and infectious energy. It’s a song that captures the innocent joy of young love, the thrill of stolen moments, and the magic of a summer day. This timeless quality has ensured the song’s enduring popularity, continuing to resonate with listeners across generations and reminding us of the simple pleasures that make life sweet.
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Lyrics: Under the Boardwalk
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, boardwalkFrom 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, boardwalkOh, 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