Under the Boardwalk
The Drifters performed "Under the Boardwalk," a pop song written by Kenny Young and Arthur Resnick, in 1964. On August 22, 1964, it peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Numerous other artists have since covered the song, with versions by Bette Midler, Sam & Dave, the Tom Tom Club, the Rolling Stones, Billy Joe Royal, The Beach Boys, Bruce Willis, Bad Boys Blue, John Mellencamp, and Lynn Anderson all reaching the top charts in the US and elsewhere. In 2004 and 2010, the song was placed 487 and 489, respectively, on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
A beach town tryst between a man and his girlfriend is described in the song's lyrics. They intend to meet up in private "out of the sun" and out of sight from other people under a boardwalk. violins, the triangle, and the güiro are used as instruments. The chorus of the song shifts from a major to a minor key. The first lyric of the song makes a reference to the Drifters' earlier classic "Up on the Roof," illustrating the getaway's sporadic thermal vulnerability and establishing the scene for an alternative meeting place-under the boardwalk. Prior to the chorus, the violins can be heard performing "Up on the Roof" riff.
Artist: the Drifters
Released: June 1964
Genre: Pop, soul
