The Drifters … carefree youth … toe-tapping tunes!
According to SongFacts …
The session to record this song was scheduled for May 20, 1964, but The Drifters lead singer Rudy Lewis was found dead that morning (the cause of death is unclear, but likely either a drug overdose or heart attack). The session was rescheduled for the next day, and Johnny Moore was called in to replace Lewis. Moore was with The Drifters in 1958 when their manager fired everyone in the band and brought in new members. He was a convenient replacement for Lewis, and stayed on as their main vocalist.
The group was distraught over Lewis’ death, and their subsequent performance added a tinge of melancholy to the song, which is about spending some time under a seaside boardwalk with a love interest, out of sight from the crowds above.
Many artists have covered this, including The Rolling Stones, John Mellencamp, The Jackson 5, and Bruce Willis, but tonight I offer up only The Drifters version, partly because I am exhausted, and partly because in my heart and mind, it is still the best.
Under the Boardwalk
The Drifters
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
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be
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 fallin’ in love
(Under the boardwalk) Yeah (boardwalk)
From the park you hear the happy sound of the carousel
You can almost taste the hot dogs and french fries they sell, yes you can
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be
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 fallin’ in love
(Under the boardwalk) Yeah (boardwalk)
Yeah, under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be
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 fallin’ in love
(Under the boardwalk) Yeah (boardwalk)
Songwriters: Arthur Resnick / Kenny Young
Under the Boardwalk lyrics © Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs, BMG Rights Management, Carlin America Inc
Filosofa's Word 
I think you’re right about the original being the best version, and it still sounds great. I do rather like John Mellencamp’s cover, though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s one I don’t recall … I’ll listen to it in a bit! Glad you liked the song, though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I looked it up and found this. Someone has used it as the backing music for their holiday video with their little kids. It’s gorgeous 😊 https://youtu.be/7ef0d89uetw
LikeLiked by 1 person
I LOVE that!!! The kids just melted my heart and brought a big smile! Thanks, Clive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s lovely, isn’t it. I went there for the music and stayed for the kids 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here!!! Those kids are something else! It could have been an awful song and I’d have still watched it just for the kids!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re really cute aren’t they 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
An absolute classic! The Drifter’s version is by far the most popular and recognized ❤
LikeLike
Love boardwalks, and this wellknown song. Thanks for sharing, Jill! Enjoy the beginning of the new week! xx Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you remembered the song and liked it! How was your weekend, Michael? Lots of pillow hugging? Yes, I’ll enjoy the beginning of this new week, for the sun is shining and it’s warm enough outside to open a few windows! xx
LikeLike
Reblogged this on https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Michael!!!
LikeLike
This song has always been a favorite of mine!! Thanks Jill for the smile! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww … I’m so glad!!! ❤
LikeLike
Living on the prairies we never had boardwalks, but then we never has tar roofs either. But it sounded like fun anyway. With a 24-mile horizon it was impossible to find public privacy. So we just took it indoors.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pingback: ♫ Under The Boardwalk ♫ | Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News
I like the version by the Tom Tom Club, which was on the 1982 release of their first – and self-titled – album.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds like Disco to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmmm … I think I’ll stick with the Drifters! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill, I love this song. It was a cornerstone of the Beach Music sound along the Carolina coast. Thanks for sharing the tragic back story. That is horrible. Next time I hear the song, I will need to listen for that melancholy feel. Keith
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you loved it!!! Yes, the story of Lewis’ death adds a new dimension to the song … I hadn’t ever noticed the melancholy, either, until I listened with a different sense after learning of the story. Then, whether real or imaginary, I did think I heard a bit of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing, Jill! Oh, this weekend was determined by working in the house. We had a broken water pipe, and there were some other things we had to maintain. I hope your weekend was more enjoyable, Jill! Best wishes, Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awwww … I’m so sorry to hear that! Yes, mine was MUCH better than yours … no plumbing problems, and since we rent, even if there had been, we would have just called maintenance! xx
LikeLike