Up on the Roof
James Taylor · Flag [1979]
When this old world starts getting me down
And people are just too much for me to face
I climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right into space
On the roof it's peaceful as can be
And there the world below, can't bother me
Let me tell you now
When I come home feelin tired and beat
I go up where the air is fresh and sweet
I get away from the husteling crowd
And all that rat race noise down in the street
On the roof, the only place I know
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Lets go up on the roof
And at night the stars, put on a show for free
And darlin' you can share it all with me
I keep on tellin' you
Right smack dab in the middle of town
I've found a paradise just trouble proof
And if this old world starts getting you down
There's room enough for two up on the roof
Up on the roof
Oh Come on baby
Oh Come on Honey
Oh Come on Baby
Oh Come On Honey
And people are just too much for me to face
I climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right into space
On the roof it's peaceful as can be
And there the world below, can't bother me
Let me tell you now
When I come home feelin tired and beat
I go up where the air is fresh and sweet
I get away from the husteling crowd
And all that rat race noise down in the street
On the roof, the only place I know
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Lets go up on the roof
And at night the stars, put on a show for free
And darlin' you can share it all with me
I keep on tellin' you
Right smack dab in the middle of town
I've found a paradise just trouble proof
And if this old world starts getting you down
There's room enough for two up on the roof
Up on the roof
Oh Come on baby
Oh Come on Honey
Oh Come on Baby
Oh Come On Honey
Up on the Roof
James Taylor's "Up on the Roof" serves as a reflective centerpiece on the 1979 album *Flag*. Released during a period of significant personal and artistic evolution, the track exemplifies Taylor's signature blend of acoustic intimacy and lyrical vulnerability. The song explores themes of introspection and emotional clarity, characteristic of her work from the late 1970s. As part of her broader discography, the recording maintains her reputation for crafting songs that resonate with universal feelings of solitude and connection, delivered through her distinctive vocal style and gentle piano accompaniment.