Are you into being alone at home? Do you have that special place where you find solace in solitude? Below are three songs that speak to this.
I. “Up on the Roof” (written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King)
I mean, not everyone can enjoy being alone on one’s rooftop, but this sure sounds nice:
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 (up on the roof)
I get away from the hustling crowd
And all that rat race noise down in the street (up on the roof)
On the roof, the only place I know
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Let’s go up on the roof (up on the roof)
At night the stars put on a show for free…
And from there, And darling, you can share it all with me…
Or not.
Originally recorded by The Drifters, “Up on the Roof”‘s other versions include those by Carole King, by James Taylor, and by King and Taylor together on their live album. Here are the latter at a benefit for Boston Strong:
II. “My House” from Matilda the Musical, as sung by Heather Headley
Matilda started out as a 1988 children’s novel by Roald Dahl and has been adapted over the years into a Broadway musical and two different movies. In this story the only good role model for young Matilda is Miss Honey, her teacher. They happen to have in common the experience of childhood abuse.
Miss Honey’s prized refuge, her small home, is where she’s fond of being alone:
This roof keeps me dry when the rain falls.
This door helps to keep the cold at bay.
On this floor I can stand on my own two feet.
On this chair I can write my lessons.
On this pillow I can dream my nights away.
And this table, as you can see, well, it’s perfect for tea.
It isn’t much but it is enough for me.
It isn’t much but it is enough…
On these walls I hang wonderful pictures.
Through this window I can watch the seasons change.
By this lamp I can read, and I, I am set free!
And when it’s cold outside I feel no fear!
Even in the winter storms, I am warmed by a small but stubborn fire.
And there is no-where I would rather be.
It isn’t much but it is enough for me…
You won’t hear a better cover of “My House” than the one by singer/actor Heather Headley from her marvelous Broadway My Way album. The YouTube is audio only, however.
III. “In My Room” by VoicePlay
This melodious 1963 hit by The Beach Boys, about being alone in one’s room, got one of its most recent covers by VoicePlay, a top male acapella group.
There’s a world where I can go
And tell my secrets to
In my room
In my room
In this world I lock out
All my worries and my fears
In my room
In my room
Do my dreaming and my scheming
Lie awake and pray
Do my crying and my sighing
Laugh at yesterday
Now it’s dark and I’m alone
But I won’t be afraid
In my room…
