1964 Classic Hit Ranked Among 'Greatest Beach Songs' of All Time Became a Timeless Anthem
Set the scene: the heat rising off the sand, the sound of waves rolling in, and a quiet escape just out of sight beneath a weathered boardwalk.
That's the vision "Under the Boardwalk" by The Drifters has been creating for listeners for more than six decades-and it's exactly why it's regarded as one of the greatest beach songs of all time.
Billboard ranked the song No. 2 on its list of the best beach songs of all time, which includes 10 of the all-time greatest summer songs.
The famed music publication rounded up "10 best songs the past century of music has to offer on the topic, featuring contemporary pop stars such as Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry to visionary groups like The Drifters and, of course, the Beach Boys. Some of them are exactly as fun and free as they seem on the surface, while others were written with deeper metaphors inspired by the ocean's many mysteries in mind."
Related: 1967 Timeless Classic Hit, Released 59 Years Ago Today, Ranked 'Best Inspirational Song' of All Time
Released in June 1964, the track arrived during a defining era for the group, who had already built a reputation for polished, harmony-rich hits. Written by Kenny Young and Arthur Resnick, the song tells a simple but vivid story-two lovers finding refuge from the crowded shoreline in a hidden, intimate space. The iconic blend of storytelling and deep, low vocals helped shape what a "beach song" could be, giving it both emotional depth and easygoing charm.
"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," the singers croon on the track.
In the chorus, the feeling is emphasized: "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."
Related: 1963 Classic Rock Hit Ranked 'Greatest Beach Song' of All Time
The recording itself came under heartbreaking circumstances. Just one day before the session, lead singer Rudy Lewis died unexpectedly. With little time to process the loss, Johnny Moore stepped in to record the lead vocal, supported by fellow Drifters Charlie Thomas, Gene Pearson, and Johnny Terry, according to Classic Song of the Day. The result is a performance that feels effortless on the surface, but carries a quiet, heavy weight underneath.
"Under the Boardwalk" quickly became one of The Drifters' signature hits, climbing to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1964 while also performing strongly on the R&B charts. Its success didn't stop there either. Over the years, the song has been reinterpreted by artists like The Rolling Stones and Bette Midler, each version keeping the spirit of the original alive while introducing it to new audiences.
Best Beach Songs, According to Billboard
Check out Billboard‘s complete roundup of Top 10 summery songs (published in 2024) about hitting the beach, below.
10. Rupert Holmes, "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" – 1979
9. Social House feat. Lil Yachty, "Magic in the Hamptons" – 2018
8. Miley Cyrus, "Malibu" – 2017
7. Jimmy Buffett, "Oldest Surfer on the Beach" – 2013
6. Lorde, "Solar Power" – 2021
5. Weezer, "Island In the Sun" – 2001
4. Ziggy Marley, "Beach in Hawaii" – 2006
3. Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg, "California Gurls" – 2010
2. The Drifters, "Under the Boardwalk" – 1964
1. The Beach Boys, "Surfin' U.S.A." – 1963
Next, 1979 No. 1 Soft Rock Classic Ranked Among 'Best Beach Songs' of All Time Became a Vacation Anthem
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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 9:20 AM.