Up the Ladder to the Roof
The Supremes
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Come with me And we shall run across the sky And illuminate the night Oh I will try and guide you To better times and brighter days. Don't be afraid Go up the ladder to the roof where we can see heaven much better. Go up the ladder to the roof where we can be oh closer to heaven. Stay with me And we shall let expressions sing Hear freedom virtues ringing Oh memories of yesterdays broken dreams Don't you know they'll all fade away If you'll come up the ladder to the roof where we can see heaven much better. Go up the ladder to the roof where we can be oh closer to heaven. We'll laugh and I'll tell you the story of love (How it is) and the happiness in it baby We'll combine our thoughts and together we'll travel to the fountain of loveliness. I will never ever ever leave you alone to wonder As we go on Our love, it will grow much stronger stronger. Don't you wanna Go up the ladder to the roof where we can see heaven much better. Go up the ladder to the roof where we can be oh closer to heaven.
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Written by: Edward Holland Jr., Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
20 facts about this song
Song Origins"Up the Ladder to the Roof" was a song released by American soul group "The Supremes" in 1970.
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New Lead VocalistIt was the first single released by "The Supremes" after Diana Ross had left the group and her replacement, Jean Terrell, became the new lead vocalist.
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Chart PerformanceThe song placed at No. 10 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart and No. 5 on the Billboard R&B chart, marking a successful start for the new lineup of the Supremes.
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SongwritersThe track was written by duo Frank Wilson and Vincent DiMirco. Frank Wilson was known for his work with Motown Records.
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Album Appearance"Up the Ladder to the Roof" is featured on the album "Right On," this album also marked the first one without Diana Ross.
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Diana Ross' VersionDiana Ross, the original front woman of the Supremes, also performed the song in her solo concerts. However, she never commercially recorded her version of the song.
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The Supremes’ Transition PeriodThe song marked the beginning of a transition period for The Supremes, with Diana Ross pursuing a successful solo career and the remaining members trying to maintain the group's prior success.
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Song MeaningThe song is about escaping life's hardships and finding comfort in love. The roof symbolizes a peaceful and quiet place where the worries of the world can't reach.
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Cover VersionsThe song was covered by various artists, including American pop singer Bette Midler, British singer-song writer Boy George, and American punk rock band The B-52's.
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Musical StyleThe song continues The Supremes' noted trend of blending pop and soul while introducing more of a rhythm and blues sound that became increasingly popular in the 1970s.
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Release and Performers"Up the Ladder to the Roof" is a song by American soul group The Supremes, which was released in 1970. This was the first single that featured Jean Terrell as lead singer in place of Diana Ross, who had left the band.
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PerformanceJean Terrell, Mary Wilson, and Cindy Birdsong performed the song as The Supremes.
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SongwritersThe song was written by the Motown team of Vincent DiMirco and Frank Wilson.
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Chart PerformanceThe song hit the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached number 5 on the R&B chart.
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Album AppearanceThe song was featured on The Supremes' album "Right On," which was also their first album that didn't feature Diana Ross.
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Diana Ross's InvolvementAlthough some sources mistakenly associate "Up the Ladder to the Roof" with Diana Ross because of her long-time affiliation with The Supremes, she did not participate in recording or performing this song; it was the band's first single after her departure.
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Live performancesThe Supremes performed "Up the Ladder to the Roof" on a number of television shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show and Soul Train, helping to popularize the song.
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Cover Versions"Up the Ladder to the Roof" has been covered by many artists, including the Baja Marimba Band in 1971, and was also memorably performed in the film "More American Graffiti."
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LegacyThis song was crucial in establishing the "New Supremes" (as they were referred to after Ross's departure) and in fostering Jean Terrell's reputation as a lead singer. It helped the group continue its success into the 1970s.
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Distinction"Up the Ladder to the Roof" is often seen as one of the group's most popular and recognizable songs, despite the absence of Diana Ross. It emphasizes the vocal abilities and harmonizing of The Supremes' new line-up with Jean Terrell's vibrant lead.
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"Up the Ladder to the Roof Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/24762876/The+Supremes/Up+the+Ladder+to+the+Roof>.
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