Meaning of 'Under the Boardwalk'

by Bruce Willis

Interpretation

The song 'Under the Boardwalk' by Bruce Willis is a romantic depiction of a summer day at the beach. It speaks of the heat burning on the streets and roofs ('Oh, when the sun beats down and melts the tar up on the roof / And the streets get so hot you wish your tired feet were fire proof'), and how he wishes his feet were fireproof to brave the hot streets.

Then, a place 'Under the Boardwalk' is introduced, a place beneath the wooden pier at the beach that offers shelter from the sun ('Under the boardwalk - Out of the sun'). Here, the singer can lie on a blanket with his beloved and enjoy the cool breeze from the sea ('On a blanket with my baby is where I'll be').

The place under the pier is also a place of joy and amusement ('We'll be havin' some fun'), where they can spend their time undisturbed by the people above on the pier ('People walking above'). It is a place of intimacy and love ('We'll be falling in love').

The lines 'From the sand you'll hear the happy sound of a carousel / Mmm, you can almost taste the hot dogs and french fries they sell' create an atmosphere of a typical summer day at the beach with carousel music and the smell of beach snacks.

In summary, 'Under the Boardwalk' is a nostalgic and romantic depiction of a relaxed, carefree summer day at the beach, where one gets lost in love and the simple joy of being.