About the song
Background
- Songwriter: While the song is famously known as an Eddie Cochran tune, it was actually written by Johnny Dee, a songwriter with whom Cochran often collaborated.
- Release: Released in January of 1957 as a Liberty Records single.
- Success: The song performed moderately well, climbing to number 18 on the Billboard charts.
- Legacy: It has since become a staple of rockabilly and an iconic Eddie Cochran track, covered by numerous artists over the years.
Lyrics
The lyrics are deceptively simple and tell a classic teenage love story:
- The Setup: The narrator is at the movies with his date. Due to social convention or perhaps theater rules, they’re forced to sit separately—him in the balcony and her downstairs.
- Frustration: He expresses frustration about being separated, wanting to hold hands and kiss his girl instead of watching the movie.
- Simple Plea: The chorus is a direct plea to his date to “move on up” to the balcony so they can be together.
Themes
- Teenage Rebellion and Frustration: The song speaks to the feeling of restriction and social norms common in the 1950s. Young love is constrained by rules Cochran subtly challenges.
- Young Love: It paints a picture of the youthful exuberance and excitement of early teenage romances.
- Escapism: The movie theater is presented as an escape from the realities of life where teenagers can dream free of typical social boundaries.
Why “Sittin’ in the Balcony” Matters
Cochran’s song is iconic for several reasons:
- Rockabilly Sound: It’s a great example of the driving rhythms and raw energy of classic rockabilly.
- Catchy Simplicity: The simple and repetitive lyrics give it a memorable singalong quality.
- Relatable Theme: Its themes of teenage love and yearning for connection are timeless.
Video
Lyrics
I’m just a-sittin’ in the balconyJust a-watchin’ the movieOr maybe it’s a symphonyI wouldn’t knowI don’t care about the symphoniesJust a-cymballs and a-timpanies
I’m just a-sittin’ in the balcony, on the very last rowI’ll hold your hand and I’ll kiss you tooThe feature’s over, but we’re not throughMmm-mm, just a-sittin’ in the balcony
We may stop lovin’ to watch Bugs BunnyBut he can’t take the place of my honeyJust a-sittin’ in the balconyJust a-smootchin’ in the balconyJust a-sittin’ in the balcony, on the very last row
Just a huggin’ and a-kissin’ with my baby on the very last row