About The Song
“Kissin’ in the Back Row of the Movies” is a classic soul-pop track by The Drifters, a legendary American vocal group. Released in 1974, the song is one of their later hits and stands out as a quintessential example of their signature smooth harmonies and storytelling lyrics. By this time, The Drifters had gone through several line-up changes, but their ability to produce timeless music remained intact.
The song was written by the celebrated songwriting duo Roger Greenaway and Tony Macaulay, who were responsible for many popular hits during the 1970s. Its nostalgic lyrics depict young love, emphasizing a simple yet poignant moment of teenagers enjoying a romantic evening at the movies. The story unfolds in a relatable and heartwarming way, making it an anthem of innocence and affection. Its upbeat rhythm, paired with the melodic harmonies of The Drifters, resonated strongly with listeners.
Although The Drifters had a long history of success in the United States, including classic hits like “Under the Boardwalk” and “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “Kissin’ in the Back Row of the Movies” found its greatest success in the United Kingdom. The song reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart in 1974, solidifying The Drifters’ popularity in the UK market during this period. However, it did not achieve the same level of impact on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, reflecting a shift in musical tastes as well as the group’s evolving fanbase.
The song’s commercial performance in the UK contributed to a resurgence of interest in The Drifters during the 1970s, marking them as a nostalgic yet enduring force in the music industry. Its success overseas also showcased the universal appeal of the themes of young love and escapism that the song encapsulates.
Video
Lyrics
Your mama says that through the week
You can’t go out with me
But when the weekend comes around
She knows where we will be
Kissin’ in the back row
Of the movies on a Saturday night with you
Holdin’ hands together, you and I
Holdin’ hands together
Smoochin’ in the back row
Of the movies on a Saturday night with you
We could stay forever, you and I
We could stay forever, you and I
Huggin’ and a kissin’ in the back row of the movies
Every night, I pick you up from school
Cause you’re my steady date
But Monday to the Friday night
I leave you at the gate, yeah
You know, we can’t have too much fun
‘Til all your homework’s done
But when the weekend comes
She knows where we will be, oh
Kissin’ in the back row
Of the movies on a Saturday night with you
Holdin’ hands together, you and I
Holdin’ hands together, baby
Smoochin’ in the back row
Of the movies on a Saturday night with you
We could stay forever, you and I
We could stay forever, you and I
Huggin’ and a kissin’ in the back row of the movies
Oh, I sit at home at night and watch TV
I still think of you
But Monday to the Friday night
We share a joke of two, yeah
You know, they don’t knock on my door
At the Friday night for sure
But when the weekend comes
She knows where we will be, yeah
Kissin’ in the back row
Of the movies on a Saturday night with you
Holdin’ hands together, you and I
Holdin’ hands together, baby
Smoochin’ in the back row
Of the movies on a Saturday night with you, yeah
We could stay forever, you and I
We could stay forever, you and I
Huggin’ and a kissin’ in the back row of the movies, yeah
Kissin’ in the back row
Of the movies on a Saturday night with you
Holdin’ hands together, you and I
Holdin’ hands together, baby
Smoochin’ in the back row
Of the movies on a Saturday night with you
Where we could stay forever, you and I