The Roof (Back in Time) Lyrics

[Intro: Sample]
I got you stuck off the realness
I got you stuck off the realness


[Verse 1: Mariah Carey]
It wasn't raining yet
(Yet)
But it was definitely a little misty on
(But it was definitely)
That warm November night
And my heart was pounding
(Pounding)
My inner voice resounding
Begging me to turn away
But I just had to see your face
To feel alive
And then you casually walked in the room
And I was twisted in the web
Of my desire for you
(And I was twisted)
My apprehension blew away
I only wanted you
To taste my sadness
As you kissed me in the dark

[Chorus: Mariah Carey]
Every time I feel the need (and every time)
I envision you caressing me
And go back in time (back in time)
(I go back, I go back, I go back)
To relive the splendor of you and I
On the rooftop that rainy night
[Verse 2: Mariah Carey]
And so we finished the Moët and
I started feeling liberated
And I surrendered as you took me in your arms
(You took me in your arms)
I was so caught up in the moment
I couldn't bear to let you go yet (so I)
So I threw caution to the wind
And started listening to my longing heart
And then you softly pressed your lips to mine
And feelings surfaced I'd suppressed
For such a long long time
(And I was lifted)
And for a while I forgot
The sorrow and the pain
And melted with you as we stood
There in the rain

[Chorus: Mariah Carey]
Every time I feel the need (and every time)
I envision you caressing me
(Envision you, caressing me)
And go back in time (back in time)
(Back)
To relive the splendor of you and I (you and I, you and I)
On the rooftop that rainy night
[Chorus: Mariah Carey]
(Every time)
Every time I feel the need (and every time)
I envision you caressing me
(Envision you)
And go back in time (back in time)
To relive the splendor of you and I (you...)
On the rooftop that rainy night

[Bridge: Mariah Carey]
Last night I dreamed that I
(Last night I... dreamed that I...)
Whispered the words I love you
(That I love you boy...)
And touched you so very (touched)
Subtly as we were kissing goodbye
(Kiss... kiss... bye...)

(Pretty baby - How I'm missing you)

[Chorus: Mariah Carey]
(Every time I...)
Every time I feel the need (and every time)
I envision you caressing me
(Envision you, caressing me)
And go back in time (back in time)
To relive the splendor of you and I (I go back)
On the rooftop that rainy night
(On the roof that rainy night)
[Chorus: Mariah Carey]
Every time I feel the need (and every time)
(When I feel the need, I envision you)
I envision you caressing me
(Over and over and over again)
And go back in time (back in time)
To relive the splendor of you and I
(It was oh so sweet, you and I)
On the rooftop that rainy night
(On that rainy night)

[Chorus: Mariah Carey]
Every time I feel the need (and every time)
(Last night I had the strangest dream...)
I envision you caressing me
(It was actually quite symbolic)
And go back in time (back in time)
(As I whispered... That I loved you)
To relive the splendor of you and I
(...very subtly)
On the rooftop that rainy night

[Chorus: Mariah Carey]
Every time I feel the need (and every time)
I envision you caressing me
And go back in time (back in time)
To relive the splendor of you and I
On the rooftop that rainy night

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About

Genius Annotation

“The Roof” is the third single from Mariah Carey’s 1997 album Butterfly. Due to conflicts with the record label, the single recieved a limited worldwide release and did not chart well in any major music markets. The song itself, however, recieved positive review from critics.

In August 2020, Carey revealed the inspiration behind the song was her romantic encounter with the then-New York Yankees shortstop, Derek Jeter. The two kissed on the roof of his apartment building. When asked if she remembered the moment, Carey responded:

“Of course I do! I can never forget that moment […] I mean, it’s not like it was some intensely deep, intellectually stimulating — again, it was a great moment, and it happened in a divine way because it helped me get past living there, in Sing Sing, under those rules and regulations.”

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