Released in 1960, the song became a cornerstone of Jones’ early career, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Background
This wasn’t just another cheating song, though. “Window Up Above” showcased Jones’ masterful storytelling and his ability to inhabit the character of a heartbroken man.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture – the narrator, convinced his marriage is strong, witnesses his wife’s infidelity from a hidden vantage point, the titular “window up above.” The song’s brilliance lies in its emotional honesty. Jones doesn’t shy away from the raw pain of betrayal.
“Window Up Above” wasn’t just a hit for Jones. It became a country standard, covered by artists like Loretta Lynn, Mickey Gilley, and even Leon Russell, who brought a touch of bluesy grit to his rendition. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its universality.
But beyond the universality, “Window Up Above” holds a special place within the history of country music. Jones, with his distinctive, slightly off-key vocals, became a defining voice of Honky Tonk, and “Window Up Above” stands as a testament to his mastery of the genre.
So, when you listen to “Window Up Above”, you’re not just listening to a country song. You’re experiencing a slice of musical history, delivered by a voice that embodied the heartache and resilience of a bygone era.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
You must have thought that I was sleepingAnd I wish that I had beenBut I guess it’s best to know youAnd the way your heart can sinI thought we belonged togetherAnd our hearts fit like a gloveI was wrong for I’ve been watching (watching you)From the window up above— Instrumental —
From my eyes the teardrops startedAs I listened on and onI heard you whisper to him softlyThat our marriage was all wrongBut I hope he makes you happyAnd you will never lose his loveI was wrong, I was watching (watching you)From the window up aboveHow I wish I could be dreamingAnd wake up to an honest loveI was wrong for I was watching (watching you)From the window up above.