Going Up: 5 Elevator Songs from the 1980s That Took Us Higher
The 1980s had its fair share of musical obsessions: Cars, girls, dancing, telephones, and... elevators? Yep. Whether metaphorical or literal, elevators found their way into the lyrics and titles of several unforgettable tracks during the decade of excess. So press that “up” button, wait for the ding, and let’s take a ride through five notable songs about elevators from the '80s.
“Elevator Muzik” – Resurrection Band (1981)
Before there was "Love in an Elevator," there was “Elevator Muzik.” But don't let the title fool you. This isn't bland background noise. The Resurrection Band (also known as Rez Band) brought heavy guitar riffs and Christian rock energy to the concept of being stuck in life's elevator, yearning for something higher. Gritty and philosophical, this track is more "headbang in the elevator" than hum-along muzak.
“Let’s Go Crazy” – Prince & The Revolution (1984)
Prince didn’t just go crazy. He went existential. This iconic track starts with a eulogy-like monologue and builds into a funky sermon about rejecting despair and enjoying life while you can. In it, Prince famously warns: “And if the elevator tries to bring you down… go crazy, punch a higher floor!” The elevator is clearly a metaphor here, and Prince is asking us to rise above the madness, with his purple guidance lighting the way.
“The Elevator” – UB40 (1986)
UB40, better known for their reggae-tinged love songs and covers, took a darker, moodier turn with “The Elevator”. This track offers a slow, creeping groove and tells a tale of paranoia and uncertainty inside a confining, mechanical space. It's one of their more experimental tracks, showing that even the most laid-back bands took the elevator to strange places during the '80s.
“Levitate Me” – Pixies (1987)
The Pixies were never ones for straightforward storytelling, and “Levitate Me” is no exception. This noisy, raw closer to their debut EP Come On Pilgrim blends surreal religious imagery with fever-dream poetry, and tucked right in the middle of it all is the repeated phrase: “elevator lady, elevator lady.” It’s chaotic, loud, and weirdly spiritual, like being stuck in a broken lift during an exorcism. Whether the elevator’s real or symbolic (probably both), the song’s wild urgency and desire to rise above makes it a fitting entry on our trip up through the '80s.
“Love in an Elevator” – Aerosmith (1989)
And now we reach the penthouse.
When it comes to elevator-themed songs, “Love in an Elevator” is the undisputed champ. It’s raunchy. It’s catchy. It’s Aerosmith at their late-‘80s, big-hair, glam-revival peak. Inspired by an actual overheard conversation in a department store elevator, Steven Tyler turned a vertical transportation system into a full-blown rock 'n' roll fantasy. Whether you're blasting it at a party or smirking while actually riding in an elevator, this track is the most famous, and arguably the best, elevator song of all time.
Final Thoughts
The '80s loved a good metaphor, and elevators offered the perfect one: rising, falling, being stuck, or just looking for a little excitement between floors. Whether you prefer your elevator music spiritual, funky, strange, or seductive, the decade had you covered. So next time you're in one, throw on this playlist and remember: music always lifts us up.
