Room At The Top was first released on the 7″ single double pack of Absolute Reality released on 18th February 1985.
1985 Absolute Reality single recording
Running length : 2:46
Written by : Macdonald/Peters
Musicians & Credits
Eddie Macdonald – Lead Vocals, Hammond Organ
Dave Sharp – Electric Guitar
Mike Peters – Bass Guitar
Nigel Twist – Drums, Tambourine
Recorded at Ezee Studios, London, England on 1st January 1985
Produced by The Alarm & Nigel Luby.
Other Studio Versions of the Song
Album appearances and discography for studio recordings
Single appearances and discography
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UK Release :
18th February 1985 : 7″ Vinyl Gate-fold Double Pack – Absolute Reality
Track listing : Absolute Reality / Blaze of Glory / Room At The Top / Reason 36
IRS Records catalogue number ALARM D1
Europe Release :
February 1985 : 12″ Vinyl maxi-Single – Absolute Reality
Track listing : Absolute Reality / Reason 36 / Blaze of Glory (extended version) / Room At The Top
IRS Records catalogue number A 12.6084
USA Releases :
May 1986 : 7″ Vinyl – Absolute Reality
Track listing : Absolute Reality / Room At The Top
IRS Records catalogue number IRS-52828
Officially release live recordings – Audio
Officially release live recordings – DVD/Video
Lyrics
I’m going down into the basement
Because this cruel world drives me insane
I’m going down into the basement
Like a fox being chased for a game
I don’t understand the economics of this land
I only know I’m a working man
I’m going down into the basement
Scared by the view from my room at the top
Rent money gas money credit worries
She says, “the never never man calls today”
Well now I’m overdue overworked and so underpaid
We all man the same boat these day
I see the signs out on the washing lines
Men hanging out their own shirts from the lack of work
I’m going down into the basement
This is reality room at the top
(Take it out)
(Higher)
Frustration, desperation, aggravating
Generating up through the tenement tower
Everyone on the block signs on, on the dot
Depending on the cheque to drop
So if I throw the lot down at the betting shop
I’ll be tempted to steal to pay for my meals
I’m going down into the basement
Sanctuary from the room at the top
No I don’t understand the economics of this land
I only know I’m a working man
I’m going down into the basement
So to the end of my room at the top
I’m going down
I’m going down, down to the basement
I’m going down to the basement
Good riddance to that room at the top
Alternate Lyrics
Audio & Visual Sources
(Page updated 01/09/2021)