About the song
“And the Beat Goes On” is a standout track from 1979 by the American music group The Whispers, marking a significant moment in their musical journey. As the first of their two number-one singles on the Soul chart, the song not only showcased their soulful sound but also carved a place for them in the mainstream music scene. It made a notable impact by reaching number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, thus making it their first Top 20 hit on this prestigious chart. Its infectious rhythm and catchy melody also earned it the distinction of being The Whispers’ only number-one hit on the dance chart, highlighting its broad appeal across different musical genres.
In addition to its success in the United States, “And the Beat Goes On” achieved remarkable international acclaim. It was the group’s most significant hit in the United Kingdom, where it soared to number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. The song also found a place in the Canadian music landscape, peaking at number 27 on the RPM chart.
The legacy of “And the Beat Goes On” continued well into the 1990s. In 1996, following the passing of renowned R&B singer Phyllis Hyman, The Whispers honored her memory with a musical titled “Thank God! The Beat Goes On.” This production creatively intertwined the storied career of The Whispers with the rise of Hyman, incorporating the group’s iconic songs, including “The Beat Goes On,” into its narrative. The musical featured The Whispers performing as themselves, with R&B artist Alyson Williams stepping into the role of Hyman. This tribute not only celebrated the enduring impact of their music but also paid homage to a beloved artist whose legacy was intertwined with their own.
Video
Lyrics
And the beat goes on
Just like my love, everlasting
And the beat goes on
Still moving strong, on and on
Do you ever wonder
That to win, somebody’s got to lose
I might as well get over (the blues)
Just like fishing in the ocean
There’ll always be someone new
You did me wrong
But I’ve been through stormy weather
And the beat goes on
Just like my love, everlasting (oh)
And the beat goes on (better believe it)
Still moving strong, on and on
Don’t stop for nobody
This time, I’ll keep my feet on solid ground
Now I understand myself (when I’m down)
Like the sweet sound of hip music
There’ll always be something new
To keep the tables turning
Hate this simple song
But there’ll never be an ending
And the beat goes on
Just like my love, everlasting (oh)
And the beat goes on
Still moving strong, on and on
The beat goes on (the beat goes on)
The beat goes on
The beat goes on (the beat goes on)
The beat goes on
Guitar playing that fill to show the beat is real
The beat goes on
And the beat goes on (woo)
Just like my love, everlasting (ooh)
And the beat goes on (got to make it last)
Still moving strong, and I love it (better believe it, baby)
And the beat goes on (and the beat goes on and on and on)
Just like my love, everlasting (oh, everlasting, baby)
And the beat goes on