Heartbeat (Buddy Holly song)

"Heartbeat" is a song written by Bob Montgomery and John Loudermilk, and most famously recorded by Buddy Holly. Released in 1958, it became one of Holly's signature hits and a classic of early rock and roll.

The song is characterized by its distinctive rhythmic elements. Instead of relying solely on traditional percussion, the recording features Buddy Holly slapping his hands on his knees to create a percussive effect, adding a unique and intimate quality to the track. This unusual percussion, combined with the song's simple, yet effective, chord progression and Holly's vocal delivery, contributes to its enduring appeal.

Lyrically, "Heartbeat" expresses the intense emotions of love and longing. The lyrics describe the physical sensations associated with being near a loved one, specifically the feeling of one's heartbeat racing. The song's romantic sentimentality and catchy melody made it a popular choice for radio play and helped solidify Buddy Holly's place as a rock and roll icon.

"Heartbeat" was released as a single with "Well... All Right" on the B-side. It charted well in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Over the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, attesting to its lasting influence on popular music. The song remains a staple of oldies radio and is often cited as one of Buddy Holly's best and most representative recordings.