Buddy Holly is considered one of the most influential founding fathers of r… Read Full Bio ↴Buddy Holly is considered one of the most influential founding fathers of rock 'n roll. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him #13 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. Although his career was cut short, his body of work is considered among the best in rock music history. His music would influence not only many of his recording contemporaries, but also the future direction music would take.

The band personnel were drummer Jerry Allison, bassist Joe B. Mauldin, and rhythm guitarist Niki Sullivan. Sullivan dropped out within less than two years of touring and recording. He wasn't comfortable with the amount of traveling and to a lesser extent, he didn't fit in with Jerry and Joe. For the same reason, Jerry and Joe were not backing Holly after he moved to NYC. The big move was the real reason why the Crickets broke up, but Holly was not daunted by the breakup; he gained a new back-up band with Tommy Allsup and Waylon Jennings on the tour shortly after the Crickets folded. But after about 4 months, due to fans' mail and the band feeling nostalgic, a reunion was planned to start with all the original Crickets after Holly's winter tour through the northern mid-west was completed. It was on that tour that Holly was killed in a plane crash.

Heartbeat
Buddy Holly & The Crickets Lyrics

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Heartbeat
Why do you miss when my baby kisses me?
Heartbeat
Why does a love kiss stay in my memory?

Piddly pat
I know that new love thrills me
I know that true love will be

Heartbeat
Why do you miss when my baby kisses me?

Heartbeat
Why do you skip when my baby's lips meet mine?
Heartbeat
Why do you flip then give me a skip beat sign?

Piddly pat
And sing to me love's story
And bring to me love's glory

Heartbeat
Why do you miss when my baby kisses me?

Overall Meaning

The song "Heartbeat" by Buddy Holly is a classic rock and roll love ballad that captures the euphoria of being in love with someone. The lyrics are a reflection of the emotional state of the singer when he is with his lover. The song starts with an intriguing question when the singer asks, "Why do you miss when my baby kisses me?" The word 'you' here refers to the singer's heartbeat, which seems to skip a beat when he is with his lover. The following lines express the same feeling of love, enchantment and wonder, "Why does a love kiss stay in my memory?"

The next couple of lines reflect the singer's understanding of love. He feels that new love excites him (piddly pat) but he knows that true love will satisfy him (I know that true love will be). This idea of love being different in the beginning and transforming into something more profound is a common theme throughout the song. The final lines repeat the initial question but also ask, "Why do you skip when my baby's lips meet mine?" The word 'skip' here refers to the singer's heartbeat skipping a beat, emphasizing his strong emotional reaction to kissing his lover.

Overall, "Heartbeat" is an expression of the powerful emotions that come with being in love. It is a sweet and catchy song that evokes a sense of nostalgia for the golden age of rock and roll.

Line by Line Meaning