The Vindictives are a Chicago-based punk pop group formed in 1990, and were… Read Full Bio ↴The Vindictives are a Chicago-based punk pop group formed in 1990, and were active through 1996. They are peers with Screeching Weasel, The Queers and other bands from the era, they are also heavily-influenced by the Ramones. Joey Vindicitive's characteristic nasal melodies often told the story of alienation, psychosis, social-ills, and contiunally rejected rules of politeness. The lyrics are often intelligent outrages communicated through intentionally immature self defeating soliloquies.

They began their career in 1991, cutting their first 7" record later that year with the lineup of Joey Vindictive (vocals), Johnny Personality (bass), Billy Blastoff (guitar), Dr. Bob (guitar), P.J. Parti (drums) and Erik Elsewhere (drums). The band would end up releasing 12 albums until July of 1996, when Joey Vindictive revealed that his health issues would prevent the band from going on. Luckily for him, he overcame his ailments to re-form the band in 2000, cutting a new album and overseeing the re-release of a significant part of their catalog. Dr. Bob died in 2003 due to a heroin overdose. Their song "The Invisible Man" was featured in the Ubisoft game Watch Dogs, where it attracted attention to restart the band once more in 2013, releasing a new EP titled Mono-Flexi, and to remaster most of their previous songs as Songbooks coming in volumes starting from I to III.

The Vindictives' website is currently down indefinitely.

Heartbeat
The Vindictives Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Heartbeat, why do you miss
When my baby kisses me?

Heartbeat, why does your love kiss
Stay in my memory?

Pittery-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?

Pittery-pat.
I know that new love thrills me.
I know that true love will be

Heartbeat, why do you skip
When my baby's lips meet mine?

Heartbeat, why do you flip
Then give me a skip each time?

Pittery-pat.
Sing to me love's story
Bring to me love's glory.

Heartbeat, why do you miss
When my baby kisses me?

Overall Meaning

The Vindictives's song Heartbeat is a fast-paced, upbeat tune about the overwhelming feeling of young love. The singer is caught up in the excitement of his new relationship, and he can't help but notice how his heartbeat seems to react to every little touch and kiss from his partner. Through the repetition of the phrase "pittery-pat," he emphasizes the quick, fluttering rhythm of his heartbeat as he experiences these intense emotions.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of memory and how love can leave a lasting impression. The singer wonders why his heartbeat can't seem to let go of the feeling he gets when he's with his partner, even after they've gone their separate ways. He longs to hold onto the "glory" of love, and asks his heartbeat to "sing" to him of its beauty.

Overall, the song captures the thrill and excitement of young love, as well as the way it can leave a lasting impact on our hearts and minds. Through its catchy melody and energetic tempo, Heartbeat captures the feeling of being swept away by intense feelings and sensations.

Line by Line Meaning

Heartbeat, why do you miss
Why do you pause, Heartbeat, when my baby kisses me?

When my baby kisses me?
When my love kisses me?

Heartbeat, why does your love kiss
Heartbeat, why does your deep affection for them

Stay in my memory?
Stay with me as a treasured memory?

Pittery-pat.
My heart beats with excitement

I know that new love thrills me.
I know that the feeling of falling in love is thrilling

I know that true love will be.
I know that true love will bring long-lasting happiness

Heartbeat, why do you skip
Why do you race, Heartbeat, when my love's lips touch mine?

When my baby's lips meet mine?
When my love's lips meet mine?

Heartbeat, why do you flip
Why do you jump, Heartbeat, and then skip each time?

Then give me a skip each time?
And then skip a beat each time?