The Beat Goes On
noredirect/Sonny and Cher Lyrics
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Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain
La de da de de, la de da de da
Charleston was once the rage, uh huh
History has turned the page, uh huh
The mini skirts, the current thing, uh huh
Teenybopper is our newborn king, uh huh
And the beat goes on, the beat goes on
Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain
La de da de de, la de da de da
The grocery store's the super mart, uh huh
Little girls still break their hearts, uh huh
And men still keep on marching off to war
Electrically they keep a baseball score
And the beat goes on, the beat goes on
Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain
La de da de de, la de da de da
Grandmas sit in chairs and reminisce
Boys keep chasing girls to get a kiss
The cars keep going faster all the time
Bums still cry, "Hey buddy, have you got a dime?"
And the beat goes on, the beat goes on
Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain
La de da de de, la de da de da
And the beat goes on, yes, the beat goes on
And the beat goes on, and the beat goes on
The beat goes on, and the beat goes on
The song "The Beat Goes On" by Sonny and Cher is a nostalgic reflection on the passing of time and the progression of history, through the lens of pop culture and the music industry. The opening lines "The beat goes on, the beat goes on/ Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain/ La de da de de, la de da de da" establish a sense of continuity and rhythm, conveying the idea that despite all the changes that come and go, music and rhythm remain constant.
In the first verse, the lyrics reference the Charleston dance as a popular craze of the past, and contrast it to the present trend of mini skirts and the emergence of the "teenybopper" culture. The beat of the drums continues to symbolize the persistence of time, a sort of eternal rhythm that underlies and outlasts each new fad or fashion.
The second verse similarly contrasts the image of a traditional grocery store with the modern super mart, while also referencing the ongoing themes of love and war. The reference to electrically keeping score in baseball highlights the increasing technological advancements of the time, and the pace at which society was rapidly changing. The final verse depicts the cyclical nature of life, with grandmas reminiscing, boys chasing girls, cars getting faster, and bums asking for spare change. The refrain "And the beat goes on" continues to underscore the idea that no matter what changes and fluctuations arise in the world, the rhythm and pulse of music continues to endure.
Line by Line Meaning
The beat goes on, the beat goes on
Life goes on, and time marches on.
Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain
The repetition of daily life can be hypnotic.
La de da de de, la de da de da
Life can be nonsensical and random.
Charleston was once the rage, uh huh
Fads come and go.
History has turned the page, uh huh
Times have changed.
The mini skirts, the current thing, uh huh
Fashion is always evolving.
Teenybopper is our newborn king, uh huh
Young people shape the culture of the time.
The grocery store's the super mart, uh huh
The world is becoming more industrialized and commercialized.
Little girls still break their hearts, uh huh
Love and heartbreak are universal experiences.
And men still keep on marching off to war
War is an unfortunate reality of human existence.
Electrically they keep a baseball score
Technology is advancing and changing the way we experience sports.
Grandmas sit in chairs and reminisce
With age comes reflection and nostalgia.
Boys keep chasing girls to get a kiss
Romance and courtship are timeless pursuits.
The cars keep going faster all the time
Technology is advancing and changing the way we travel.
Bums still cry, "Hey buddy, have you got a dime?"
Poverty and struggle continue to exist in society.
And the beat goes on, yes, the beat goes on
Life doesn't stop for anyone.
And the beat goes on, and the beat goes on
The repetition of life continues.
The beat goes on, and the beat goes on
Time marches on, and life goes on.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SONNY BONO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Page Clark
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