The Unstoppable Beat: How The Whispers And The Beat Goes On Defined an Era

2nd April, 2024

With their velvety harmonies and funk-infused grooves, The Whispers carved out a unique place in music history. Their 1980 smash And The Beat Goes On was a seismic force, with its relentless rhythm and uplifting lyrics transcending genres. More than just a dancefloor anthem, it became a rallying cry for resilience and perseverance. The song’s universal appeal propelled it to the upper echelons of the charts, securing its status as one of the most iconic and influential tracks of the post-disco electro-funk era.

And the Beat Goes On is a soulful track that radiates positivity and resilience. The lead vocalists, twin brothers, Wallace “Scotty” Scott and Walter Scott deliver smooth, silky tones, conveying a message of moving forward despite challenges, while background harmonies from the group add depth and warmth. The funky bassline sets the tone, acting as the heartbeat of the track, as electric guitars punctuate the rhythm with funkiness. Synthesizers create a shimmering, almost futuristic atmosphere, while the infectious beat is driven by crisp drums and percussion. Subtle string arrangements add elegance, and occasional brass hits inject bursts of excitement. Claps and handclaps provide a communal feel, as if everyone is clapping along at a joyous party.

Lyrically, the song maintains a positive outlook, getting over a broken relationship. The metaphor of music (“the beat goes on”) symbolises life’s continuous journey. In summary, And the Beat Goes On combines infectious instrumentation, uplifting vocals, and an unwavering spirit—a timeless groove encouraging us to dance through life’s challenges.

The Genesis

Formed in 1964, The Whispers had to endure a long and patient wait before they could taste the sweet success of a Top 20 hit in the UK and US. It was only in 1980 that And The Beat Goes On broke the barrier and charted at number 2 in the UK and number 19 in the US. This record became their first significant hit in the UK, but in the US, they managed to outdo themselves in 1987 with “Rock Steady,” which peaked at number 7.

The Creative Force Behind the Song

The song And The Beat Goes On was a product of the creative genius of songwriter and producer Leon F. Sylvers III. He collaborated with Stephen Shockley and William Shelby to craft this timeless tune. When the Whispers first heard the song, they instantly recognised it as a potential hit. However, Sylvers initially had little faith that it would be their breakthrough song. Sylvers also contributed to other major hits for label mates Shalamar, including “Take That To The Bank,” “Second Time Around,” and “Night To Remember.”

The Song: A Closer Look at the Lyrics

The lyrics of And The Beat Goes On highlight an individual’s optimistic approach towards a broken relationship, a stark contrast to many soul songs that dwell on the intense pain of losing a loved one.

“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.”

The chorus, which is the song’s heart and soul, goes:

“And the beat goes on
Just like my love, everlasting
And the beat goes on
Still moving strong, on and on.”

The lyrics reflect the singer’s resilience and determination to move forward despite a failed relationship. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy rhythm further reinforce this message of perseverance.

Chart Performance and Global Recognition

Whispers And The Beat Goes On song cover

And The Beat Goes On was not only a chart-topping hit in the US and the UK, but it also captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The song reached number 27 on the Canadian RPM chart. In 1996, after the death of Phyllis Hyman, the Whispers honoured her with a musical titled “Thank God! The Beat Goes On.” The musical intertwined the long-running career of the Whispers with the rise of Hyman, using songs by the Whispers, including ones Hyman sang with them, such as And The Beat Goes On.

The Song’s Influence and Legacy

The influence of And The Beat Goes On extends beyond the realms of the music industry. The song was sampled in Monie Love’s 1989 single “I Can Do This” from her debut album Down to Earth, Will Smith’s 1998 single “Miami,” and BigXthaPlug’s 2023 single “Mmhmm.” It was also featured in the 2002 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, further cementing its legacy.

The Official Music Video

The official music video for And The Beat Goes On was uploaded to Solar Records’ YouTube channel on October 22, 2014. It shows The Whispers performing the song live in a studio, all dancing together. As of March 2020, the video has 41 million views and 326 thousand likes, with 3.5 million streams globally on Spotify.

The Enduring Beat

Decades after its release, And The Beat Goes On continues to resonate with listeners. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its catchy rhythm, upbeat tempo, and message of resilience and optimism. Indeed, just like the song’s chorus proclaims, the beat of The Whispers’ music goes on, still moving strong, on and on.

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The Whispers And The Beat Goes On Lyrics

Chorus
And the beat goes on
Just like my love, everlasting
And the beat goes on
Still moving strong, on and on

Verse 1
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

Pre-Chorus
(Who’ll love you better)
You did me wrong
But I’ve been through stormy weather

Chorus
And the beat goes on
Just like my love, everlasting
And the beat goes on (You’d better believe it)
Still moving strong, on and on

Verse 2
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

Pre-Chorus
To keep the tables turning
Hate this simple song
But there’ll never be an ending

Chorus
And the beat goes on
Just like my love, everlasting
And the beat goes on
Still moving strong, on and on

Bridge
The beat goes on (The beat goes on)
The beat goes on
The beat goes on (The beat goes on)
The beat goes on

Verse 1
(Do you ever wonder) Well
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

Pre-Chorus
(Who’ll love you better)
Girl, you did me wrong
But I’ve been through stormy weather

Chorus
And the beat goes on (Yeah, yeah)
Just like my love, everlasting
And the beat goes on
Still moving strong, and I love it

And the beat goes on (Keep movin’, keep movin’ right on)
Just like my love, everlasting
And the beat goes on (Just like my love, baby)
Just like my love, my love, baby (On and on)

Breakdown
And the beat goes on

Don’t stop the groovin’
Don’t stop the groovin’

Chorus
And the beat goes on (Woo)
Just like my love, everlasting
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 (Everlasting, baby)
And the beat goes on
Still moving strong, and I love it

And the beat goes on (Just like my love, baby)
Just like my love, baby (Everlasting)
And the beat goes on
Still moving strong, and I love it

Bridge
The beat goes 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 (The beat goes on)
The beat goes on
The beat goes on (The beat goes on)
The beat goes on

Chorus
And the beat goes on
Just like my love, everlasting
And the beat goes on
Still moving strong

And the beat goes on
Just like my love, everlasting
And the beat goes on
Still moving strong, and I love it

And the beat goes on
Just like my love, everlasting
And the beat goes on
Still moving strong