Debbie Gibson emerged in the late 1980s as one of pop music’s youngest and most impressive talents, becoming a defining voice of the era with her songwriting skill, vocal charm, and youthful energy. Breaking through at just sixteen with her debut album Out Of The Blue, Gibson distinguished herself by writing, arranging, and producing much of her own material—an uncommon achievement for a teen pop star. Her clean, melodic sound and relatable lyrics helped generate a string of chart-topping hits, solidifying her as a key figure in contemporary pop.
As her career evolved, she expanded into theater, television, and independent music, maintaining a reputation for artistry, work ethic, and longevity. Today, Debbie Gibson stands as both a nostalgic icon and a multifaceted performer whose early accomplishments continue to inspire new generations of pop artists.
Debbie Gibson’s 1988 single “Foolish Beat” is a heartfelt ballad that showcases her remarkable talent not only as a vocalist but also as a songwriter and producer—an especially impressive feat given her young age at the time. The song’s gentle, melancholic melody supports a narrative of regret and emotional vulnerability, with Gibson delivering a mature and nuanced performance far beyond her years. “Foolish Beat” became a landmark moment in her career, making her the youngest artist in history to write, produce, and perform a number-one single in the United States.
Its timeless sincerity and elegant simplicity continue to resonate, marking it as one of the defining slow-tempo gems of late-1980s pop.
The song peaked at No. 09 in the UK singles chart on 23rd July 1988.
| A-Side | Foolish Beat (4:20) (Debbie Gibson) Produced By Deborah Gibson |
| B-Side | Between The Lines (4:46) (Debbie Gibson) Produced John Morales, Sergio Munzibai |
| Genre | Electronic, Pop, Synth-Pop, Ballad |
| Release Date | June 1988 |
| Label | ATLANTIC |
| Catalogue Number | A 9059 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 9th July 1988 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 09 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 08 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [8 Weeks] – 9th July 1988 – 27th August 1988 |
Officially Released Versions
Foolish Beat (Single Version) (4:22)
Foolish Beat (Extended Mix) (6:48)
Foolish Beat (Instrumental) (4:28)
Versions On Spotify
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Lyrics
There was a time when
Broken hearts and broken dreams
Were over
There was a place where
All you could do was
Wish on a four leaf clover
But now is a new time
There is a new place
Where dreams just can’t come true
It started the day when I left you
I could never love again the way that I loved you
I could never cry again like I did when I left you
And when we said goodbye
Oh the look in your eyes
Just left me beside myself without your heart
(Without your heart)
I could never love again now that we’re apart
When I was sorry
It was too late to turn around
And tell you so
There was no reason
There was no reason
Just a foolish beat of my heart
I could never love again the way that I loved you
I could never cry again like I did when I left you
And when we said goodbye
Oh the look in your eyes
Just left me beside myself without your heart
(Without your heart)
I could never love again now that we’re apart
Oh, can’t you see I’m not fooling nobody
Don’t you see the tears are falling down my face?
Since you went away
Break my heart, you slipped away
Didn’t know I was wrong
Never meant to hurt you now you’re gone
I could never love again now that we’re apart
(Now that we’re apart)
I could never love again now that we’re apart
Written By Debbie Gibson
