“My Heart Skips a Beat,” released in 1964, is a quintessential example of Buck Owens’ signature Bakersfield sound, a raw and twangy counterpoint to the smoother Nashville sound of the era. Owens, a pioneering figure in country music, co-founded the Bakersfield sound, favoring electric guitars, a strong backbeat, and honest, heartfelt lyrics. This song perfectly encapsulates that style, with its driving rhythm, steel guitar flourishes, and Owens’ distinctive, slightly nasal vocals.
“My Heart Skips a Beat” was a massive success for Owens, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It spent multiple non-consecutive weeks in the top position, a testament to its enduring appeal. The song’s success solidified Owens’ position as a major force in country music and helped further popularize the Bakersfield sound, influencing countless artists in the decades that followed.
The song’s meaning is straightforward and relatable: it’s a pure expression of love and longing. The narrator describes the physical and emotional effects of being near the object of his affection. The simple yet evocative lyrics, combined with the upbeat tempo, create a feeling of giddy excitement and the almost painful joy of being in love.
The audience response to “My Heart Skips a Beat” was overwhelmingly positive, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics resonated with listeners, making it a staple on jukeboxes and radio stations. Critics also praised the song for its energy and authenticity, recognizing it as a defining track in the Bakersfield sound’s rise to prominence. It’s a song that exemplifies the raw, energetic, and emotionally direct approach that made Buck Owens a legend.
