About the song
“On and On” is a classic song by American singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop that has remained a favorite among fans of soft rock and easy listening music since its release. Featured on his debut album *Careless* in 1976, the song quickly made its mark, climbing up the charts and becoming one of Bishop’s most well-known hits. With its gentle melody and reflective lyrics, “On and On” captured the hearts of listeners and showcased Bishop’s talent for crafting songs that blend poignant storytelling with memorable music.
The song’s success was evident in its chart performance. In the United States, “On and On” peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending an impressive 28 weeks on the chart. This lengthy stay made it one of the most enduring hits of the year, even though it just missed breaking into the top ten. On the Billboard Easy Listening chart, the song fared even better, reaching the number two spot, which highlighted its appeal among adult contemporary audiences. In Canada, the song was also well-received, peaking at number six on the national chart and number three on the Canadian Easy Listening chart.
“On and On” stands out not only for its commercial success but also for its lyrical content. The song tells a story of love, loss, and perseverance, themes that are timeless and universally relatable. Bishop’s smooth, expressive voice and the song’s laid-back arrangement perfectly capture the bittersweet emotions of moving through life’s ups and downs. The lyrics, with lines like “On and on, he just keeps on trying, and he smiles when he feels like crying,” resonate with anyone who has faced challenges but continued to push forward.
The song’s gentle rhythm and catchy chorus make it easy to listen to repeatedly, which likely contributed to its long run on the charts. Despite not cracking the top ten, “On and On” was ranked as the 30th most popular single on Billboard’s year-end chart for 1977, a testament to its widespread popularity and the lasting impression it made during its seven-month chart run.
Stephen Bishop’s “On and On” remains a beloved track that continues to be appreciated for its emotional depth and soothing melody. It’s a song that speaks to the persistence of the human spirit, the complexities of love, and the quiet strength found in moving forward despite life’s challenges. For those who lived through the era or discovered it later, “On and On” is more than just a hit single—it’s a reminder of the power of music to capture the essence of the human experience.
Video
Lyrics
Down in Jamaica
They go lots of pretty women
Steal your money
Then they break your heart
Lonesome Sue, she’s in love with old Sam
Take him from the fire into the frying pan
On and on
She just keeps on trying
And she smiles when she feels like crying
On and on, on and on, on and on
Poor old Jimmy
Sits alone in the moonlight
Saw his woman kiss another man
So he takes a ladder
Steals the stars from the sky
Puts on Sinatra and starts to cry
On and on
He just keeps on trying
And he smiles when he feels like crying
On and on, on and on, on and on
When the first time is the last time
Can make you feel so bad
But if you know it, show it
Hold on tight
Don’t let her say goodnight
Got the sun on my shoulders
And my toes in the sand
Woman’s left me for the some other man
Aw, but I don’t care
I’ll just dream and stay tan
Toss up my heart and see where it lands
On and on
I just keep on trying
And I smile when I feel like dying
On and on, on and on, on and on
On and on, on and on, on and on
On and on, on and on, on and on, ooh