Belinda Carlisle – Circle in the Sand
A dreamy slice of late-’80s pop with waves of emotion
Released in April 1988 as the third single from Heaven on Earth, “Circle in the Sand” showed off a more atmospheric, introspective side of Belinda Carlisle. Written by Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley, the track blends shimmering synths, soft rock textures, and a beachy sense of longing that made it one of her most enduring hits.
Synths, surf, and something deeper
Musically, it’s pure late-’80s pop magic: lush keyboards, reverse guitar effects, and a steady, mid-tempo beat that feels like a slow-motion walk along the shore. Thomas Dolby added his signature touch to the synth work, giving the track its dreamy, layered sound.
Carlisle’s vocals are smooth and emotive, floating over the production with a kind of calm intensity. It’s not flashy—it’s quietly powerful.
Love, tides, and time
Lyrically, the song uses ocean imagery—waves, wind, sand—to explore the cyclical nature of love. The “circle in the sand” becomes a symbol of a bond that endures, even as things shift and change. There’s a bittersweet tone to it, like remembering something beautiful that’s just out of reach.
Chart waves and visual flair
The song was a strong international performer, reaching #4 in the UK and climbing to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. It also landed in the Top 10 in several other countries, including Canada, Sweden, Ireland, and Germany, further cementing Belinda Carlisle’s late-’80s pop stardom.
The music video, directed by Peter Care and shot on the shores of Half Moon Bay, California, matches the song’s dreamy mood. With Carlisle on the beach, billowing sheets, and collage-style visuals, it evokes themes of memory and time, with a soft, vintage coastal palette to match the song’s emotional tide.
Still spinning
“Circle in the Sand” was Carlisle’s fourth and final U.S. Top 10 hit, and it’s aged beautifully. It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you—melodic, emotional, and just a little mysterious. A perfect soundtrack for sunset drives or quiet reflection.