Whip It

Devo

About Whip It

"Whip It" is a song by American rock band Devo from their third album Freedom of Choice (1980). It is a new wave and synth-pop song that features a synthesizer, electric guitar, bass guitar, and drums in its instrumentation. The apparently nonsensical lyrics have a common theme revolving around the ability to deal with one's problems by "whipping it". Co-written by bassist Gerald Casale and singer Mark Mothersbaugh, Devo recorded "Whip It" with producer Robert Margouleff at the Record Plant in Los Angeles. Although "Whip It" was released as the second single from Freedom of Choice, Warner Bros. Records did not expect it to be a hit, due to its nonstandard tempo and strange lyrics. The disc jockey Kal Rudman took an interest in the song and it was soon being played on several radio stations in the Southeastern United States. Peaking at number fourteen on the Billboard Hot 100, "Whip It" became a hit single and found chart success in several countries. Mothersbaugh believes the song sold well because some people assumed the lyrics are about masturbation or sadomasochism. 


Year:
2007
2:39
113 

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

Crack that whip
Give the past the slip
Step on a crack
Break your momma's back
 
When a problem comes along you must whip it 
Before the cream sits out too long you must whip it
When something's going wrong you must whip it
 
Now whip it into shape  
Shape it up 
Get straight  
Go forward  
Move ahead
Try to detect it
It's not too late to whip it
Whip it good
 
When a good time turns around you must whip it
You will never live it down unless you  whip it
No one gets their way until they whip it
I say whip it whip it good
I say whip it whip it good
 
Crack that whip
Give the past the slip
Step on a crack
Break your momma's back
 
When a problem comes along you must whip it 
Before the cream sits out too long you must whip it
When something's going wrong you must whip it
 
Now whip it into shape  
Shape it up 
Get straight  
Go forward  
Move ahead
Try to detect it
It's not too late to whip it into shape 
Shape it up 
Get straight  
Go forward  
Move ahead
Try to detect it
It's not too late to whip it
Whip it good

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Devo

Devo ( /ˈdiːvoʊ/, originally /diːˈvoʊ/) is an American punk rock/New Wave band formed in 1972 consisting of members from Kent and Akron, Ohio. The classic line-up of the band includes two sets of brothers, the Mothersbaughs (Mark and Bob) and the Casales (Gerald and Bob), along with Alan Myers. The band had a No. 14 Billboard chart hit in 1980 with the single "Whip It", and has maintained a cult following throughout its existence. Their style over time has shifted between punk, art rock, post-punk, and New Wave. Their music and stage show mingle kitsch science fiction themes, deadpan surrealist humor, and mordantly satirical social commentary. Their often discordant pop songs feature unusual synthetic instrumentation and time signatures that have proven influ… more »

1 fan

Written by: Gerald Casale, Mark Mothersbaugh

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
"Whip It" was released in 1980 and is arguably Devo's most renowned single. It was highlighted on the band's third studio album, "Freedom of Choice."
Chart Performance
It shot up to number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Devo's biggest hit to date.
Influential Music Video
The associated music video was one of the first to get a lot of attention on the then-new music video channel MTV, thanks to its quirky and unusual visuals.
Unusual Inspiration
The song was inspired partly by gravity-defying whip crackers Devo co-founder Mark Mothersbaugh saw when he was a truck stop in Arizona.
Lyrics Misunderstanding
Despite the prevailing belief, the song’s lyrics aren’t about kinky bedroom behavior. The song was intended to satirize American optimism and the notion of overcoming obstacles.
Celebration Hit
The song gained popularity when it was used for the 'Swiffer WetJet' mop commercials and the film "The Rugrats Movie".
Iconic Fashion
The music video featured the band members wearing their iconic red, tiered "energy dome" hats, which have since become a pop culture staple.
Song's Longevity
Despite being over 40 years old, "Whip It" is still quite ubiquitous in the present, often used in various media touchstones and commercials.
Cultural Impact
The song is often associated with the early 1980s and is regarded as a definitive new wave classic.
Pioneering The Electronic Sound
Devo was one of the early adopters of the Minimoog synthesizer, and "Whip It" was the song that popularized the instrument's use in popular music.

Discuss the Whip It Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Whip It Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/14045426/Devo/Whip+It>.

    Missing lyrics by Devo?

    Know any other songs by Devo? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Whip It

    15M
    145.4K     4,048

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1980

    Billboard #14


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Ground Control to Major Tom -- Take your ______ pills and put your helmet on."
    A daily
    B acid
    C protein
    D vitamin

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Devo tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Whip It

    »