Word Up!

Cameo

About Word Up!

"Word Up!" is a funk and R&B song originally recorded by American funk band Cameo in 1986. The song was written by band members Larry Blackmon and Tomi Jenkins. Its frequent airing on American dance, R&B, and contemporary hit radio, as well as its MTV music video (in which LeVar Burton appears as a police detective trying to arrest the band), helped the single become the band's best known hit.


Year:
1995
4:20
638 
#1

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Yo pretty ladies around the world
Got a weird thing to show you
So tell all the boys and girls
Tell your brother, your sister and your mamma too

'Cause we're about to go down
And you know just what to do
Wave your hands in the air like you don't care
Glide by the people as they start to look and stare

Do your dance, do your dance, do your dance quick mamma
Come on baby tell me what's the word

Word up everybody say
When you hear the call you've got to get it underway
Word up it's the code word
No matter where you say it you know that you'll be heard

Now all you sucker DJ's who think you're fly
There's got to be a reason and we know the reason why
You try to put on those Airs and you act real cool
Got to realize that you're acting like fools

If there's music we can use it
You're free to dance
We don't have the time for psychological romance
No romance, no romance, no romance for me mamma
Come on baby tell me what's the word

Word up everybody say
When you hear the call you've got to get it underway

Dial L for love

C'mon all you people sing
W.O.R.D. up, W.O.R.D. up, W.O.R.D. up, W.O.R.D. up

W.O.R.D. up,
W.O.R.D. up,

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Cameo

Cameo is an American soul-influenced funk group that formed in the early 1970s. Cameo was initially a 13-member group known as the New York City Players; this name was later changed to Cameo to avoid a lawsuit from Ohio Players,[citation needed] another group from that era. Since then, Cameo has recorded several hit records. As of 2009, some of the original members continue to perform together, while two others were hired by the hip hop group Outkast. Their influences include Rick James, Parliament-Funkadelic, contemporary funk bands like the Bar-Kays, Earth, Wind & Fire, Ohio Players, The Isley Brothers etc. and singers like Marvin Gaye, Billy Paul, Prince, Isaac Hayes, Stevie Wonder and Bootsy Collins. more »

3 fans

Written by: Larry Blackmon, Tomi Jenkins

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Chart Performance
"Word Up!" topped the US Billboard R&B chart for three weeks and peaked at No.6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. - Internationally, it reached No.3 on the UK Singles Chart.
Original Release Year
The single "Word Up!" was originally released in 1986 on the album of the same name.
Genre and Style
The song "Word Up!" combines elements of funk, R&B, and pop, reflecting Cameo's unique sound. - Cameo's lead singer, Larry Blackmon, stands out for his distinctive vocal style on this track.
Music Video
The music video for "Word Up!" features LeVar Burton, famous for his role in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," as a police detective pursuing the band.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists in different genres, including rock band Korn, whose version won a Grammy. - Other artists who have covered 'Word Up!' include British boy band Little Mix and American singer Willis.
Cultural Impact
The slang phrase 'Word up' became popular in the 1980s, largely due to this Cameo hit. - The song is frequently used in movies, TV shows, and commercials for its funky, recognizable rhythm.
Song Writing
"Word Up!" was written by Cameo band members Larry Blackmon and Tomi Jenkins.
Awards
"Word Up!" won the Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single in 1987.
Record Label
The song was released under the label PolyGram.
Legacy
Despite being over three decades old, "Word Up!" continues to receive regular radio airplay and has maintained its popularity.

Discuss the Word Up! Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

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

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Word Up! Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/1831347/Cameo/Word+Up%21>.

    Missing lyrics by Cameo?

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

    Watch the song video

    Word Up!

    39.6M
    313.7K     10,075

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Which of these songs did Taylor Swift NOT sing?
    A Teardrops On My Guitar
    B I Knew You Were Trouble
    C Hot 'N Cold
    D Love Story

    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!

    Don't miss Cameo's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Cameo tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!