Be Stiff

Devo

About Be Stiff

"Be Stiff" is the third single by American new wave band Devo. It was released in 1978. The song was taken from the sessions for Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! produced by Brian Eno. Guitarist Bob Lewis wrote the music and came up with the title concept; bassist Jerry Casale penned the verses. With its stop-start rhythms and angular arrangement, "Be Stiff" exemplified Devo's stance against soft rock complacency. It became an anthem for Stiff Records, and a minor success in the UK. It was covered multiple times, including on a Stiff-released EP of their own artists' interpretations. It was performed in 1980 and live recordings appear on DEV-O Live and Devo Live 1980. It was also performed as an encore on the Freedom of Choice shows of Devo's November 2009 tour, and included in the setlist of their 2014 Hardcore Devo Live! tour. 


Year:
1981
2:50
83 

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Be stiff be - abies be stiff
Fruit ooze is wetly lewd
Stay dry in rubber boots and
Cucumbers ripe and rude
Bend over fixed to shoot and
Breath hard in metal suits
Live right make lots of loot
Wet women waste your food
Go solo no no two's and
Deep sleepers jerk the root
Watch out for fruits and mutes and

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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 »

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Written by: BOBBY LEWIS, GERALD V CASALE

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Origin
"Be Stiff" is a song by American rock band Devo from their debut album, "Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!".
Release Date
It was first released as a single in 1977 and later included in their 1978 debut album.
Writers
"Be Stiff" was written by two of Devo's members, Bob Lewis and Gerald Casale.
Lyrics
The song's lyrics reference the philosophy of the band, which includes concepts of de-evolution and societal regression.
Influence
"Be Stiff" went on to become the name of Stiff Records' 1978 promotional tour.
Lovich Cover
The song was later covered by singer Lene Lovich, which helped increase its popularity.
Successful Single
"Be Stiff" went on to become one of Devo's most successful singles, despite not charting in the US.
Live Performances
The song has remained a staple in Devo's live performances for many years.
Production
"Be Stiff" was produced by David Bowie and Brian Eno, two of the most influential figures in the music industry.
Genre
The song is generally classified as New Wave, a genre that blends rock and pop with punk and electronic music.
Album Success
Devo's debut album, which featured "Be Stiff", was a commercial and critical success and has since been considered a classic.
Influence on Music
The complex rhythms and intricate synthesizer work in "Be Stiff" would go on to influence many bands in the new wave and post-punk genres.
Cult Following
Despite its lack of mainstream success, "Be Stiff" has developed a cult following.
B-side
The B-side of the single was "Social Fools", which also was included in their debut album.
Music Video
Devo made a music video for "Be Stiff" in the early days of music videos, displaying their eccentric costumes and dance moves.

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