Whip It Lyrics

[Verse: Mark Mothersbaugh & Gerald Casale]
Crack that whip, give the past a slip
Step on a crack, break your momma's back

[Chorus: Gerald Casale & Mark Mothersbaugh]
When a problem comes along, you must whip it
Before the cream sets out too long, you must whip it
When something's going wrong, you must whip it

[Post-Chorus: Mark Mothersbaugh]
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


[Chorus: Gerald Casale & Mark Mothersbaugh]
When a good time turns around, you must whip it
You will never live it down unless you whip it
No one gets away until they whip it


[Bridge: Mark Mothersbaugh]
I say whip it, whip it good
I say whip it, whip it good

[Verse: Mark Mothersbaugh & Gerald Casale]
Crack that whip, give the past a slip
Step on a crack, break your momma's back

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About

Genius Annotation

According to the band, “Whip It” was inspired by the poems in Thomas Pynchon’s novel Gravity’s Rainbow.

Gravity’s Rainbow is a satirical novel that describes humanity’s evolution as often regressive and lacking self-awareness. This also ties into their band name “Devo” standing de-evolution. A satire into the idea that our society is regressing.

As it relates to Whip It, Devo is satirizing America’s insistence on violence and our lack of individuality.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

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