“Pop Goes the World” is a playful, upbeat synth-pop song by Men Without Hats, released in October 1987 with “The End (Of the World)” on the B-side as the lead single from their album of the same name. Known for its whimsical lyrics and catchy melody, the song became one of the band’s most recognizable hits, following their 1983 smash The Safety Dance.
Pop Goes the World tells a quirky, fairy-tale-like story about a pair named Johnny and Jenny, who start a band called “the Human Race” and take over the world with their music. The lyrics play on the idea of music as a universal language, reinforcing the song’s lighthearted and optimistic tone. The title itself suggests the power of pop music to bring people together.
Musically, the song is driven by bright synthesizers, bouncy keyboard melodies, and a simple, infectious rhythm. Ivan Doroschuk’s distinctive vocals give the song a unique charm, making it feel like a blend of pop, new wave, and nursery rhyme-style storytelling.
The song was a commercial success, reaching No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and No. 2 in Canada, solidifying Men Without Hats’ status as more than a one-hit wonder.