“Whip It” is a quirky and innovative new wave track by American band Devo, released in August 1980 with “Turn Around” on the B-side as the lead single from their third studio album, Freedom of Choice. Written by band members Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale, the song became Devo’s most commercially successful hit and an enduring symbol of the early 1980s new wave movement.
The lyrics of “Whip It” are abstract and satirical, often interpreted as a motivational anthem with lines like “When a problem comes along, you must whip it”. However, the song’s true meaning is more layered; it parodies the American self-help culture and over-simplified solutions to complex problems. Devo intended the lyrics to be tongue-in-cheek, playing on societal pressures and the absurdity of pop culture clichés.
Musically, “Whip It” is driven by a mechanical drum beat, a syncopated synthesizer riff, and a twangy guitar line. The song’s minimalist production and robotic rhythm reflect Devo’s signature style, blending new wave, punk, and electronic elements. Mark Mothersbaugh’s deadpan vocal delivery adds to the song’s offbeat charm, emphasizing its playful and unconventional tone.
The song was a sleeper hit, gradually gaining popularity on college radio and MTV, where its now-iconic music video received heavy rotation. “Whip It” peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, marking Devo’s breakthrough into the mainstream.
The music video, directed by Gerald Casale, features the band performing on a ranch while engaging in surreal activities, such as “whipping” the clothes off a mannequin-like woman. With its absurd humor and exaggerated imagery, the video sparked controversy but also became a cultural touchstone, encapsulating Devo’s satirical approach to art and performance.