Whip It – English Lyrics

• By: Devo
• Album: Oh No It's Devo

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the bizarre world of New Wave with Devo's iconic 'Whip It.' You can learn a wealth of idiomatic and satirical English phrases through its lyrics, which are intentionally structured as disjointed, hyper-motivational clichés. The song's uniqueness lies in its perfect blend of mechanical, infectious music and a deeply ironic, philosophical message about the 'de-evolution' of man, all hidden under a simple, memorable chorus.

[English]

Crack that whip (give the past a slip)

Step on a crack (break your mama's back)

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)

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

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)

I say whip it, whip it good

I say whip it, whip it good

...

Crack that whip (give the past a slip)

Step on a crack (break your mama's back)

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)

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, into shape

Shape it up, get straight

Go forward, move ahead

Try to detect it, it's not too late

To whip it, well, whip it good

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
whip /wɪp/ A2	verb - to strike or move something quickly and forcefully noun - a tool or instrument used for striking
crack /kræk/ A2	verb - to break or split something noun - a narrow opening or break
shape /ʃeɪp/ A1	noun - the form or outline of something verb - to give a particular form to something
detect /dɪˈtɛkt/ B1	verb - to discover or identify the presence of something
forward /ˈfɔːrwərd/ A1	adverb - toward the front adjective - directed or facing toward the front
move /muːv/ A1	verb - to change position or location
ahead /əˈhɛd/ A2	adverb - forward; in front
problem /ˈprɒbləm/ A1	noun - a matter or situation that is difficult to deal with
straight /streɪt/ A1	adjective - without a curve or bend
good /ɡʊd/ A1	adjective - of a high quality or standard
time /taɪm/ A1	noun - a limited period or interval
live /lɪv/ A1	verb - to have life; be alive
slip /slɪp/ A2	verb - to slide out of position or fall
set /sɛt/ A1	verb - to put something in a specific place or position
turn /tɜːrn/ A1	verb - to change direction or position

Key Grammar Structures

• Crack that whip (give the past a slip)

  ➔ Imperative mood

  ➔ The imperative 'Crack' is used to give a command or strong suggestion.

• When a problem comes along (you must whip it)

  ➔ Modal verb 'must'

  ➔ 'Must' expresses obligation or strong necessity.

• Before the cream sets out too long (you must whip it)

  ➔ Temporal clause with 'before'

  ➔ The clause 'Before the cream sets out too long' shows when the action should happen.

• Now whip it into shape

  ➔ Phrasal verb 'whip into'

  ➔ The phrasal verb 'whip into shape' means to make something organized or efficient.

• Shape it up, get straight

  ➔ Ellipsis in imperatives

  ➔ Subject 'you' is omitted, common in imperative sentences.

• Go forward, move ahead

  ➔ Parallel structure

  ➔ Using two similar imperative phrases creates rhythm and emphasis.

• Try to detect it, it's not too late

  ➔ Infinitive of purpose

  ➔ The infinitive 'to detect' expresses the goal of trying.

• You will never live it down (unless you whip it)

  ➔ Future with modal auxiliary 'will'

  ➔ 'Will' predicts a future outcome or consequence.

• No one gets away (until they whip it)

  ➔ Negative pronoun 'no one'

  ➔ The pronoun 'no one' means nobody, emphasizing total negation.