Throughout the 70s and 80s, the group remained up with the times and occasionally crept ahead of them, such that they became influences themselves upon younger generations of R&B and hip-hop acts. By the time the group's popularity started to fizzle in the late 80s, a series of hits were left in the band's wake, ranging from greasy, funky workouts to smooth ballads to swinging synthesized tracks and more. Further separating Cameo from their forebears was the fact that they didn't have a diaper-clad guitarist. Instead, they had a codpiece-wearing lead vocalist in Larry Blackmon.
Today, the group's iconic single "Word Up", released in 1986 from the album of the same time, remains a radio staple. The U.S. Hot Dance Singles and U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart topper has also been famously covered by artists such as the hard rock band Gun and the alternative metal group Korn. Other popular Cameo singles include "Attack Me With Your Love", "Candy", "Freaky Dancin'","I Just Want To Be", and "Sparkle".
Word Up!
Cameo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo, pretty ladies around the world
Got a weird thing to show you
So tell all the boys and girls
Tell your brother, your sister
And your mama too
'Cause we're about to throw down
Wave your hands in the air like you don't care
Glide by the people as they start to look and stare
Do your dance, do your dance
Do your dance quick, mama
Come on, baby, tell me what's the word
Oh, word up
Everybody say when you hear the call
You've got to get it underway
Word up, it's the code word
No matter where you say it
You'll know that you'll be heard
Now all you sucker DJs
Who think you're fly
There's got to be a reason
And we know the reason why
You try to put on those Airs and you act real cool
But you got to realize that you're acting like fools
Give us music, we can use it
We need to dance
We don't have the time for psychological romance
No romance, no romance
No romance for me, mama
Come on, baby, tell me what's the word
Oh, word up
Everybody say when you hear the call
You've got to get it underway, ow
Oh
Dial "L" for low
Come on, all you people sing
W-O-R-D up, W-O-R-D up
W-O-R-D up, W-O-R-D up (woo)
W-O-R-D up
W-O-R-D up
The lyrics to Cameo’s “Word Up” is a playful invitation for all people, especially to the ladies around the world, to come together and have a good time. The repetitive phrase “word up” throughout the song acts as a code word for everyone to partake in the fun. The song highlights the importance of music in uniting people, stating that there's no time for psychological romance. The lyrics also criticize DJs who try to act cool but end up looking like fools, concluding that the audience needs music they can use to dance.
With its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics, the song spreads a positive vibe that encourages unity and having fun without worrying about the opinions of others. Shouting “word up” is a way to say things like “cool” or “I hear you” and is part of hip-hop culture.
Overall, the song is a celebration of life and the joy it brings. It is a call for people to enjoy themselves and connect with others and reminds us that sometimes all we need is a good song to bring us together.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, pretty ladies around the world
Hey there, beautiful women from all corners of the globe
Got a weird thing to show you
I have something unusual to share with you
So tell all the boys and girls
Let every male and female know
Tell your brother, your sister and your mama too
Share it with siblings and mother as well
'Cause we're about to go down
Things are going to get exciting!
And you know just what to do
You already know how to respond
Wave your hands in the air like you don't care
Don't hold back, move your hands freely
Glide by the people as they start to look and stare
Walk smoothly past onlookers who will admire you
Do your dance, do your dance, do your dance quick, mama
Perform your dance moves quickly and energetically, my dear
Come on, baby, tell me what's the word
Come on, sweetheart, tell me what's trending
Word up, everybody say
Listen up, everyone. Repeat after me
When you hear the call you've got to get it underway
When you hear the signal, take action without delay
Word up, it's the code word
The current buzzword is 'Word up'
No matter where you say it, you know that you'll be heard
It doesn't matter where you say it, everyone will hear it
Now all you sucker DJs who think you're fly
Attention all amateur disc jockeys who believe they're stylish
There's got to be a reason and we know the reason why
There must be a cause for your behavior, and we understand it
You try to put on those Airs and you act real cool
You attempt to project an image of sophistication and coolness
But you got to realize that you're acting like fools
However, you need to comprehend that you're looking ridiculous
Give us music, we can use it
Provide us with tunes we can dance to
We need to dance
We crave the urge to move
We don't have the time for psychological romance
Our mindset is not geared towards deep emotional connections
No romance, no romance, no romance for me, mama
I'm not interested in love or courtship, darling
Come on, baby, tell me what's the word
Come on, sweetheart, tell me what's trendy
Dial L for low
Make a call to bring the bass down
C'mon, all you people, sing
Let's all join together and sing
W-O-R-D up, W-O-R-D up, W-O-R-D up, W-O-R-D up (woo)
Spelling out 'Word up' with enthusiasm and excitement
W-O-R-D up
Repeatedly chanting 'Word up'
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Larry Blackmon, Tomi Jenkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@beaubiden9293
Who’s listening in 2024?
@DarthShifu-pk8cv
Reporting for duty 🫡
@scottmccammack6984
Me, I fn love this song
@reilym979
@@DarthShifu-pk8cv word up 2024
@EnReaper
Why did u ask before 2024😂
Anyways I am
@kachoperren
Still listening...
@whiterabbit75
This song needs a warning label. "Warning: Contains dangerous levels of funk."
@Huss_D
For real! It causes uncontrollable body movement.
@whiterabbit75
@@Huss_D Warning: May cause uncontrollable body movements, high levels of popularity, and scoring with that one hot chick you've had your eye on all night. If symptoms persist for less than 4 hours, please consult your nearest deejay for another dose.
@Huss_D
@@whiterabbit75 lol! 😂 so good dude!