The band released their first album in 20 years, Something for Everybody on June 15, 2010.
Their style has been variously classified as punk, industrial and rock, but are most often considered to be the 70s/early 80s New Wave band that ushered in the synth pop of the 1980s, along with other acts such as Gary Numan and The B-52s.
Devo's music and stage show mingle kitsch science fiction themes, deadpan surrealist humor, and mordantly satirical social commentary, often dealing with the concept of De-Evolution, in sometimes-discordant pop songs that often feature unusual synthetic instrumentation and time signatures.
Their work has proved hugely influential on subsequent popular music, particularly New Wave, alternative and grunge music, they created some memorable music videos popular in the early days of MTV.
The name "Devo" comes from the concept of Devolution (also referred to by the band as de-evolution). This idea was developed as a joke by Kent State University art students Gerald Casale and Bob Lewis as early as the late 1960s. Casale and Lewis created a number of art pieces in the vein of Devolution. At this time, Casale had also performed with the local band 15-60-75. They met Mark Mothersbaugh around 1970, who introduced them to the pamphlet Jocko Homo Heavenbound, which would later inspire the song Jocko Homo
The pivotal moment for the formation of Devo was the Kent State shootings of May 4, 1970. Casale knew two of the murdered students, and even saw one student, Allison Krause, with exit wounds from the M1 Garand rifle. At this moment, Casale claims he changed the idea of Devolution into a serious concept.
The first form of Devo was the Sextet Devo which performed at the 1973 Kent State performing arts festival. It included Casale, Lewis and Mothersbaugh, as well as Gerald's brother Bob Casale on guitar, and friends Rod Reisman and Fred Weber on drums and vocals, respectively. This performance was filmed and a part was included on the home video The Complete Truth About De-evolution. This lineup only performed once. Devo returned to perform in the Student Governance Center (featured prominently in the film) at the 1974 Creative Arts Festival with a line-up including the Casale brothers, Bob Lewis, Mark Mothersbaugh, and Jim Mothersbaugh on drums.
Devo later formed as a quartet focusing around Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale. They recruited Mark's brothers Bob Mothersbaugh and Jim Mothersbaugh. Bob played electric guitar, and Jim provided percussion using a set of homemade electronic drums. This lineup of Devo lasted until 1976 when Jim left the band. The lineup was occasionally fluid, and Bob Lewis would sometimes play guitar during this period. In concert, Devo would often perform in the guise of theatrical characters, such as Booji Boy, and The Chinaman. Live concerts from this period were often confrontational, and would remain so until 1977. A recording of an early Devo performance from 1975 with the quartet lineup appears on DEVO Live: The Mongoloid Years, ending with the promoters unplugging Devo's equipment.
Following Jim Motherbaugh's departure, Bob Mothersbaugh found a new drummer in Alan Myers, who played a conventional, acoustic drum set with mechanical precision. Casale re-recruited his brother Bob Casale, and the popular line-up of Devo was formed. It would endure for nearly ten years.
Devo embarked on a Euro-Tour 2007 on June 16th in Barcelona. They also performed concerts in Brighton, London, Manchester and Glasgow. More information about it can be found here.
In May 2020 Devo re-opened their online store where face masks with logo designs and an infamous Energy Dome with the attacheable protective shield can be pre-ordered to help their fans protect themselves from Covid-19.
Find out
Devo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've heard in times of war
still I keep on going
though its different than before
they've been riding high
up where the cold winds blow
miles above that highway
where the rest of us all go
to find out
you have to find out
its good to find out
before you open your mouth
find out
now don't you find out
you better find out
before you fill in the blanks
go find out what it takes
to make a boy break down and cry
go find out his young mistake
is a premature goodbye (its a privilege you can buy)
find out
where it goes
find out
faster roads
find out
it never grows
find out
for yourself
you never tried to find the time it takes
to work it out
its not a waste to taste
the sweat it takes
to work it out
work!
You don't need a battle
you don't need a war
you don't need any lessons
to find out what's in store
you been riding high
you felt the cold winds blow
now get back on the highway
where the others have to go
and find out
and maybe when you do
you'll even find out
you haven't got a clue
unless you find out
its never like they say
your gonna find out
you'll take it all the way
go find out what it takes
to make a boy break down and cry
go find out his young mistake
is a premature goodbye (its a privilege you can buy)
you never tried to find the time it takes
to work it out
its not a waste to taste
the sweat it takes
to work it out
find out
before you open your mouth
you better find out.
The lyrics of "Find Out" by Devo seem to be talking about the need for people to educate themselves before they speak or act. The first verse describes the witness of battle or war and yet the need to keep going despite differences. However, the message seems to be that in order to truly understand and participate, one must "find out" the facts before opening their mouth or acting blindly. The second verse talks about the importance of discovering what it takes to truly make an impact in the world, even if it means tasting sweat or tears. The song continues to emphasize the importance of finding out, of educating oneself and working hard towards a goal.
The repeated phrase of "find out" seems to be a call to action, a reminder that it is essential to do research and put in the hard work required to truly understand and effect change. In a sense, the song seems to be a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following others or making assumptions without first seeking knowledge. It is only through education and hard work that one can truly make a difference.
The lyrics of "Find Out" are particularly relevant in today's world, where misinformation and fake news are rampant. The song emphasizes the importance of fact-checking and doing one's own research before assuming anything to be true. It also emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication towards a goal.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen 'em doing battle
I have observed people fighting and struggling against each other.
I've heard in times of war
I have heard about the occurrences of wars and conflicts.
still I keep on going
Despite the ups and downs, hardships and adversities, I persist and move forward.
though its different than before
Even though the situation has changed or evolved from what it used to be.
they've been riding high
Other people have been successful or triumphant, enjoying a sense of pride and accomplishment.
up where the cold winds blow
At the top or pinnacle of their achievements, where things can be harsh or unforgiving.
miles above that highway
Far beyond the ordinary, mundane or average way of life that most people experience.
where the rest of us all go
Where the majority of people tend to follow, conform or settle for.
to find out
To gain knowledge, enlightenment or understanding about something.
you have to find out
It's essential that you explore, discover or investigate what's true or real about a matter.
its good to find out
It's beneficial, valuable or worthwhile to seek the truth, facts or insights about a subject.
before you open your mouth
Before you speak or express your opinion, it's important that you gather information or evidence to support your claims.
now don't you find out
Don't hesitate or avoid seeking knowledge, but rather pursue it eagerly and relentlessly.
you better find out
It's in your best interest to uncover the facts, data or details that matter for your decision-making or evaluation.
before you fill in the blanks
Before you make assumptions, guesses or conjectures about something, make sure you have a solid basis or foundation of knowledge.
go find out what it takes
Engage in the process of discovery, exploration or experimentation to understand what factors, skills or qualities are necessary for success or satisfaction.
to make a boy break down and cry
To cause someone to feel overwhelmed, defeated or heartbroken that they can't handle the situation or burden anymore.
go find out his young mistake
Investigate the cause, source or origin of someone's error, fault or misjudgment that was made at a young age or stage of their life.
is a premature goodbye
Is a departure or separation that happened too soon, too sudden, too unexpectedly that it leaves a sense of regret, sorrow or loss.
(its a privilege you can buy)
Implies that some people can afford to make mistakes or take risks that others cannot because of their wealth, power or status.
find out
Keep seeking, exploring or learning about things that matter to you or that may benefit you in the long run.
where it goes
Trace, follow or map out the path, trajectory or direction of something that you're interested in or curious about.
faster roads
Ways, methods or strategies that can accelerate your progress, growth or development toward your goals or objectives.
it never grows
Certain things, situations or phenomena may remain unchanged or stagnant, regardless of one's effort, influence or intervention.
for yourself
For your own benefit, advantage or satisfaction, rather than for the sake of others or external expectations.
you never tried to find the time it takes
You haven't made the effort, commitment or sacrifice required to learn, master or excel in a particular field, task or skill.
to work it out
To figure out, solve or resolve a problem, challenge or dilemma, through trial and error, practice or analysis.
its not a waste to taste
It's worthwhile, valuable or enlightening to experience, experiment or explore different options, techniques or approaches for achieving your goals.
the sweat it takes
The hard work, effort or perseverance that's required to accomplish something meaningful, significant or challenging.
work!
A call to action, discipline or persistence, urging the listener or reader to put in the necessary effort and dedication to achieve their aspirations.
You don't need a battle
You don't have to engage in a conflict, struggle or competition in order to succeed or thrive in life.
you don't need a war
You don't have to wage a war, fight or resist against others or against yourself in order to achieve your goals or fulfill your potential.
you don't need any lessons
You don't have to receive formal or structured education, training or guidance in order to acquire knowledge, skills or experience that's relevant or important to you.
to find out what's in store
To discover, explore or understand what the future holds or what opportunities, challenges or possibilities exist for you.
you been riding high
You have achieved success, status or recognition for your accomplishments, skills or contributions.
you felt the cold winds blow
You have experienced setbacks, challenges or difficulties that have tested your resilience, determination or motivation.
now get back on the highway
Now return to the mainstream, conventional or established way of doing things, following the rules, norms or standards of the society or culture you're in.
where the others have to go
Where most people have to adhere, conform or comply with the expectations, demands or criteria of their environment, situation or context.
and maybe when you do
And perhaps, if or when you explore or discover the truth, facts or insights about something.
you'll even find out
You may even realize, uncover or understand something that you didn't expect, anticipate or predict.
you haven't got a clue
You don't have any idea, knowledge or awareness about something that's important, relevant or significant.
unless you find out
Unless you seek, explore or investigate the matter, you won't be able to gain the knowledge, insight or understanding that you need.
its never like they say
Things are often different, complex or nuanced from what people or sources say or claim, so it's important to verify and validate the information.
your gonna find out
You will eventually discover, learn or realize something that you didn't know or understand before, so it's important to keep seeking, asking or exploring.
Contributed by Avery P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.