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.
What We Do
Devo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What we do is what we do
What we do is what we do
What we do is what we do
What we do is what we do
It's all the same, there's nothing new
What we do is what we do
What we do, is what we do
Just different names, it's nothing new
What we do, is what we do
Cause all we do, is what we do
Gamin', prayin', believin', maintainin'
Textin', electin', rejectin', infectin'
Eenie, meanie, meanie, meanie, minie, minie mo
The lucky ones are gonna be the first to go
Eenie, meanie, meanie, meanie, minie, minie mo
The lucky ones are gonna be the first to go
Eenie, meanie, meanie, meanie, minie, minie mo
The lucky ones are gonna be the first to go
Eenie, meanie, meanie, meanie, minie, minie mo
The lucky ones are gonna be the first to go
Don't do what I do, just do what I say!
"My door does what I say - I say 'open' and it does!"
"My lights do what I say - I say 'on' and they snap on!"
"My car does what I say - I say 'start' and it jumps out!"
"But my dog doesn't do what I say."
"My girl doesn't do what I say."
"My mind doesn't do what I say."
"I don't know what to do!"
What we do, is what we do
It's all the same, there's nothing new
What we do, is what we do
It's turnin' 'round on me and you
Strokin', hopin', dreamin', repeatin'
Feedin' and breedin' and pumpin' gas
Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, do it again
Feedin' and breedin' and pumpin' gas
Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, do it again
Feedin' and breedin' and pumpin' gas
Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, do it again
Feedin' and breedin' and pumpin' gas
Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, do it again
What we do, is what we do
What we do, is what we do
What we do, is what we do
What we do, is what we do
Devo's song "What We Do" is a commentary on the monotony and routine of everyday life. The repetitive chorus "What we do is what we do" emphasizes the cyclical nature of human behavior and the idea that people tend to follow the same patterns and habits without questioning them. The song describes various activities and attitudes, such as "gamin'", "prayin'", "textin'", and "electin'", which ultimately lead to the same outcome. The repetition of "cheeseburger, cheeseburger, do it again" highlights the idea that people continue to indulge in the same routine and habits, without ever really seeking change or progress.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of control and authority, with lines like "Don't do what I do, just do what I say," and "My door does what I say - I say 'open' and it does!" These lines suggest that people can be controlled, and even at times enjoy being controlled, and that this sense of control can extend beyond humans to technological devices. However, despite this perceived sense of control, people are still limited in their ability to change their own lives and escape the cycle they find themselves in, as seen in lines like "I don't know what to do!"
Overall, "What We Do" is a biting commentary on the routines and habits of everyday life and the perceived sense of control we have in our lives, while also highlighting the difficultly of breaking out of these patterns and truly seeking change.
Line by Line Meaning
What we do is what we do
Our actions define us
It's all the same, there's nothing new
Our actions are repetitive and lack novelty
It's turnin' 'round on me and you
Our actions have consequences for both ourselves and others
Just different names, it's nothing new
Our actions are disguised in different forms but remain unchanged
Cause all we do, is what we do
Our actions are a reflection of our habits and character
Gamin', prayin', believin', maintainin'
We engage in activities that distract or comfort us
Textin', electin', rejectin', infectin'
We have the power to communicate, decide, and harm
Eenie, meanie, meanie, meanie, minie, minie mo
The lucky ones are gonna be the first to go
Chance plays a role in who succeeds or fails in life
Don't do what I do, just do what I say!
We are hypocritical in our expectations of others
Strokin', hopin', dreamin', repeatin'
We have desires and aspirations that we pursue persistently
Feedin' and breedin' and pumpin' gas
Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, do it again
We engage in mundane tasks to survive or pursue pleasure
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GERALD V. CASALE, MARK ALLEN MOTHERSBAUGH, MAX LIEDERMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@guyboost7311
Ok Fellow Spud and Spuds out
There in You Tube TV Land
Let's Watch The Following
Brilliant DEVO videos !
1 That's Good DEVO posted by Electronictomato DEVO Kicking Ass On David Letterman !
2 That's Good DEVO posted by
grapesarefun9000
3 Peek A Boo DEVO posted by
grapesarefun9000
4 Fresh DEVO posted by Clay Konner. The Chem Trails Video !
5 Don't Shoot I'm AMan DEVO in HD posted by Mylittledaughters
6 Beautiful World DEVO posted by
Jteglund
7 Freedom of Choice DEVO posted by Devoviision
8 I Can't Get No Satisfaction DEVO posted by Devoviision
9 Jocko Homo DEVO posted Shaw Isreal iskon
10 Time Out For Fun DEVO
Posted by Edgar Aldrett
11 Through Being Cool DEVO
Posted by Edgar Aldrett
12 Love Without Anger DEVO posted by Majmax
13 Monster Man DEVO posted by
Radial The Orchard
14 It's All DEVO by Jerry Casale With Phunk Investigation posted by Marizo Temprin
Post some comments
And share with you family and friends
Duty Now For The Future !
@Catula2
I don't just love that Devo came back. I love that they came back stronger than ever.
@user-pz8ov3ne2m
They never went away. They've been playing and recording always. There have years between albums but they've never stopped
@VeggieCecilia
Best one-take video ever.
Love sarcastic lyrics.
They are still being the best band in the world.
@davidbrailsford5004
In the universe... possibly multiverse
@anitagreenspan7246
More Relevant now than ever!!!! Once again...way ahead...
@guyboost7311
True Sister DEVO Anita !
@johnlazzaro2534
Anita is married to that crazy singer in D-E-V-O ... Mark
@dougmedina4619
Devo has got your number!Genious at work!Great band.
@angeloterranova2
Yes sir DEVO forever !
@guyboost7311
Right On Brother !