Lipps, Inc. (pronounced like "lip sync") was a studio pop/rnb band formed i… Read Full Bio ↴Lipps, Inc. (pronounced like "lip sync") was a studio pop/rnb band formed in 1979 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. The group is best known for their second hit single "Funkytown" (often alternatively labeled as "Funky Town") in 1980.

The group's lead-singer was Cynthia Johnson, and the rest of the group consisted of a changing group of session musicians. One of them was guitarist David Rivkin AKA David Z. who later on produced, mixed and wrote for many others and worked closely with Prince. Steven Greenberg wrote and produced most of the group's music.

Lipps, Inc. achieved popularity during the end of the disco era at the late 1970s and early 1980s and had one major international pop hit. "Funkytown" spent four weeks at number one on both the Hot 100 and on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts in the United States and was awarded a platinum record soon after its release. It reached number two in the United Kingdom and not only was a hit throughout the world back then, but also continuous to play an important role in today´s pop-culture (used in several movies, TV series, commercials, etc.).
Further singles failed to match their initial success (their only other Hot 100 entry was their debut single "Rock It", which peaked at #64 in 1979), however they had more dance club hits throughout the 1980s, including the Ace cover How Long in 1981, which reached #4 on the U.S. dance chart.

The group ceased recording after the album "4" in (1985), by then lead-singer Cynthia Johnson had already left the group and had been replaced by another singer that however couldn´t replace Johnson´s unmistakable lead vocals.

A rock version of "Funkytown" was covered by the Australia group Pseudo Echo in 1987 on their album Love An Adventure and reached the top of the charts there. "Funkytown" is one of the songs of the Shrek 2 movie soundtrack. The song "Funkytown" has had popular recognition again recently due to a mash-up of it with Soulwax's dance track NY Excuse appearing on the Soulwax remix album Nite Versions. The track is titled NY Lipps.

Steven Greenberg's son Neil has been on MTV's Made performing as a rapper as 'The Blizzard'. In that episode Greenberg made several appearances as well.

Designer Music
Lipps Inc. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Everywhere you go
Lights flash
All you got to have
Is the cash

While you think you're able
It's got to have a label
Designer music

Designer music

I don't even know
What it means
Stick it on your shoes
Or your jeans

If Calvin says it's smashin'
It's got to be in fashion
Designer music
Designer music
Designer music
Designer music

Following the crowd
It's their game
Everything depends
On which name

It's got to be designer
There could be no finer
Designer music
Designer music

Wearing your Sassons
Stop the show
Got to be in Vogue
With Polo

Stick it on your sweater
It's got to make it better
Designer music
Designer music

Everywhere you go
Lights flash
All you got to have
Is the cash

While you think you're able
It's got to have a label
Designer music
Designer music

I don't even know
What it means
Stick it on your shoes
Or your jeans

If Calvin says it's smashin'
It's got to be in fashion

Designer music
Designer music

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Lipps Inc.'s "Designer Music" are all about the obsession of the modern world with designer brands and the pressure people feel to follow fashion trends. The song is essentially about how people are so caught up in fitting in and being seen as fashionable that they will go to any lengths to achieve that, even if it means sacrificing their own individuality. The opening lines of the song are indicative of this theme, as they suggest that lights are constantly flashing to signal that something new and fashionable has arrived on the scene. In fact, the only thing that seems to matter in this world is one's ability to pay for the latest designer items with cash.

The chorus of the song focuses on the idea of "designer music" and how it is something that people clamor for because it is considered to be the latest and greatest thing. The singer notes that he doesn't even know what "designer music" means or what it entails, but people are happy to put it on their shoes or their jeans because it gives them a sense of belonging in the fashionable crowd. The verses of the song mention specific designer brands such as Calvin Klein, Sasson, and Polo, and how people will wear these brands simply because they are popular and will make them part of the fashionable elite.

The song ultimately comments on the idea that people are inclined to follow the crowd and go with the flow when it comes to fashion and music. They are so desperate to fit in and be part of the fashionable set that they will do whatever it takes, including surrendering their individuality, to achieve that goal. It is a commentary on the power of consumerism and the way in which people are often defined by the brands they wear rather than their personal qualities or attributes.

Line by Line Meaning

Everywhere you go
Designer music is pervasive and ubiquitous.

Lights flash
The flashy packaging and presentation of designer music is a key part of its appeal.

All you got to have
Designer music is all about material goods, specifically the money needed to obtain them.

Is the cash
The ultimate goal of designer music is to sell expensive, desirable products.

While you think you're able
The illusion of choice and self-determination is critical to the consumption of designer music and goods.

It's got to have a label
The value of designer music and goods is derived from the label or brand associated with them.

Designer music
A specific kind of music that is associated with luxury, status, and fashionable brands.

I don't even know
The true meaning of designer music is unclear, but it doesn't matter as long as it is fashionable and expensive.

What it means
The meaning of designer music is ambiguous and fluid, and it changes based on trends and fads.

Stick it on your shoes
Designer music is not just about the music itself, but also about its association with other trendy or fashionable products.

Or your jeans
Designer music can be used to enhance the status or appeal of everyday items like jeans.

If Calvin says it's smashin'
Celebrities and fashion icons have huge influence over what is considered fashionable and desirable in the world of designer music and goods.

It's got to be in fashion
Being fashionable is the most important aspect of designer music and goods, and it is crucial to follow the latest trends and styles.

Designer music
A specific kind of music that is associated with luxury, status, and fashionable brands.

Following the crowd
Conformity is an essential part of consumer culture, and following the latest trends and fads is crucial to fitting in.

It's their game
The people behind designer music and goods hold all the power and dictate the rules of the game.

Everything depends
Success in the world of designer music and goods depends entirely on what is considered fashionable and desirable at any given moment.

On which name
The value of designer music and goods is directly tied to the label or brand associated with them.

It's got to be designer
Only designer or luxury brands are considered fashionable or desirable in the world of designer music and goods.

There could be no finer
Designer music and goods are considered the best of the best, and there is no higher or better standard.

Designer music
A specific kind of music that is associated with luxury, status, and fashionable brands.

Wearing your Sassons
Designer music is often associated with trendy or fashionable clothing brands, like Sasson jeans.

Stop the show
Designer music and goods are meant to be attention-grabbing and showy, and wearing them is a way to stand out in a crowd.

Got to be in Vogue
Being fashionable and trendy is essential to fitting in and being accepted in the world of designer music and goods.

With Polo
Polo is a luxury clothing brand that is often associated with designer music and goods.

Stick it on your sweater
Designer music can be used to enhance the status or appeal of a wide range of clothing items, including sweaters.

It's got to make it better
Designer music has the power to transform ordinary, everyday items into fashionable and desirable products.