Hip To Be Square

Huey Lewis and The News' song "Hip To Be Square" is a playful and ironic celebration of conformity and the mainstream lifestyle. The lyrics reflect a transformation from a rebellious, carefree youth to a more conventional, responsible adult. The protagonist admits to having been a "renegade" who "used to fool around," but the pressures and consequences of such a lifestyle led him to settle down. This shift is symbolized by actions like cutting his hair and adopting a more straight-laced appearance, which he acknowledges might seem crazy to some, but he embraces it wholeheartedly.

The chorus, "It's hip to be a square," is a catchy and repetitive affirmation that being conventional and following societal norms is not only acceptable but also fashionable. The protagonist finds joy in mundane activities like working out, watching what he eats, and enjoying bands in business suits on TV. These activities, often seen as dull or uninspired, are presented as the new cool. The song suggests that even those who were once the most rebellious have now embraced this lifestyle, indicating a broader cultural shift towards valuing stability and predictability.

The song's message is underscored by its upbeat and energetic musical style, characteristic of Huey Lewis and The News' pop-rock sound. The repetition of the phrase "Here, There, and everywhere!" emphasizes the ubiquity of this new norm. The song humorously acknowledges that while this lifestyle might seem "crazy" or "nowhere" to some, it is undeniably a trend whose time has come. By embracing the idea that it's "hip to be a square," the song challenges the listener to reconsider their perceptions of what it means to be cool and to find pride in the ordinary aspects of life.