Hip To Be Square

Huey Lewis's song "Hip To Be Square" is a playful yet insightful commentary on the transition from youthful rebellion to adult conformity. The lyrics reflect a personal journey from being a carefree renegade to adopting a more conventional lifestyle. The protagonist acknowledges that he used to engage in reckless behavior but eventually had to settle down due to the consequences. This shift is symbolized by actions like cutting his hair and adopting a more straight-laced appearance, which he embraces despite potential judgment from others.

The song humorously highlights the irony of finding satisfaction in what society typically deems as mundane or uncool. The protagonist takes pride in his newfound routine, which includes working out, eating healthily, and enjoying bands in business suits on TV. He recognizes that these activities might seem boring or 'nowhere' to others, but he finds a sense of fulfillment and even coolness in them. The repeated refrain, "It's hip to be square," underscores the idea that embracing conventionality can be just as rewarding as living on the edge.

Culturally, the song reflects the 1980s' shift towards materialism and the yuppie lifestyle, where success and stability became the new ideals. The lyrics suggest that many who once prided themselves on being nonconformists have now adopted mainstream values. The line, "An idea whose time has come," implies that this change is inevitable and widespread. Huey Lewis uses a catchy, upbeat tune to deliver a message that challenges the traditional notions of what it means to be 'cool,' celebrating the ordinary and the routine as something to be proud of.