Jocko Homo

Devo

About Jocko Homo

"Jocko Homo" is the B-side to Devo's first single, "Mongoloid," released in 1977 on Devo's own label, Booji Boy Records and later released in the UK on Stiff Records. The song was re-recorded as the feature song for Devo's first album, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! on Warner Bros. Records in 1978. The original version peaked at #62 on the UK Singles Chart. It is based on a chant from the 1932 movie Island of Lost Souls. "Jocko Homo" introduced the call-and-response "Are we not men?" / "We are Devo!" It is generally considered to be Devo's anthem. The title is taken from a 1924 anti-evolution tract called Jocko-Homo Heavenbound by B. H. Shadduck, where it is explained as meaning "ape-man." The song revolves around an idiosyncratic descending guitar riff and absurdist lyrics. 


Year:
2003
37 
#1

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They tell us that
We lost our tails
Evolving up
From little snails
I say it's all
Just wind in sails

Are we not men?
We are Devo
Are we not men?
D-E-V-O

We're pinheads now
We are not whole
We're pinheads all
Jocko Homo

Are we not men?
We are Devo
Are we not men?
D-E-V-O

Are we not pins?
We are Devo

Monkey men all
In business suits
Teachers and critics
All dance the poot

Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
D-E-V-O

Are we not pins?
We are Devo
Are we not men?
D-E-V-O

All together now, God made man!
But he used the monkey to do it
Apes in the plan
We're all here to prove it
I can walk like an ape, talk like an ape, I can do what monkey do
God made man
But a monkey supplied the glue

Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!
Are we not men?
We are Devo!

We must repeat
D-E-V-O
We must repeat
D-E-V-O
We must repeat
D-E-V-O
We must repeat
D-E-V-O
We must repeat
D-E-V-O
We must repeat
D-E-V-O
We must repeat
D-E-V-O
We must repeat

Okay, let's go!

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Devo

Devo ( /ˈdiːvoʊ/, originally /diːˈvoʊ/) is an American punk rock/New Wave band formed in 1972 consisting of members from Kent and Akron, Ohio. The classic line-up of the band includes two sets of brothers, the Mothersbaughs (Mark and Bob) and the Casales (Gerald and Bob), along with Alan Myers. The band had a No. 14 Billboard chart hit in 1980 with the single "Whip It", and has maintained a cult following throughout its existence. Their style over time has shifted between punk, art rock, post-punk, and New Wave. Their music and stage show mingle kitsch science fiction themes, deadpan surrealist humor, and mordantly satirical social commentary. Their often discordant pop songs feature unusual synthetic instrumentation and time signatures that have proven influ… more »

1 fan

Written by: Mark Allen Mothersbaugh

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Genre
"Jocko Homo" is classified under the genres of new wave and post-punk, which were both extremely influential in the late 1970s and early 1980s during Devo's rise to fame.
Release Year
The song was originally released in 1977, as part of Devo’s first album, a groundbreaking EP titled "Be Stiff."
Music Video
The music video for "Jocko Homo" introduced the world to Devo's distinctive style and aesthetic, featuring the band in their iconic energy dome hats and jumpsuits.
Philosophy Behind Song
Devo’s frontman Mark Mothersbaugh has stated "Jocko Homo" represents the band's view of de-evolution, the concept that instead of evolving, mankind has actually regressed.
Title Origin
The title "Jocko Homo" originates from the 1924 anti-evolution pamphlet "Jocko-Homo Heaven-Bound King of Man," by Bertmer. It satirically interrogates the ascent of man theory and ties into Devo’s philosophy of de-evolution.
Signature Song
The song has come to be seen as the band's anthem, highlighting their theory of de-evolution and being regularly performed at live shows.
Live Performance Ritual
During live performances of "Jocko Homo," it was ritual for the band to mainly play the song's repeated chant section ("Are we not men? We are Devo!") until the audience could no longer stand it.
Short Film Appearance
The song is also the soundtrack to a short film by the band's co-founder and bass guitarist, Gerald Casale. The film titled "In The Beginning Was The End: The Truth About De-Evolution.”
Track Length Versatility
The track length of "Jocko Homo" notably varies, with versions of the song ranging from around 3 minutes to over 7 minutes long.
Changing Key Signature
The song is known for its unconventional and experimental nature, including the fact it changes its key signature 11 times in under 4 minutes in the original recording.
Music Charts
Despite its unconventional nature, "Jocko Homo" managed to peak at No. 62 on the U.K. singles chart. The song, however, did not chart in the U.S.
Influence on Other Artists
Some argue that the chants featured in "Jocko Homo" has influenced the work of music artists like Marilyn Manson, Particularly his song "The Beautiful People."

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