Song Name: Through Being Cool
Artist:βπ»πΌππ
Appears On:
- Through Being Cool b/w Race Of Doom [1]
- New Traditionalists
- Greatest Hits
- Pioneers Who Got Scalped: The Anthology
- Social Fools: The Virgin Singles 1978-1982β(Album/Single Version)
- New Traditionalists: Live 1981 Seattleβ(Live Version)
Run Time:β3:14
Year Recorded:β1981
Year Released:β1981
Years Performed:β1981-1982
Writing Credits:βBob Mothersbaugh/Gerald V. Casale/Mark Mothersbaugh
Sung By:βGerald V. Casale (Co-Lead)/Mark Mothersbaugh (Co-Lead)
Alternate Versions:
- Through Being Cool (Dance Velocity) [2]
- "Through Being Cool" - DEV2.0 version - with altered lyrics
Song Connections:
βHobknob with the Snobsβ - title and lyrics addresses arrogant and ignorant people and the ninnies and the twits.
"Through Being Cool (Intro Music)" -(formerly on BBB release D002, and later included on an Ultimate Unreleased Demos & Outtakes Collection.)
Trivia / Info:[]
- TBC includes ascending and descending synth sounds akin to a bomb whistle.
- Performed on the 1981 to 1982 New Traditionalists Tour supporting the NT album, preceded in the setlist by "Going Under" and followed by "Jerkin' Back 'N' Forth".
- The Virgin 7" single releases paired "Through Being Cool" with "Race Of Doom"
- The WB 7" promo[3]and single[4] releases listed a 3:08 "Dance Velocity" version but were pressed with the album version.
A fan-made "Dance Velocity" version is on Booji Boy's Basement release "Make Me Dance [A Collection of DEVO Remixes]".
- During the "Taarna" segment of the animated film Heavy Metal, an edit of the album version is used as background music, played by a four-piece bar band.[5]
- Devo re-recorded TBC for its inclusion in Rock Band 3. [11]
- DEVO's recording of "Somewhere" also referenced West Side Story.
- The Through Being Cool music video included extensive choreography and film effects.[6]
- The footwork of Paul βCool Pocketsβ Guzman-Sanchez in Through Being Cool was the first breaking in a music video.[7]
Onstage Behavior:
- βGVC, Mark, and Bob1 perform near and on long treadmills leading into the stylized facade of a classical Greco-Roman temple. Stylized pictograph illustrations and international symbol signsref are rear-projected onto three large screens hung between the temple pillars.
Lyrics:
- Japanese translation of lyrics: https://tune-sight.com/through-being-cool-by-devo1981/#toc3
- "Through Being Cool" -- LyricWikia
- We're through bein' cool
- We're through bein' cool
- Eliminate the ninnies and the twits
- Going to bang some heads
- Going to beat some butts
- Time to show those evil spuds what's what
- If you live in a small town
- You might meet a dozen or two
- Young alien types who step out
- And dare to declare
- We're through bein' cool
- We're through bein' cool
- Spank the pank who try to drive you nuts.
- Time to clean some house
- Be a man or a mouse
- Face those who make it tough to get around
- If you live in a big place
- Many factions underground
- Chase down Mr. Hinky Dink
- So no trace can be found
- (synth solo)
- If you live in a big place
- Many factions underground
- Chase down Mr. Hinky Dink
- So no trace can be found
- We're through bein' cool
- We're through bein' cool
- Eliminate the ninnies and the twits
- Put the tape on erase
- Rearrange a face
- We always liked Picasso anyway
- If you live in a small town
- You might meet a dozen or two
- Young alien types who step out
- And dare to declare
- We're through bein' cool
- We're through bein' cool
- Eliminate the ninnies and the twits
- We're through bein' cool
- We're through bein' cool
- Spank the pank who try to drive you nuts.
- [Mash 'em]
- We're through bein' cool
- We're through bein' cool...
Video:[]
Short Film / Music Video
- π§ Appears onβWe're All DEVO,βThe Complete Truth About De-Evolution
- Through Being Cool (legendado) YouTube
- Restored video posted to DEVOvision in September, 2025, with a stereo soundtrack.[8]
- DEVO talk about this video at:
- βDevolutionary Times - Episode 5: New Traditionalistsβ - DEVOvision
- For outerwear description, see: Through Being Cool (outfits)
- β The music video begins after a video effect transitioning from a Weβre All DEVO scene displaying Mark's thoughts during a deprogramming session at Lifeforms Unlimited.
- β The music video begins after a video effect transitioning from a Weβre All DEVO scene displaying Mark's thoughts during a deprogramming session at Lifeforms Unlimited.
- βOn a city street with brick buildings, a youth beats percussion on a garbage can lid in time with the LinnDrum blast at the beginning of the song. He kicks over the can and joins his two rowdy friends.
- βThey run together in time with the music and gesture along with the lyrics.
- βThe three point a finger gun at the lyric βeliminate.β The youth with light colored hair first displays a throat cutting gesture.
- βThey lift their forearms and gesture with the back of the hand at the lyric βtwits.β
- βA dark haired youth grabs the head of the other dark haired youth and he bangs their heads together.
- βThe light haired youth beats their butts with a jumping double kick.
- βAll three pound their fist in their open palm at the lyric βwhatβs what.β
- βAs the synth line plays all extend their hand forward and twist their head, then turn right and exit the frame.
- βThey display their allegiance with a full color Nu-tra Man emblem on their left sleeve.
- βOn a city street with brick buildings, a youth beats percussion on a garbage can lid in time with the LinnDrum blast at the beginning of the song. He kicks over the can and joins his two rowdy friends.
- β1981 De-Evolutionary Army personnel are on active duty working at Club DEVO:
- βDEVO distribute harmless spud guns β along with standard issue Nu-Tra Pomps and long white padded "Action Vests" β to Smart Patrol[9] recruits, who wear them over their black and white uniform of dark tees, dark pants and white footwear.
- βDEVO are dressed in the standard issue outerwear seen in the Nu-Tra concert tour and near identical to the WB album cover photo.
- β1981 De-Evolutionary Army personnel are on active duty working at Club DEVO:
- βA dark haired youth slaps the counter in time with the beat, ending with one hand open and facing upwards.
- βMark - wearing a black digital wristwatch - places a spud gun in the open palm of the recruit.
- βA dark haired youth slaps the counter in time with the beat, ending with one hand open and facing upwards.
- βThe light haired youth pulls the elastic strap of another recruit, who turns around and stands on the locker room bench with the two others who are already dressed.
- βThe three shorter recruits push away the pain who tries to drive them nuts.
- βThe light haired youth pulls the elastic strap of another recruit, who turns around and stands on the locker room bench with the two others who are already dressed.
- βJerry issues a Nu-Tra Pomp and an Action Vest to a recruit.
- βBob 1 stands by a table of merchandise and tosses a spud gun to Jerry, who also issues it to the recruit and initiates a non-contact high five on his side of the chain link distribution window.
- βJerry issues a Nu-Tra Pomp and an Action Vest to a recruit.
- βThe three shorter Smart Patrol members do some more choreography in time with the song while mouthing the lyrics.
- βThe three shorter Smart Patrol members do some more choreography in time with the song while mouthing the lyrics.
- βBob 2 lifts a box of merchandise with a shifting center of gravity.
- βAlan sweeps up with a hand broom and dustpan while staying alert.
- βBob 2 lifts a box of merchandise with a shifting center of gravity.
- βIn full gear, the Smart Patrol crouch in unison, extend their arm and point and sweep their spud guns.
- βIn full gear, the Smart Patrol crouch in unison, extend their arm and point and sweep their spud guns.
- βBob 2 opens a door inwards. DEVO speed the Smart Patrol on their way β they raise their hand and wave in a single crisp move, ending with a static angled open palm.
- βJerry first raises his right hand to his temple in a hand salute before transitioning to the farewell wave.
- βBob 2 opens a door inwards. DEVO speed the Smart Patrol on their way β they raise their hand and wave in a single crisp move, ending with a static angled open palm.
- βThe Smart Patrol step in close formation in time with the beat. One shoe has the top point of the βswooshβ logo whited out.
- βThey all frolic in the loading bay.[10]
- βThe Smart Patrol step in close formation in time with the beat. One shoe has the top point of the βswooshβ logo whited out.
- β¦ Next the Smart Patrol go out and encounter successive groups of arrogant and ignorant people who represent undesired thinking which is then metaphorically eliminated.
- β¦ Next the Smart Patrol go out and encounter successive groups of arrogant and ignorant people who represent undesired thinking which is then metaphorically eliminated.
Live Video
- π§ (Unofficial)
DEVO. "Through Being Cool". (Live in Denver '81) Waveform: Rock Video. Colorado PBS TV.[11]
- π§ Fan Videos
- βThrough Being Coolβ [circa 1981] uploaded to YouTube by Dean's Shop (Deanmacman)
- βTHROUGH WITH BEING COOL β DEVOβ [A Clockwork Orange footage] uploaded to YouTube by Rick Rogan
- βThrough Being Coolβ [TRON footage] uploaded to YouTube by @thescooterz
- βDevo- βThrough Being Coolβ (Homemade Music Video.)β uploaded to YouTube by Big Guyβs 45βs
- βDay 4 #danceember Through Being Cool by @clubdevoβ vertical video reel uploaded to Instagram by @jessiepayo
- Other vertical video reels uploaded to Instagram, with this soundtrack: Devo β’ Through Being Cool
Additional Info:
- π§βThe short film shows what the lyrics suggest, that DEVO equip like-minded individuals to form a local area Smart Patrol, who eliminate arrogant and ignorant thinking.
- DEVO actually expected people to do this, according to Mark and Jerry.[13]
- π§βThe phrase βthrough being coolβ may have multiple meanings β as a statement by a misunderstood[14] DEVO about increasing popularity β or as a chant for the audience to repeat.
- Phrase "Hinky Dink" popularized from being the nickname of corrupt Chicago ward boss Michael βHinky Dinkβ Kenna (who stood 5β4β). [16]
- (βHinky Dink'sβ partner in crime, βBathhouse Johnβ, wrote devolved lyrics. [17])
- This slang phrase was subsequently used throughout popular culture.[15]
References:[]
- β
- 7 inch single released September, 1982 by Virgin [ VS-450 ]
- Through Being Cool (3:11) / Race Of Doom (3:41)
- β
- 7 inch single released March, 1982 by WB [ WBS-50048 ]
- Through Being Cool (Dance Velocity) (3:08) / Going Under (Dance Velocity) (3:20)
- β
- π₯ ββ1
- β
- π₯ ββ2
- β
- π₯ββDuring the "Taarna" segment (animated by Howard Chaykin) in the film Heavy Metal, an edit of the album version is used as background music, played by a four-piece bar band.
- (One member of that band looks similar to Booji Boy.)
- In a fan-edit of the scene, the full song plays under repeated animation:
- "Heavy Metal - We're Through Being Cool : DEVO" uploaded to YouTube by @Hammy Technoid
- β
- Choreographer Kenny Ortega worked on the (pre-)production:
- β...I was directing and choreographing videos and tours for the Tubes, Kiss, Fleetwood Mac, Elton, DEVO, Madonna, Michael Jackson and many others.β
- - Kenny Ortega (2008)
- Choreographer Kenny Ortega worked on the (pre-)production:
- βAbout The Productionβ, Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best Of Both Worlds Concert (2008): 11
- π₯ ββGerald V. Casale. "Devo: a video history". Optic Music. (1984, August).
- βββ...We were shooting three songs in a single weekβs production time. βThrough Being Coolβ was the most complex and suffered from βideas bigger than your budgetβ syndrome.
- ββIt was to be a devolved dance piece mutated from a West Side Story scene mixed with a Mousketeerβs version of A Clockwork Orange. DEVO expedites the action dispensing the gear (plastic pomp hairpieces, t-shirts, action vests and spudguns) from Club DEVO to the new traditionalist youths.
- ββThey dance their way through keyed cityscape backgrounds matched to the action and joyfully eliminate βninnies and twitsβ with roto-scoped rays shot from spudguns.
- An absentee choreographer and a ticking clock forced me to attempt most of the choreography myself while being closely scrutinized by three or four sets of parents watching their budding stars and starlets βeliminatingβ a middle-aged couple in a 1981 Cadillac Seville. That scene alone required four layers of keys to make it work...β - Jerry (1984)
- β
- The footwork of Paul βCool Pocketsβ Guzman-Sanchez in Through Being Cool was the first breaking in a music video:
- Thomas Guzman-Sanchez. Underground Dance Masters: Final History Of A Forgotten Era (2012): 78
- After Paul [βCool Pocketsβ Guzman-Sanchez] was featured in Rod Stewartβs Young Turksβwhich was the first time Popping, Funk Boogaloo, and Arm Waves were used in a music videoβhe continued on to perform in Devoβs Weβre Through Being Cool (1981). This video featured Paul doing B-boy footwork, which was the first time B-boying was ever done in a music video.
- β
- π₯ ββRestored video posted to DEVOvision in September, 2025, with a stereo soundtrack:
- Announcements β
- βComing Monday: Through Being Cool in fully restored high-res.β
- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7NhoiB3omYI
- https://www.facebook.com/ClubDEVO/videos/coming-monday-through-being-cool-in-fully-restored-high-res/1794186204565193/
- https://x.com/DEVO/status/1964055904203981052
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOO7hN6DKlZ/
- https://www.tiktok.com/@clubdevo/video/7546697897962671374
- Announcements β
- An βup-res of the video masterβ; the βoriginal materials are all lost.β [1]
- π₯ ββRestored video posted to DEVOvision in September, 2025, with a stereo soundtrack:
- β
- π₯β"Through Being Cool" commentary track, The Complete Truth About De-Evolution
- β
- π₯βClub DEVO is shown having a merchandise warehouse, a check in / distribution window, a locker room, and a large room suitable for recreation, equipped with a 2x4 railing staircase, wooden pallets, and metal 50 gallon drums.
- β
- π₯ ββ"Devo - [Live in Denver '81] - Through Being Cool". Uploaded to YouTube by electronictomato.
- (From a Colorado PBS TV show produced by Michael Drumm.)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UapVSWdOk2E
- (This live video with the live album track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ0k9XuNFcE)
- π₯ ββ"Devo - [Live in Denver '81] - Through Being Cool". Uploaded to YouTube by electronictomato.
- β
- π₯ ββ"Devo - I Saw Jesus/Through Being Cool (Live on Fridays 1981) {HIGH QUALITY}". Uploaded to YouTube by Violet Skowronski.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6ayq0NTMgE- (From Fridays, episode 40.) Available from SHOUT! Factory.
https://shoutfactory.com/products/the-best-of-fridays
- (From Fridays, episode 40.) Available from SHOUT! Factory.
- π₯ ββ"Devo - I Saw Jesus/Through Being Cool (Live on Fridays 1981) {HIGH QUALITY}". Uploaded to YouTube by Violet Skowronski.
- β
- π₯βStated by DEVO in interviews, in the books DEVO: The Brand / DEVO: Unmasked, and in other missives:
- π₯β
- βWe still donβt have our DEVO re-education program on TV, and we still donβt have DEVO Smart Patrol clubs in every major city. We still donβt have the DEVO recombinant DNA lab where people can come and consciously choose mutations. We still have a few things to accomplishβ
- ββWeβve devolved, and I think thatβs for the better,β Mark said. βWeβre a little closer to the planet...β
- P.F. Dumanis. βDevolving Rapidlyβ, College Monthly [Boston University] (1988, December)
- π₯
- Learn the handshake.
- Practice the salute.
- Lead a meeting.
- Prepare to take your place in the ongoing battle to place every spud in his destined place in time.
- Are you getting the message?
- β
- π₯βDEVO say they have been misunderstood:
- βDevo's Mark Mothersbaugh & Gerald Casale talk new documentaryβ uploaded to YouTube by @Lyndsanity! with Lyndsey Parker
- (Quote begins at 3:36)
- βDevo's Mark Mothersbaugh & Gerald Casale talk new documentaryβ uploaded to YouTube by @Lyndsanity! with Lyndsey Parker
- β
- π₯βThe slang phrase "Hinky Dink" was popularized by Michael βHinky Dinkβ Kenna, and subsequently used throughout popular culture:
- Name of a "midget monkey" in Skerbeck's Great One-Ring Railroad Show, circa 1904. [2]
- (Who may have been a person of short stature [3][4])
- A character card in a 1920βs & β30βs βOld Maidβ game by Whitman Publishing Co., from Chicago.
- βHinky Dinkyβ was the name a regional grocery store chain founded in 1925. [7]
- Used in a variation of a popular songβs lyrics, beginning in the 1920βs. [8]
- An Illinois fraternal organization:
- Associated with pubs and alcohol,[9] because of Kenna's infamous Chinatown bar.
- A bar that opened in 1934 in Oakland, CA, and renamed Trader Vicβs Trader Vicβs] in 1937. [10]
- Associated with children's entertainment:
- βThe Hinky-Dinksβ was a 1950βs children's TV program in Akron, Ohio:
- Aired daily at 5:00pm, from December, 1953, through December 1955:
Links:[]
- Through Being Coolβ(7" Single)(Master Release) -- Discogs
- "Through Being Cool b/w Race Of Doom"β(Virgin Single) -- 45cat
- "Jerkin' Back'N' Forth (Saltando adelante y atrΓ‘s) b/w Through Being Cool"β(Virgin Promo Single, Spain) -- Devo-Obsesso
- Through Being Coolβ(Releases) Album Version - (US/UK)(Japan), β―βLive Version -- MusicBrainz
- Through Being Coolβ(Overview) -- AllMusic
- New Traditionalists: Singles -- Wikipedia