Hip to Be Square

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the classic "Hip to Be Square" by Huey Lewis & The News from their 1986 album Fore!. This track is more than just a catchy pop-rock anthem; it’s packed with stories that make it a standout. In a 2008 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Huey Lewis shared that he originally wrote the song’s lyrics in the third person, inspired by the cultural shift described in the book Bobos in Paradise. He explained it was about '60s bohemians who cut their hair, started working out, and embraced mainstream life while keeping their eclectic tastes. Lewis later switched the lyrics to first person to heighten the humor, but this led some to misinterpret it as a straight-up ode to conformity. Who knew a song about embracing your inner square could have such a rebellious backstory?

Here’s a wild tidbit: the song features backup vocals from NFL legends Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, Dwight Clark, and Riki Ellison of the San Francisco 49ers. That’s right, pro footballers joined the band in the studio, adding a unique vibe to this hit. Released as the second single from Fore!, it climbed to number three on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its place as one of the band’s biggest songs. Its cultural footprint grew even larger thanks to its infamous use in the 2000 film American Psycho, where Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale, delivers a chilling monologue about the song before committing a gruesome act. Huey Lewis, however, has never seen the movie, as he boycotted it after a misleading press release claimed he pulled the song from the soundtrack due to the film’s violence—a claim he disputes. Posts on X still buzz about this scene, noting its 25th anniversary in 2025 as a defining moment in pop culture.

Another fun fact: Sesame Street parodied the song as “Hip to Be a Square” for an educational cartoon segment. Lewis called it “sweet” and gave the green light when the show’s team reached out. The song’s infectious energy and clever lyrics, which Lewis described as a “playful jab at society’s expectations,” have kept it relevant, popping up in covers, commercials, and TV shows over the years. It’s no wonder Zoo Freaks keep requesting this track—it’s a time capsule of '80s pop with a message about owning your quirks and finding joy in being yourself.

Now, let’s rewind to how Huey Lewis & The News got their start. Born Hugh Anthony Cregg III in New York City in 1950, Huey Lewis grew up in Marin County, California, where his love for music took root. After a rebellious youth that included hitchhiking across Europe and playing harmonica in bars, Lewis joined the Bay Area music scene in the late '70s. He was part of a band called Clover, which backed Elvis Costello on his debut album but struggled to find its own success. In 1979, Lewis merged members of Clover with another local group, Soundhole, to form Huey Lewis & The News. The lineup—featuring Johnny Colla on sax and guitar, Bill Gibson on drums, Sean Hopper on keyboards, and Chris Hayes on guitar—blended rock, R&B, and doo-wop into a sound that was both fresh and timeless.

Their early years were tough, with their 1980 self-titled debut barely making a dent. But their 1982 album Picture This scored a hit with “Do You Believe in Love,” and 1983’s Sports catapulted them to stardom with smashes like “I Want a New Drug” and “The Heart of Rock & Roll.” By the time Fore! dropped in 1986, they were pop-rock royalty, selling over 20 million albums worldwide. Despite challenges like Lewis’s 2018 diagnosis with Ménière’s disease, which forced him to retire from touring, the band’s legacy endures through their music and a 2020 album, Weather. Their commitment to “keeping it pure and honest,” as Lewis once said, has kept fans loyal for decades.

Stay connected with Huey Lewis & The News on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates and throwbacks to their glory days. Fans can also dive into the Huey Lewis and The News Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant community swapping stories, rare photos, and concert memories. For more, check out the fan-driven Huey Lewis Fan site, packed with discographies, news archives, and tributes to the band’s enduring cool. So, Zoo Freaks, crank up “Hip to Be Square” and let’s keep the vibes hip and square!