What Is Hip?

The overall theme of the song dives deep into the idea of "hipness" and what it really means. It questions whether being trendy, having the right look, or knowing the right people truly defines someone as hip. The lyrics suggest that being hip isn't just about appearances or social circles; it’s about a deeper understanding that changes over time. As the song unfolds, it hints at the challenge of staying relevant in a world where what's cool today can quickly become outdated tomorrow.

Verse 1

So you wanna jump out yo trick bag,
Ease on into a hip bag.
But you ain't just exactly sure what's hip.
So you start to let your hair grow.

This verse sets the stage for the struggle of trying to be hip. The "trick bag" suggests a past self that may have been more artificial or gimmicky. The transition to the "hip bag" represents an attempt to embrace a more authentic identity. But the speaker acknowledges uncertainty about what being hip really means. The mention of growing hair hints at a desire to fit into a certain image, showing that the journey to being hip is not straightforward.

Chorus

What is hip? Tell me tell me, if you think ya know.
What is hip? And if you're really hip, the passing years will show,
You into a hip trip, maybe hipper than hip.
But what is hip?

The chorus drives home the central question of the song: "What is hip?" It invites listeners to reflect on their own understanding of hipness. The repetition emphasizes the confusion and yearning for clarity. The line about the passing years speaks to the idea that true hipness evolves; it’s not just a momentary trend but something that should stand the test of time.

Verse 2

So you became part of the new breed.
Been smoking only the best weed.
Hanging out with so-called hippest set.
Been seen in all the right places,

Here, the lyrics illustrate the attempts to fit in with a so-called "new breed" of hip people. The mention of smoking the best weed and associating with the "hippest set" reflects the typical markers of hip culture. However, it suggests a superficiality, as if these actions alone don't truly capture what being hip is about. It hints that just being in the right spots isn’t enough; there’s a deeper essence of hipness that’s missing.

Chorus

What is hip? Tell me tell me if you think you know.
What is hip? And if you're really hip, the passing years would show,
You into a hip trip, maybe hipper than hip.
What is hip?

The second chorus repeats the questions, reinforcing the theme of uncertainty. It maintains the same vibe as the first, but now it feels more urgent. The listener is left pondering what hipness really means as they reflect on their own experiences and the fleeting nature of trends.

Bridge

Hipness is
What it is!
Hipness is
What it is!
Hipness is
What it is!
Sometimes hipness is what it ain't!

In the bridge, the repetition of "Hipness is what it is!" brings a strong sense of assertion, as if to say that hipness is an undeniable truth. But the final line adds a twist: sometimes, it’s about what it’s not. This contradiction captures the complexity of being hip, it's not just a simple label, but something that can shift and change, making it harder to define.

Outro

You done went and found you a guru,
In an effort to find you a new you.
And maybe even managed to raise your conscience level.
As you're striving to find the right road,
There's one thing you should know:
What's hip today might become passe'.

The outro wraps up the song by introducing the idea of searching for deeper meaning, perhaps through a guru. It suggests that people often look for guidance to navigate their identity. However, the caution that what's hip today might become old news tomorrow serves as a reminder of the transitory nature of trends. This highlights the futility of chasing hipness without a strong personal foundation.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, "What Is Hip?" is a fun yet thought-provoking exploration of identity and trends. The song captures the essence of trying to fit in while also hinting at the deeper truths behind what it means to be hip. It encourages listeners to think critically about their own understanding of coolness, reminding us that true hipness is about more than just appearances; it’s a journey that requires self-awareness and authenticity.