# 80s One-Hit Wonder Lyrics

> Three 1980 songs every 80s kid remembers.
- Title: 80s One-Hit Wonder Lyrics · American Songwriter | Shortify
- Summary: Three 1980 songs every 80s kid remembers. Three 1980 one-hit wonder songs with lyrics that 80s kids still recall.
- Keywords: 1980, one-hit wonders, pop music, devo, the vapors, robbie dupree, yacht rock, music, culture, 80s, One-Hit, Wonder
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/3-one-hit-wonder-lyrics-from-1980-that-every-80s-kid-remembers
- Author: Kat Caudill
- Published: 2026-10-23T23:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: 1980, one-hit wonders, pop music, devo, the vapors, robbie dupree, yacht rock, music, culture
## Whip It by Devo
Jerry Casale wrote 'Whip It' after reading Thomas Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow.

> When a problem comes along, you must whip it / Before the cream sets out too long, you must whip it.
## Turning Japanese by The Vapors
David Fenton said the song wasn't meant to be Japanese slander.

> You got me turning up and turning down / I'm turning in, I'm turning 'round / I'm turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese.
## Steal Away by Robbie Dupree
Robbie Dupree described 'Steal Away' as a simple yacht rock song.

> Why don't we steal away Why don't we steal away Into the night I know it ain't right.
## Key takeaway

Three 1980 one-hit wonder songs with lyrics that 80s kids still recall.