April 23, 2024 / By Marty Kelly
The Meaning Behind The Song: Whoomp! There It Is by Tag Team
Have you ever found yourself dancing uncontrollably to the upbeat melody of Tag Team’s “Whoomp! (There It Is)”? This iconic song was a massive hit during the 1990s and continues to be played at parties and sporting events today. But do you know the real meaning behind this catchy tune?
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The Origins of “Whoomp! (There It Is)”
“Whoomp! (There It Is)” was released in 1993 by the American hip-hop duo, Tag Team, which comprised of Cecil Glenn aka DC The Brain Supreme and Steve Gibson aka Steve Roll’n. The song was an instant success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying on the chart for over 40 weeks. It went on to become the duo’s biggest hit, selling over 4 million copies.
The Lyrics of “Whoomp! (There It Is)”
The lyrics of the song are simple, repetitive but catchy. The chorus is the most memorable part of the song, with the repeated phrase “Whoomp! There it is!” The verses are devoted to different calls to action, with phrases like “To the windows, to the walls” and “Shake it, shake it, shake it” inciting listeners to dance.
The Meaning of “Whoomp! (There It Is)”
The meaning behind “Whoomp! (There It Is)” is fairly straightforward, as explained by Steve Roll’n in an interview with The Huffington Post. He said that the song was inspired by a cheer that he heard while attending college at the University of Maryland. The cheer was “Whoomp! There it is!” and Roll’n thought that it would make a great hook for a song. He then wrote the rest of the lyrics around the cheer, focusing on creating a catchy and danceable tune.
The Legacy of “Whoomp! (There It Is)”
“Whoomp! (There It Is)” has become an iconic song that is recognized around the world. It has been used in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials. The song has also been covered and remixed by other artists, keeping it fresh and relevant even after more than a quarter of a century since its release. The song’s popularity has also earned Tag Team numerous accolades, including an MTV Music Video Award and a Billboard Music Award.
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The impact of “Whoomp! (There It Is)” on Popular Culture
The song’s infectious beat and catchy hook have made it a staple at sporting events and dance parties. Its popularity can be seen in how it has been used in popular culture. For example, it has been featured in movies such as “The Goonies” and “The Mighty Ducks,” and TV shows like “The Simpsons” and “Scrubs.” It has also been used in commercials for Pepsi and Nike. The song’s influence can be felt in many other genres beyond hip hop, including pop, rock, and electronic dance music.
The Legal Battle Over “Whoomp! (There It Is)”
Despite the success of “Whoomp! (There It Is),” the song was also the subject of a legal battle. Another group, 95-South, claimed that they had written a similar song called “Whoot, There It Is!” and accused Tag Team of stealing their idea. The lawsuits dragged on for years, with both sides arguing over the similarities between the two songs. The legal battle was finally settled, with Tag Team being confirmed as the rightful creators of “Whoomp! (There It Is).”
The Takeaway
“Whoomp! (There It Is)” is an iconic song that has played a significant role in popular culture. Its catchy beat and repetitive chorus create a feel-good vibe that is hard to resist. Though the song’s lyrics may not have a deep meaning, their simplicity adds to the song’s charm. Its popularity shows no signs of declining, suggesting that whether it is nostalgic or newly discovered, “Whoomp! (There It Is)” will continue to be a hit for years to come.
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