The Story Behind “What Does the Fox Say”: A Deep Dive into the Viral Sensation
In 2013, the world was introduced to a peculiar and catchy song that took the internet by storm. “What Does the Fox Say,” created by the Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis, became an unexpected global phenomenon, racking up millions of views on YouTube and sparking countless memes and parodies. But what exactly made this quirky song so irresistibly popular? In this article, we’ll explore the story behind “What Does the Fox Say,” its cultural impact, and why it continues to captivate audiences years after its release.
The Birth of a Viral Sensation
“What Does the Fox Say” was created by brothers Vegard and Bård Ylvisåker, known professionally as Ylvis. The duo, known for their comedic music videos and talk show appearances in Norway, came up with the idea for the song while brainstorming ideas for their late-night talk show, Tonight with Ylvis.The concept was simple: explore the age-old question of what sound a fox makes. As Vegard Ylvisåker explained in an interview, “We just thought it was a very interesting question that no one had really answered before.” Little did they know that this seemingly silly idea would soon take the world by storm.The song was released on September 3, 2013, accompanied by a music video directed by Espen Ottar Gudim. The video features Ylvis dressed in elaborate animal costumes, dancing and singing about the various sounds other animals make, while pondering the mysterious call of the fox.
A Viral Phenomenon
The immediate success of “What Does the Fox Say” caught everyone by surprise, including Ylvis themselves. Within a week of its release, the video had amassed over 20 million views on YouTube, and the song quickly climbed the charts in several countries.The catchy melody, combined with the quirky lyrics and visuals, made “What Does the Fox Say” an irresistible viral hit. People of all ages were drawn to the song’s infectious energy and the challenge of figuring out the “correct” answer to the titular question.The song’s popularity was further fueled by the abundance of memes, parodies, and covers that flooded the internet. From dance routines to animal-themed remixes, “What Does the Fox Say” inspired a wave of creative interpretations that only added to its viral appeal.
The Cultural Impact
“What Does the Fox Say” transcended the boundaries of a simple novelty song and became a cultural phenomenon. Its impact was felt across various aspects of society:
- Music Industry: The song’s success challenged traditional notions of what makes a hit song. Its quirky nature and unexpected popularity proved that viral content could translate into mainstream success.
- Pop Culture: “What Does the Fox Say” became a ubiquitous presence in popular culture, with references and parodies appearing in TV shows, movies, and even political campaigns.
- Language and Communication: The song sparked discussions about animal communication and the nature of language itself. It also inspired people to explore the actual sounds that foxes make in the wild.
- Social Media: “What Does the Fox Say” thrived on social media platforms, with users sharing memes, videos, and personal interpretations of the song’s message.
The Lasting Legacy
Despite its initial viral success, “What Does the Fox Say” has managed to maintain its relevance and popularity over the years. The song continues to be referenced and parodied, and its music video remains one of the most-watched on YouTube.Ylvis, the creators of “What Does the Fox Say,” have gone on to create other successful comedy songs and videos, but none have quite matched the cultural impact of their fox-themed hit. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to bring people together through shared laughter and a sense of playful curiosity.As Bård Ylvisåker aptly put it, “The song is about asking questions and not being afraid to be a little silly.” In a world that often takes itself too seriously, “What Does the Fox Say” serves as a reminder to embrace our inner child and find joy in the simple act of asking questions and exploring the unknown.
FAQ Section
1. What is “What Does the Fox Say” about?
“What Does the Fox Say” is a comedic song that explores the age-old question of what sound a fox makes. The lyrics list the sounds made by various animals while pondering the mysterious call of the fox.
2. Who created “What Does the Fox Say”?
“What Does the Fox Say” was created by the Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis, consisting of brothers Vegard and Bård Ylvisåker.
3. When was “What Does the Fox Say” released?
“What Does the Fox Say” was released on September 3, 2013, accompanied by a music video directed by Espen Ottar Gudim.
4. Why did “What Does the Fox Say” become so popular?
The song’s catchy melody, quirky lyrics, and visually appealing music video made it an irresistible viral hit. Its ability to inspire creativity and bring people together through shared laughter contributed to its widespread popularity.
5. Does “What Does the Fox Say” have any deeper meaning or message?
While the song is primarily a comedic exploration of animal sounds, it can be interpreted as a message about embracing curiosity and not being afraid to ask questions, even if they seem silly. The song encourages people to find joy in the simple act of exploring the unknown.
Summary Table of Key Information
Characteristic | Value |
---|---|
Song Title | “What Does the Fox Say” |
Artists | Ylvis (Vegard and Bård Ylvisåker) |
Release Date | September 3, 2013 |
Music Video Director | Espen Ottar Gudim |
Genre | Comedy, Pop |
Themes | Animal sounds, curiosity, playfulness |
Cultural Impact | Viral phenomenon, references in pop culture, discussions about language and communication |
Legacy | Enduring popularity, one of the most-watched YouTube videos |
For more information on Ylvis and their work, you can refer to Wikipedia.
Conclusion
“What Does the Fox Say” is a testament to the power of creativity, curiosity, and the ability to bring people together through shared laughter. The song’s unexpected success and enduring popularity have cemented its place in popular culture, serving as a reminder to embrace our inner child and find joy in the simple act of asking questions and exploring the unknown. As Ylvis themselves have shown, sometimes the most successful ideas come from the most unexpected places, and the key to creating something truly memorable is to never be afraid to be a little silly.