Introduction
In 2013, Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis released their viral hit single “What Does the Fox Say?,” which quickly became one of the most popular songs of the year. The accompanying music video was just as successful, garnering over 830 million views on YouTube and becoming an international phenomenon. In this article, we explore the music video for “What Does the Fox Say,” analyzing its visuals, effects, and themes, as well as examining its commercial success and cultural impact.
An Analysis of the Music Video for “What Does the Fox Say?”
The music video for “What Does the Fox Say?” begins with Ylvis’ two brothers standing in a forest, discussing the question posed by the title of the song. As they continue to converse, they are joined by a fox, who is revealed to be the source of the strange animal noises heard throughout the song. The rest of the video follows the brothers as they visit various locations around Norway, interacting with a variety of animals and finding out what sounds they make.
Visually, the music video is captivating and full of vibrant colors. Throughout the video, a variety of special effects are used to create surreal scenes, such as when the brothers travel through time and space or when they enter a magical world filled with giant animals. These effects help to emphasize the humorous, lighthearted tone of the video.
The music video also contains several themes and symbols that reflect the message of the song. One such symbol is the fox, which represents mystery and curiosity. The brothers’ interactions with the various animals also symbolize the idea of asking questions and seeking answers, while their journey throughout Norway highlights the importance of exploration and discovery.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Making of the “What Does the Fox Say” Music Video
The making of the “What Does the Fox Say” music video was a collaborative effort between Ylvis and several other creative minds. The concept was developed by Ylvis and director Ole Martin Hafsmo, who then worked together with cinematographer Johan Bååth to bring the vision to life. In addition, the production was supported by a team of producers, editors, and costume designers.
Filming the music video presented a number of challenges, from dealing with unpredictable weather conditions to keeping the animals under control. However, the team managed to overcome these obstacles with innovative techniques, such as using drones to capture aerial shots and employing a variety of visual effects to enhance certain scenes.
Exploring the Lyrics and Meaning of “What Does the Fox Say”
The lyrics of “What Does the Fox Say?” are relatively simple, but they contain a deeper meaning. The song is essentially about questioning the unknown and searching for answers, as evidenced by lines like “What does the fox say?/ Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding” and “Does the fish go blub?/ Blub-blub-blub-blub-blub-blub.” By asking these questions, the song encourages listeners to explore their own curiosity and discover new things.
Interpretations of the song’s message vary, with some viewing it as an example of absurdist humor and others believing it to be a commentary on modern society. However, regardless of how it is interpreted, the song is ultimately about embracing one’s inquisitiveness and not being afraid to seek answers.
The Cultural Impact of “What Does the Fox Say”
Since its release in 2013, “What Does the Fox Say?” has had a significant impact on popular culture. The music video became an instant sensation, racking up millions of views within days of its debut and inspiring countless parodies and spin-offs. The song even earned Ylvis a nomination for Best Norwegian Act at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards.
The response from critics was generally positive, with many praising the song’s catchy hook and clever use of visuals. Additionally, the song spawned a number of memes and became a staple of social media, leading some to dub it the “anthem of the internet.”
A Comparison of the Song and Music Video for “What Does the Fox Say”
Although the song and music video for “What Does the Fox Say?” share many similarities, there are also some distinct differences between them. For instance, the song is more focused on the chorus and hook, whereas the music video emphasizes the verses and narrative. Additionally, the video features a variety of visual effects and symbols that are absent from the song.
At the same time, both versions of the song contain the same core message, which is to embrace one’s curiosity and ask questions. This is highlighted in the chorus of the song, which repeats the line “What does the fox say?” and serves as a reminder to never stop exploring and learning.
Examining the Success of “What Does the Fox Say”
One of the reasons why “What Does the Fox Say?” was so successful is due to its catchy hook and quirky visuals. The song’s memorable chorus and humorous lyrics made it easy to remember, while the music video’s special effects and animals helped to draw in viewers. Additionally, the song was heavily promoted by Ylvis, who frequently performed it on talk shows and other events.
Commercially, the song was a massive success, reaching the top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and selling over 5 million copies worldwide. It also peaked at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and won the Spellemannprisen award for best hit of the year in 2013.
How “What Does the Fox Say” Changed Pop Culture
The massive popularity of “What Does the Fox Say?” had a lasting effect on pop culture. The song and music video inspired a wave of similar videos featuring animals and visual effects, as well as a number of television shows and movies. Additionally, the song led to a surge in the use of social media, with fans sharing memes and parodies of the song across various platforms.
On a broader level, the song and video helped to redefine the music video genre, showing that it could be used to tell a story and convey a message. It also demonstrated the power of the internet, proving that a song could become a global sensation without any traditional marketing or promotion.
Conclusion
Ylvis’ “What Does the Fox Say?” is without a doubt one of the most iconic songs and music videos of the past decade. Its infectious hook, humorous lyrics, and vivid visuals made it an instant classic, while its exploration of curiosity and discovery resonated with audiences around the world. More importantly, the song and video changed the way people think about music videos, setting a new standard for creativity and innovation.
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