Have you ever heard the quirky and hilarious song “What Does the Fox Say” by Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis? It quickly went viral, leaving listeners wondering: What exactly does the fox say? The song’s catchy tune and absurd lyrics sparked a lot of curiosity about the mysterious sounds that animals make—and, of course, about the fox in particular.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the cultural impact of the song, break down the fun and confusion behind the question, and try to uncover the answer to the question: What does the fox say?
The Song That Took the World by Storm
Released in 2013, “What Does the Fox Say” was created by Ylvis, a comedic musical duo known for their hilarious take on everyday questions. The song features a whimsical premise: asking what sound a fox makes, with a mix of silly and imaginative animal noises and nonsensical words in response.
Despite being somewhat tongue-in-cheek, the song gained widespread popularity, becoming a viral hit and even making its way to the top of music charts worldwide. The absurdity of the song’s lyrics and the infectious beat had everyone singing along, and it became a staple of internet culture.
The “Fox Sound”: What Are They Saying?
So, what does the fox say, according to the song? The chorus provides an array of playful and nonsensical sounds meant to represent the fox’s vocalizations. These include phrases like:
- “Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringedingeding!”
- “Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!”
- “Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho!”
The song’s lyrics don’t aim to be scientifically accurate but are meant to be funny and over-the-top, focusing on the idea that foxes have mysterious and strange ways of communicating. The random and repetitive sounds add to the charm and absurdity of the song, capturing the attention of listeners around the world.
While it may not offer a real answer, the song playfully imagines that the fox has a sound unique to itself, one that no one knows—hence the whimsical “What Does the Fox Say” question.
The Real Answer: What Sound Do Foxes Actually Make?
While the song provides a humorous and creative answer, the real answer lies in nature. Foxes actually do have a range of vocalizations, though they might not be as fantastical as the song suggests.
- Vixen’s Call: Female foxes, or vixens, produce a high-pitched, sharp scream, especially during the mating season.
- Barks and Howls: Foxes can bark like a small dog, often as a way to communicate with other foxes. Their bark can sometimes sound like a “waap” or a “yip.”
- Gekkering: This is a sound made when foxes are in a tense or confrontational situation, often resembling a chattering or rapid clucking noise.
- Scream or Yell: Foxes can also emit a scream that sounds eerily like a human scream, often used to mark territory or in distress.
These sounds are much less whimsical and more practical than what Ylvis suggests in the song, but they still contribute to the mysterious and often elusive nature of the fox.
Why Did “What Does the Fox Say” Go Viral?
So why did a song about a fox’s mysterious sound become such a cultural phenomenon? The appeal of “What Does the Fox Say” lies in its comedic and absurd nature. It taps into the universal curiosity about animals, while also poking fun at the way we often anthropomorphize creatures and wonder about their behavior.
The playful, catchy beat, mixed with bizarre and humorous lyrics, created a perfect recipe for a viral hit. The song also capitalized on the internet’s love for memes, making it a key part of online culture at the time. The song’s success also reflects a growing trend of internet-driven music and viral content, where humor, unpredictability, and quirkiness capture widespread attention.
The Fox’s Mysterious Sound
In conclusion, while the fox’s real sound is more grounded in nature, the song “What Does the Fox Say” by Ylvis is an incredibly fun and quirky take on the question. The song imagines the fox as having a mysterious and incomprehensible sound, and its viral popularity proves that sometimes, it’s the unexpected and nonsensical that can captivate audiences.
So, while we may never truly know exactly what a fox says in the way Ylvis imagines, we can always enjoy the creative, humorous take on the mystery of animal sounds. And, who knows? Maybe the next time someone asks, “What does the fox say?” you’ll have the perfect response—whether it’s the actual sounds or the catchy chorus from the song!