The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?) – Ylvis

In 2013, the Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis took the world by storm with their whimsical and unforgettable single, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?).” The song, characterized by its playful lyrics and eccentric music video, became an international phenomenon, capturing the imaginations of audiences worldwide. This article delves into the creation, impact, and cultural significance of “The Fox,” examining how a quirky concept turned into a viral sensation.

The Creation and Production

“The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” was released on September 3, 2013, as part of Ylvis’s promotional campaign for their talk show “I kveld med Ylvis.” Comprising brothers Bård and Vegard Ylvisåker, Ylvis is known for their inventive and humorous approach to music and entertainment. The song was produced by the duo alongside Norwegian producer Magne Furuholmen, best known for his work with the band a-ha.

Musically, “The Fox” is a blend of electronic dance music (EDM) and pop, featuring an infectious beat and upbeat tempo that complement its humorous lyrics. The track’s production is marked by a catchy synth line and a driving bass rhythm, creating a danceable and engaging sound that enhances the song’s appeal. The use of auto-tune and vocal effects adds to the song’s playful and exaggerated tone, contributing to its overall comedic effect.

The Lyrics and Concept

The lyrics of “The Fox” are a central element of its appeal, combining absurdity with a catchy chorus. The song humorously explores the sounds made by various animals, culminating in the central question: “What does the fox say?” This question is answered with a series of nonsensical and imaginative sounds, including “Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!” and “Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!”

The concept of the song plays with the idea of animals having their own distinct, yet imaginary, vocalizations. By focusing on the fox, an animal with less commonly known sounds compared to others, Ylvis creates a humorous twist on the nature of animal communication. The repetition of the chorus and the playful nature of the lyrics make the song both memorable and entertaining.

The Music Video

The official music video for “The Fox” further amplifies the song’s comedic and surreal qualities. Directed by Ole Chr. Madsen, the video features Ylvis dressed in elaborate animal costumes, including a fox, and showcases a series of bizarre and humorous scenes.

The video opens with a visually striking forest setting, where the duo and a group of dancers perform choreographed routines. The use of bright colors, eccentric costumes, and exaggerated dance moves adds to the whimsical nature of the video. The forest scenes are interspersed with shots of Ylvis in futuristic, glowing outfits, further enhancing the video’s surreal and comedic elements.

One of the key visual motifs in the video is the use of animal masks and costumes. These costumes, including the iconic fox suit, contribute to the playful and absurd tone of the video. The exaggerated movements and expressions of the performers add to the humor, making the video a visual feast that complements the song’s quirky lyrics.

Viral Success and Cultural Impact

“The Fox” quickly became a viral sensation upon its release, garnering widespread attention and acclaim on social media platforms and video-sharing sites. The song’s catchy chorus and humorous concept resonated with audiences, leading to numerous parodies, covers, and remixes. The music video’s unique and visually striking elements also contributed to its viral success, with the video amassing millions of views on YouTube.

The song’s popularity was further fueled by its presence on various international music charts. “The Fox” reached the top 10 in several countries, including Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The song’s success in the charts highlighted its broad appeal and the effectiveness of its viral marketing.

“The Fox” also became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a range of merchandise, including T-shirts and plush toys featuring the song’s signature fox design. The song’s impact extended beyond the music industry, influencing popular culture and becoming a reference point in discussions about viral content and internet trends.

Legacy and Influence

The success of “The Fox” solidified Ylvis’s position as a prominent act in the world of comedy and music. The song’s viral success demonstrated the potential of digital platforms for launching unconventional and humorous content into mainstream success. Ylvis’s approach to music and comedy, characterized by their playful and inventive style, has influenced subsequent artists and content creators in the genre.

In addition to its impact on popular culture, “The Fox” has been analyzed for its role in the evolving landscape of viral music. The song’s ability to capture the imagination of a global audience and generate widespread discussion underscores the power of creative and humorous content in the digital age.

Conclusion

“The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” by Ylvis remains a notable example of how creativity and humor can combine to create a viral hit. The song’s catchy melody, playful lyrics, and eccentric music video contributed to its widespread success and lasting impact. Through its inventive concept and memorable presentation, Ylvis managed to capture the zeitgeist of the early 2010s, leaving a lasting mark on the world of viral music.

Dog goes “woof”, cat goes “meow”
Bird goes “tweet” and mouse goes “squeak”
Cow goes “moo”, frog goes “croak”
And the elephant goes “toot”

Ducks say “quack” and fish go “blub”
And the seal goes “ow ow ow”
But there’s one sound that no one knows

What does the fox say?
“Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!
Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!
Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!”
What the fox say?
“Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!
Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!
Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!”
What the fox say?
“Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho!
Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho!
Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho!”
What the fox say?
“Joff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!
Tchoff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!
Joff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!”
What the fox say?

Big blue eyes, pointy nose
Chasing mice and digging holes
Tiny paws up the hill
Suddenly you’re standing still

Your fur is red, so beautiful
Like an angel in disguise
But if you meet a friendly horse
Will you communicate by
Mo-o-o-o-orse?
Mo-o-o-o-orse?
Mo-o-o-o-orse?
How will you speak to that
Ho-o-o-o-orse?
Ho-o-o-o-orse?
Ho-o-o-o-orse?

What does the fox say?
“Jacha-chacha-chacha-chow!
Chacha-chacha-chacha-chow!
Chacha-chacha-chacha-chow!”
What the fox say?
“Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!
Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!
Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!”
What the fox say?
“A-hee-ahee ha-hee!
A-hee-ahee ha-hee!
A-hee-ahee ha-hee!”
What the fox say?
“A-oo-oo-oo-ooo! Woo-oo-oo-ooo!”
What does the fox say?

The secret of the fox, ancient mystery
Somewhere deep in the woods
I know you’re hiding
What is your sound? Will we ever know?
Will always be a mystery
What do you say?

You’re my guardian angel hiding in the woods
What is your sound?
(Wa-wa-way-do Wub-wid-bid-dum-way-do Wa-wa-way-do)
Will we ever know?
(Bay-budabud-dum-bam)
I want to
(Mama-dum-day-do)
I want to, I want to know!
(Abay-ba-da bum-bum bay-do la)