Sometimes the Song of the Week is one that is a bit obscure, one that not everyone may know. Sometimes it is a popular song from long ago – say, back in the ’60s. This week is different. This week’s song was written in 2013, and it has been viewed on YouTube more than 600 MILLION times since then.
So, why was “What Does the Fox Say?” chosen for this honor? Because it seems that it is currently the favorite song of my grandson, Ryder, who is 2-1/2 years old. His 8-month old sister, Leila, seems to like it, too (but she doesn’t talk yet).
The song was written as a “teaser” for a Norwegian television show featuring a comedy duo called “Ylvis” (“I kveld med Ylvis – or, as we English speakers would rather say, “Tonight With Ylvis.”) and posted on YouTube, where it immediately went viral.
It really doesn’t require much explanation. The song starts by telling us that the “Dog goes ‘woof’/Cat goes ‘meow’/Bird goes ‘tweet’/ And mouse goes ‘squeak.'” Other animals sounds are noted, leading to the ultimate question which is, “What Does the Fox Say?”.
It sounds like the lyrics were stolen from a children’s book, but the book actually came later. The book was published in December of 2013, about three months after the song was released. It was an obvious marketing ploy to take advantage of the viral video, but the book is still in the Top 100 in the children’s poetry category on Amazon, and it is one of Ryder’s favorite stories.
Without any further ado, let us get to the song. “What Does the Fox Say?”
By the way, I sort of identify with the old guy sitting in the chair and reading to the child during the dance scene on the video.
Also be aware that at the very end of the video we do learn what the fox says, but everyone is too wrapped up in the song to notice.