This article presents a compilation of 20 funny meme songs that have taken the internet by storm and become viral sensations. Memes and catchy tunes seem to have an inseparable relationship, and these songs have certainly made their mark on popular culture. From Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” to PSY’s “Gangnam Style,” Imogen Heap’s “Hide and Seek” to The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside,” these songs have been at the center of countless memes, parodies, and viral videos, spreading laughter and amusement worldwide. The list also includes other iconic songs like Nickelback’s “Photograph,” Drake’s “In My Feelings,” and Idina Menzel’s “Let It Go” from the acclaimed movie Frozen. In essence, these funny meme songs demonstrate the extraordinary power of music to unite people through shared humor and an overall sense of enjoyment.
1. Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley
Origin and Background
“Never Gonna Give You Up” is a song by British singer Rick Astley, released in 1987 as the lead single from his debut album. The song has a catchy melody and uplifting lyrics about loyalty and commitment in a relationship. Although it achieved moderate success at the time of its release, it gained a new wave of popularity years later thanks to the internet.
Viral Sensation
In the early 2000s, the song became the subject of an internet phenomenon known as “Rickrolling.” Rickrolling involves tricking someone into clicking a link that leads to the music video for “Never Gonna Give You Up” instead of the expected content. This unexpected and humorous use of the song quickly spread across various online communities, making it a viral sensation.
Meme Usage
“Never Gonna Give You Up” has been widely used in meme culture and has become synonymous with internet pranks and hidden surprises. It has been incorporated into videos, games, and even official advertisements, further cementing its status as a meme. The song’s popularity in memes showcases its ability to bring laughter and amusement to people across different online platforms.
2. Gangnam Style by PSY
Introduction and Popularity
“Gangnam Style,” released by South Korean artist PSY in 2012, took the world by storm with its infectious beat and quirky dance moves. The song’s success can be attributed to its catchy melody, energetic performance, and memorable music video. It quickly gained popularity not only in South Korea but also around the globe, becoming the first YouTube video to reach one billion views.
Global Phenomenon
“Gangnam Style” became a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique blend of K-pop and humor. The song’s success transcended language barriers, allowing people from different cultures and backgrounds to enjoy and participate in the trend. PSY’s eccentric dance moves and distinctive style became iconic, and the song became a symbol of global pop culture.
Meme Impact
The catchy tune and distinctive dance moves of “Gangnam Style” made it a prime candidate for internet memes. Countless parodies and remixes flooded the internet, with people recreating the dance and adding their own humorous twists. “Gangnam Style” memes brought joy and entertainment to online communities, further solidifying its place in meme culture.
3. Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap
Introduction and Memorable Hook
“Hide and Seek” is a hauntingly beautiful song by British singer-songwriter Imogen Heap, released in 2005. The song features unique vocal layering and a memorable hook that captivated listeners. Its emotional lyrics and ethereal sound made it a favorite among fans of alternative and electronic music.
Usage in Memes and Videos
“Hide and Seek” gained significant attention in meme culture due to its distinctive hook, which features Heap’s use of vocal manipulation. This led to the creation of various remixes and parodies, showcasing the song’s versatility. Additionally, the song’s melancholic vibe made it a perfect background track for emotional and dramatic videos on platforms like YouTube.
Impact on Pop Culture
“Hide and Seek” has become an iconic song in pop culture, with its influence stretching beyond its initial release. The use of the song in memes and videos helped introduce a wider audience to Heap’s music, garnering her new fans and appreciation for her unique sound. The song’s impact on pop culture highlights the power of internet trends in shaping the trajectory of an artist’s career.
4. Mr. Brightside by The Killers
Song Overview
“Mr. Brightside” is a rock song by American band The Killers, released in 2003. It quickly became one of the band’s most popular songs, known for its infectious energy and relatable lyrics about jealousy and heartbreak. The song’s combination of catchy hooks, anthemic sound, and emotive storytelling resonated with audiences.
Memeification and Parodies
“Mr. Brightside” has been memefied in various humorous ways, with users incorporating the song into memes and parodies online. Its lyrics have been reimagined and repurposed to fit different contexts, showcasing its versatility and cultural impact. The song’s memeification has allowed it to continue finding new audiences and maintaining its relevance.
Continued Popularity
Even years after its release, “Mr. Brightside” remains a beloved song and has become an anthem for many. Its appeal extends across generations, with both older fans who experienced its original release and younger fans who discovered it through viral trends. The song’s timeless quality and relatable themes have contributed to its enduring popularity.
5. Photograph by Nickelback
Controversial Reputation
“Photograph” is a rock song by Canadian band Nickelback, released in 2005. While the song gained commercial success and reached high positions on music charts, it has also received criticism and developed a polarizing reputation. Some listeners find the song sentimental and relatable, while others consider it overly cliché or cheesy.
Meme Status and Online Mockery
“Photograph” has become a popular target for online mockery and meme culture. Its lyrics and music video have been humorously dissected and parodied, creating a wealth of amusing content across social media platforms. The song’s association with memes has led to its continued exposure and cultural relevance, both within and outside of the music community.
Unexpected Viral Fame
Despite the mixed reception, “Photograph” unexpectedly gained viral fame through the internet. Memes and parodies utilizing the song’s lyrics or video clips became widely shared, introducing a new generation of listeners to Nickelback’s music. The song’s unexpected journey from commercial hit to meme sensation showcases the ever-evolving nature of online humor.
6. In My Feelings by Drake
Birth of the Dance Challenge
“In My Feelings” is a song by Canadian rapper Drake, released in 2018. The track gained significant attention due to its catchy chorus and danceable beat. The song birthed a viral dance challenge known as the “In My Feelings Challenge” or the “Kiki Challenge,” where people filmed themselves dancing to the song alongside moving cars.
Social Media Craze
The “In My Feelings Challenge” quickly spread across social media platforms, with users from around the world participating. Celebrities, athletes, and everyday individuals alike joined in on the fun, creating a sense of community and shared experiences. The challenge’s popularity on social media brought people together through their love of music and dance.
Enduring Popularity
Even after the dance challenge subsided, “In My Feelings” remained a chart-topping hit and accumulated millions of streams worldwide. The song’s relatable lyrics and infectious melody resonated with listeners, solidifying its place in popular culture. “In My Feelings” continues to be a favorite among Drake fans and serves as a reminder of the power of viral trends in shaping music success.
7. Let It Go by Idina Menzel (from Frozen)
Disney’s Cultural Phenomenon
“Let It Go” is a song from Disney’s animated film Frozen, performed by Idina Menzel. The song’s empowering message of self-acceptance and liberation struck a chord with audiences of all ages. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon, garnering widespread praise and winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Meme Adaptations and Parodies
“Let It Go” has been parodied and adapted into various memes, primarily reflecting humor and satire surrounding the song’s overwhelming popularity. These parodies have brought a new level of humor and entertainment to the song, allowing individuals to engage with it in different ways. The song’s meme adaptations demonstrate how its impact extended beyond the film itself.
Impact on Children and Adults Alike
“Let It Go” had a profound impact on both children and adults. Its powerful message and catchy melody resonated with younger generations, inspiring confidence and self-expression. Additionally, adult fans appreciating the song’s musical composition and Menzel’s sensational vocal performance helped solidify its place as a beloved Disney anthem and a symbol of empowerment.
8. All Star by Smash Mouth
Introduction and Early Success
“All Star” is a pop rock song by American band Smash Mouth, released in 1999. The song quickly gained popularity, reaching high positions on music charts and becoming synonymous with the late 90s and early 2000s era. Its upbeat and optimistic tone, fueled by catchy guitar riffs and anthemic vocals, made it an instant hit.
Internet Meme Fame
“All Star” soared to new heights of popularity after finding its place in internet memes. The song’s infectious chorus and nostalgic quality made it a perfect soundtrack for humorous and ironic videos. The internet embraced the song, using it as a symbol of nostalgia and employing it to enhance comedic content.
Iconic Status
Despite being released over two decades ago, “All Star” has maintained its iconic status and continues to be a beloved song. It is often associated with feelings of nostalgia and has become an anthem for those who grew up during its initial release. “All Star” showcases the enduring power of music to evoke positive emotions and create lasting cultural impacts.
9. Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Funky Groove and Catchy Hooks
“Uptown Funk” is a funk-pop song by British producer Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, released in 2014. The song is characterized by its vintage sound, funky groove, and catchy hooks. Its infectious energy and timeless appeal made it an instant hit among fans of various music genres.
Meme Usage and Dance Challenges
“Uptown Funk” became a popular choice for internet memes and dance challenges. Its feel-good vibe and lively instrumentation lent themselves well to viral videos and comedic adaptations. Users on different platforms created their own dance moves and choreographies, encouraging others to participate and share their experiences.
Chart-Topping Success
“Uptown Funk” achieved incredible success commercially, reaching number one on multiple music charts worldwide and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. The song’s popularity showcased the universal appeal of its sound and solidified both Ronson and Mars as prominent figures in the music industry. “Uptown Funk” continues to be a go-to party anthem and a testament to the power of collaboration and catchy melodies.
10. Baby by Justin Bieber ft. Ludacris
Teen Heartthrob’s Breakthrough Hit
“Baby” is a pop song by Canadian singer Justin Bieber featuring Ludacris, released in 2010. The song was a breakthrough hit for Bieber, catapulting him to global stardom as a teenage heartthrob. Its catchy chorus, youthful lyrics, and playful production resonated with Bieber’s fanbase and helped him carve a place in the music industry.
Meme-Worthy Lyrics and Jokes
“Baby” became the subject of jokes and parodies due to its lyrics and Bieber’s young age at the time of its release. While the song received significant mainstream success, it also faced backlash and became a target for internet memes and online mockery. Some users remixed or rewrote the lyrics, adding humorous twists that added to the song’s cultural relevance.
Cultural Impact and Evolution
“Baby” represents a turning point in Justin Bieber’s career and the era of pop music in the early 2010s. It marked the rise of a new generation of teen idols and was accompanied by a surge in social media usage. The song’s impact can still be felt today, as it paved the way for Bieber’s continued success and evolution as an artist.
