One of the deepest questions I have struggled to answer in recent memory comes from a thought-provoking music video I saw several weeks ago. The video itself provided several possible answers to the question, all of which seemed plausible, but how was I to pick between them? I know that countless people across the world have also grappled with this perplexing pregunta—that’s Spanish, by the way. Now, I must ask you, my reader, this same question: “What does the fox say?”
Between the “frakakakakakakakakow”’s and auto-tuned howls that may indeed come out of a fox’s mouth, Ylvis’ “The Fox,” is a testament to how the quality of today’s song lyrics has decreased overall. A Youtube video that came out around two weeks ago, called “Morgan Freeman Reads the Fox by Ylvis,” highlights some of the finer lyrical feats in our current music. In this video, the all-star cast of the newly-released film, Las Vegas, reads several selections from familiar songs.
Following Freeman’s monotonous reading of “The Fox,” Robert De Niro reads the bridge and chorus of Miley Cyrus’ provocative “Wrecking Ball” with only a hint of enthusiasm. As far as songs of unrequited love go, Miley’s fairly repetitive statements about being “hit so hard in love” only “hit so hard” with her listeners. Her lyrics are probably enough to make her dad cry, and don’t even get me started on the music video.
Michael Douglas, the third of the four stars, reads an equally unenthusiastic portion of Alison Gold’s “Chinese Food.” Considering that the song was written and produced by Patrice Wilson, the genius behind “Friday” and “It’s Thanksgiving,” we can only expect supreme songwriting in “Chinese Food.” Douglas’s dumbfounded facial expressions at the song’s inane subject matter say it all. But honestly, mad props to Patrice Wilson—he makes a living by fooling little rich girls into thinking they can sing and siphoning the money from their rich parents, who can never say “no” to their ever-so-talented daughters. What a businessman.
Kevin Kline delivers the final and most animated reading the Youtube video, featuring some beautiful lines from One Direction’s “Best Song Ever.” All One Direction fans who are reading this article, please cease your wailing and gnashing of teeth, and perhaps consider a new direction in musical choices. My personal gripes aside, Kline satirically reads the semi-romantic and wholly uninspired “Best Song Ever” with an excitement befitting its obviously appropriate title.
The entire video I have described encapsulates this tragedy that has overcome today’s popular music: nobody can write good lyrics. It’s terrible. Music is supposed to make you feel something, but everyone is forced to listen to nonsensical fox noises, regrets from someone who never should have left the Disney Channel, a preteen girl’s unhealthy obsession with Asian cuisine and a song about another song that the singer can’t even remember. A century down the line, people will look back on the early 2000s as a dark period in music’s history.
Do any of those ideas sound familiar to you? They’re certainly not mine. I have heard many people complain about the quality of today’s music, as if delivering an ultimatum about what qualifies as “good.” Sometimes we listen to music for inspiration or emotional appeal, but more meaningful songs like that still exist—you might just have to look a little harder. And for those who say that they don’t make music like they used to, you can still listen to all the music from years and years ago. No one is forcing you to listen to what’s popular.
The primary reason I listen to music is not for deep and reflective purposes. I, as do most people, listen to what sounds good. It’s as simple as that. I’m not a fan of One Direction, but I can understand why girls and guys alike appreciate their music, including “Best Song Ever.” Even though the lyrics aren’t particularly inspiring, it’s easy to sing along to and pretty exciting to boot. Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball,” while not the most eloquently-written song on the radio, shows a more thoughtful side to the now-rebellious star. I can’t help but obnoxiously sing along to it whenever it comes on the radio. These songs are like Episodes I-III of the “Star Wars” trilogy—they don’t tell incredible stories, but they’re still wholly entertaining to listeners and viewers, respectively.
“The Fox” is a different case, as it is intended to be a parody song. The absurd noises and bizarre subject matter for which the song has become famous for essentially parodying some of the less intelligible songs of today’s music. And whether or not you like the song, let’s face it; it is infectiously catchy. I’ll admit that I’m interested in learning all of the dance moves of the music video, too. Songs like “Chinese Food,” however, are on a separate tier of terribleness. I love fried rice, noodles and “chow m-m-m-m-mein,” too, but I would never write a song about them. I am still thankful, however, that such miserable songs come out every once in a while. We could all use something to laugh at here and there.
If someone thinks “Wrecking Ball” is a fantastic song that deserves its Top 40 spot, you’re allowed to politely disagree. Calling it a curse upon the musical world or a reflection on the downfall of music as a whole is way too much. I will certainly cede to you that quality lyrics are harder to come by, but the words are just one aspect of music, unless you’re listening to some classy instrumental jams. Listen to what you want, and try not to resent all popular music, however much of a purist you may be.
We all love music, but we don’t have to love all music.
