Ylvis, The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?) | Wacky Wednesday

In the 16th edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique song, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” performed by Ylvis.

Do you know what day it is? It is Wednesday, folks! Do you know what that means? Why, it is Wacky Wednesday! In the spirited column Wacky Wednesday, we analyze, break down, and explore songs from various musicians of various genres that can be considered unique, unusual, or ‘wacky.’  These songs can be new or old; the only requirement is that they ‘catch the ears’ because of their distinctiveness.  So, with the background established, in the 16^th edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique song, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” performed by Ylvis. Wacky Wednesday vibes commence!

Five words: What does the fox say? Oh, snap! In 2013, Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis (brothers Bård Ylvisåker and Vegard Ylvisåker) unveiled a viral song for the ages with “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)”.  Comedic, funny, and irreverent, “What Does the Fox Say?” gained steam because it is infectious to the nth degree.  Corny? Yes. Catchy? Yes.  Irresistible? 100% yes! Ylvis composed this novel, wacky dance-pop cut with producers M4sonic and Stargate (Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel Storleer Eriksen). The single, which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, was certified gold by the RIAA.

So, what makes “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” so special? The musical backdrop is sweet, helping to fuel Ylvis’ fire.  The sound is characteristic of dance-pop and electro-pop with its keys, synths, and programming.  As, if not more intriguing, are the lyrics, sung by both Bård and Vegard.  In the first verse and pre-chorus, Bård teaches us about the sounds that various animals make. “Dog goes ‘woof’, cat goes ‘meow,’” he sings, adding, “Ducks say ‘quack’ and fish go ‘blub’ / And the seal goes ‘ow ow ow.’” Word.  But, this song is about only one animal, in all of its glory – the fox! In both choruses, the fox makes some unusual sounds:

“Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!

… Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!

…Jacha-chacha-chacha-chow!

Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!

What does the fox say?”

Yeah, I’m speechless . In the second verse, Vegard describes the fox in all of its glory: “Big blue eyes, pointy noise / Chasing mice and digging holes / Tiny paws up the hill / Suddenly you’re standing still.” In the bridge, which is more legato, the bros continue to characterize this mysterious animal: “What is your sound? Will we ever know? / Will always be a mystery / What do you say?” Unusual, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” is a classic from the 2010s.  It is a novel song that never grows old.  Did you know that there is a children’s book as well?

Ylvis // “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” // Urheim / 45^th & 3rd Music LLC / Warner Music Norway AS// 2013

Ylvis, The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?): Wacky Wednesday No. 16 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Urheim / 45^th & 3rd Music LLC / Warner Music Norway AS; Rich The Barber Font from Font Space; Wendel Natan from Pexels; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]