Parody Me, Maybe? A Look Into Why Parodies Are So Successful

Photo courtesy of Martin Beagley via YouTube

I’m a huge Taylor Swift fan, but it seems that even Taylor doesn’t hold a candle to Carly Rae Jepsen in the world of song parodies. The 21^st century has been overcome by YouTube fanatics, and as a result, many have taken the social media outlet by storm. Popular songs are no longer just being played on the radio endlessly, or on your neighbor’s iPod; but they are being picked apart by tweens and even adults to be brought back together again with satire.

Jepsen’s song “Call Me, Maybe” seems to be the most copied and parodied song as of late. Its catchy tune and lyrics make it a great choice for singers and non-singers alike. It gets in your head, and figuring out some choreography to go with it isn’t exactly rocket science.

But I’ve also been wondering what else makes these parodies so successful. The most obvious, after enjoying several different versions, is that they are just so darn funny! Some like to switch the words with crazy lyrics and add acting or dance moves. Others prefer to play the actual song, and just give the video a change in environment while lip-synching. But the humor is a two-way street. The performers are able to laugh at their antics and gain attention from others, while those who view the parody themselves get a good source of entertainment and laughter as well. I think we found another social media win-win.

Jepsen’s song is also an example of how parodies can be a great way to say something to someone without fear of it being taken too seriously or offensively. Want Gerard Butler or Jennifer Aniston to call you? Do a parody of “Call Me, Maybe?” with their name inserted, and upload it to YouTube and maybe even Facebook. You may not have one of them actually call you, but you may just have a huge hit base on your hands instead.

Regardless of the reasons for this YouTube sensation in the 21^st century, pop culture and popular songs are, consequently, gaining more attention and momentum. Even Clemson’s College of Engineering and Science got on board with their own version. French/English double major and member of WSBF, Karen Greene, states, “I think they are really funny. I like them because it’s interesting to see how people react to music, especially with songs that are really catchy and popular. It’s sort of a way to make fun of it and praise it at the same time.”  It is fascinating to see how people react to different songs. Music is a huge part of life, and parodies are a way to explore an interest that someone has and make light of it—to enjoy it, just not so seriously.