In September 2013, a bizarre electronic track released by a Norwegian comedy duo took the internet by storm, confounding music critics and captivating hundreds of millions of viewers. "The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)" by Ylvis wasn't supposed to be a global phenomenon. It was created as a promotional sketch for the third season of their television talk show, I kveld med YLS. Yet, it shattered expectations, rewriting the rules of viral media and pop music charts alike.
If you're wondering how two Norwegian comedians accidentally engineered one of the most polarizing internet sensations of the decade, the answer lies in a mix of high-production EDM, absurdity, and precise comedic timing. Let's look past the viral noise to understand how the track came together, why it resonated, and what real sounds foxes actually make.
The Origin Story: How Ylvis Built the Track
Vegard and Bård Ylvisåker didn't set out to write a Billboard hit. As Norwegian comedians and musicians, they routinely produced musical sketches for their show. For their 2013 season premiere, they wanted a music video that parodied the formulaic nature of American electronic dance music production.
They partnered with Stargate, the renowned Norwegian production duo behind hits for Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Katy Perry. Stargate provided a pristine, hard-hitting club beat that sounded indistinguishable from top-40 radio tracks at the time. The comedic contrast came from the lyrics, which transition from mundane animal noises like dogs and cats to increasingly unhinged phonetic syllables attributed to foxes.
The production cost and studio muscle lent the song a strange credibility. Listeners weren't sure whether to laugh at the joke or dance to the drop. That ambiguity is precisely what fueled its rapid ascent across platforms like YouTube.
Why the Viral Explosion Surpassed All Expectations
Most comedy songs have a short shelf life. They rely on a single punchline that wears thin after a few listens. "The Fox" defied this pattern through sheer audio-visual execution.
First, the music video featured high-end cinematography, stylized choreography, and surreal animal costumes that mirrored luxury pop videos of the era. Second, the hook leaned heavily on internet meme culture before memes dominated mainstream media entirely. The phrase "Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding" functioned as an earworm that stuck in listeners' heads regardless of language barriers.
By late 2013, the song climbed to number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, a rare feat for a novelty comedy track originating in Scandinavia. It proved that audiences were hungry for self-aware, absurd entertainment that didn't take itself too seriously. You can explore more about how the track charted globally through historical archives on Billboard.
What Sounds Do Real Foxes Actually Make?
The central premise of the song asks a legitimate biological question: what sound does a real fox make? While Ylvis suggested comical noises like "wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow," real wildlife biology offers a much stranger reality.
Red foxes possess a surprisingly diverse vocal repertoire, producing over 40 distinct sounds depending on context.
- The Vixen Scream: A blood-curdling, human-sounding shriek most commonly heard during the winter mating season. It often startles campers who mistake it for a person in distress.
- Gekkering: A series of stuttering, chattering barks used during territorial disputes or aggressive encounters with other foxes.
- Alarm Barks: Short, sharp yaps used to warn kits of danger or signal presence to intruders.
- Whining and Purring: Softer contact calls used between mothers and their kits, similar to domestic dogs and cats.
Real foxes don't say "ger-ger-ger-ding," but their actual calls are often far more eerie than anything a comedy writer could invent.
Common Misconceptions About the Song
Many casual listeners misunderstood the intent behind the track, leading to several persistent myths over the years.
- Myth: Ylvis expected the song to become a global chart-topping hit. Fact: The duo genuinely believed it would remain a local television segment in Norway and were caught entirely off guard by international attention.
- Myth: Stargate produced the track as a serious professional single. Fact: Stargate collaborated with the brothers as a favor and a creative outlet, treating the project as a lighthearted break from mainstream pop production.
- Myth: The song ruined the brothers' careers in Norway. Fact: Ylvis remained a prominent fixture in Norwegian entertainment, continuing to host television projects, stage shows, and musical acts long after the viral wave subsided.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was "The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)" released?
The song was released digitally and premiered on YouTube on September 3, 2013. It reached viral status within days, accumulating millions of views before the end of the month.
Are Vegard and Bård Ylvisåker professional musicians?
While they are primarily known as comedians, hosts, and actors in Norway, both brothers possess formal musical training, playing multiple instruments and incorporating live music into their comedy acts for decades.
Did Ylvis release other viral songs after this?
Yes, they released several follow-up musical sketches, including "Stonehenge," "Jan Egeland," and "Trucker's Hitch," though none matched the runaway global explosion of "The Fox."
Why did Stargate agree to produce the song?
Stargate grew up in the same region of Norway as the Ylvis brothers and maintained a friendly relationship with them, stepping in to craft the electronic beat as a collaborative joke.
