Ylvis is a Norwegian comedy duo made up of brothers Bård and Vegard Ylvisåker.
Originally known in Norway for their sketch comedy and variety shows, they shot to global fame in 2013 with their unexpected viral hit, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)”.
They’ve been active since the early 2000s and are praised in Norway for their clever humor, musical parodies, and TV hosting skills. Even after achieving viral success, they continued to create smart, satirical content that blends music, absurdity, and wit.
In addition to their viral fame, Ylvis has produced several seasons of the popular Norwegian talk show I kveld med Ylvis, showcasing their versatility as entertainers.
They’ve also released other musical parodies, such as “Stonehenge” and “Trucker’s Hitch,” which showcase their talent for blending sharp comedy with high production value.
About the Song
Released in 2013, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” was created as a parody music video to promote Ylvis’s Norwegian talk show I kveld med Ylvis. What started as a joke quickly became a global viral sensation, thanks to its absurdly catchy chorus and over-the-top visuals.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | September 3, 2013 |
| Album | [Single Release] – later included in Ylvis: Volume I (2014) |
| Writers | Bård Ylvisåker, Vegard Ylvisåker, Christian Løchstøer, Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel Storleer Eriksen |
| Producers | Stargate (Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel Storleer Eriksen) |
The Fox (What Does the Fox Say? Lyrics by Ylvis
[Verse 1: Bård]
Dog goes “woof”, cat goes “meow”
Bird goes “tweet” and mouse goes “squeak”
Cow goes “moo”, frog goes “croak”
And the elephant goes “toot”
[Pre-Chorus: Bård]
Ducks say “quack” and fish go “blub”
And the seal goes “ow ow ow”
But there’s one sound that no one knows
[Chorus: Bård]
What does the fox say?
“Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!
Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!
Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!”
What the fox say?
“Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!
Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!
Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!”
What the fox say?
“Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho!
Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho!
Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho!”
What the fox say?
“Joff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!
Tchoff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!
Joff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!”
What the fox say?
[Verse 2: Vegard]
Big blue eyes, pointy nose
Chasing mice and digging holes
Tiny paws up the hill
Suddenly you’re standing still
[Pre-Chorus: Bård & Vegard, Bård]
Your fur is red, so beautiful
Like an angel in disguise
But if you meet a friendly horse
Will you communicate by
Mo-o-o-o-orse?
Mo-o-o-o-orse?
Mo-o-o-o-orse?
How will you speak to that
Ho-o-o-o-orse?
Ho-o-o-o-orse?
Ho-o-o-o-orse?
[Chorus: Bård]
What does the fox say?
“Jacha-chacha-chacha-chow!
Chacha-chacha-chacha-chow!
Chacha-chacha-chacha-chow!”
What the fox say?
“Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!
Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!
Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!”
What the fox say?
“A-hee-ahee ha-hee!
A-hee-ahee ha-hee!
A-hee-ahee ha-hee!”
What the fox say?
“A-oo-oo-oo-ooo! Woo-oo-oo-ooo!”
What does the fox say?
[Bridge: Vegard & Bård]
The secret of the fox, ancient mystery
Somewhere deep in the woods
I know you’re hiding
What is your sound? Will we ever know?
Will always be a mystery
What do you say?
[Outro: Bård, Vegard]
You’re my guardian angel hiding in the woods
What is your sound?
(Wa-wa-way-do Wub-wid-bid-dum-way-do Wa-wa-way-do)
Will we ever know?
(Bay-budabud-dum-bam)
I want to
(Mama-dum-day-do)
I want to, I want to know!
(Abay-ba-da bum-bum bay-do la)
Themes of “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” by Ylvis
Though it sounds playful and silly, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” by Ylvis carries a deeper comedic intention. Here’s a breakdown of the song’s theme and why it became so iconic.
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The song is rooted in absurdist humor and parody, turning a simple question into a wild musical experience.
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Ylvis asks, “What sound does a fox make?” and answers it with nonsense lyrics, dramatic delivery, and dance-pop energy.
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It serves as a parody of mainstream pop and EDM, using over-the-top production to mock overly serious music trends.
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The high-quality production highlights the contrast between polished visuals and ridiculous content, making it intentionally silly.
Similar songs like “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)”
If you loved the quirky, viral energy of “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)”, you’re not alone. Here are some other fun, offbeat songs that bring the same blend of humor, catchy hooks, and unexpected charm.
1. “Gangnam Style” – PSY A global viral hit from South Korea that blends dance-pop with surreal humor and a quirky music video. Like Ylvis, PSY uses satire and bold visuals to parody pop culture.
2. “Dumb Ways to Die” – Metro Trains Melbourne Created as a safety campaign, this song became a viral hit due to its morbidly funny lyrics and cute animations, reminiscent of Ylvis’s playful weirdness.
3. “I’m on a Boat” – The Lonely Island ft. T-Pain This parody track mocks rap braggadocio with exaggerated lyrics and a dramatic delivery. The Lonely Island’s style matches Ylvis’s over-the-top musical comedy.
4. “PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen)” – Pikotaro A short, absurd song that became a meme due to its repetitive lyrics and unusual dance moves. Like “The Fox,” it’s catchy, bizarre, and unexpectedly popular worldwide.
Live Performance of”The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)”
Similar Artists Like Ylvis
If you enjoy Ylvis’s mix of comedy, music, and absurd creativity, there are plenty of other artists who deliver a similar vibe. These performers combine clever lyrics, parody, and viral-worthy content in unique and entertaining ways.
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The Lonely Island Masters of musical parody, known for hits like “I’m on a Boat” and “Lazy Sunday.” Their comedy is slick, satirical, and often features guest stars.
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Flight of the Conchords is A New Zealand duo known for witty, deadpan songs like “Business Time” and “Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros.” Think dry humor and acoustic laughs.
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Bo Burnham combines sharp, self-aware comedy with original music. His songs are funny, thoughtful, and often socially reflective—like “Repeat Stuff” and “Bezos I.”
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Weird Al Yankovic is The king of parody, famous for spoofing pop hits like “Eat It” and “White & Nerdy.” He’s been blending music and humor for decades.
Awards and Nominations for “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)”
| Award/Nomination | Category | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Music Awards | Video of the Year | 2013 | Nominated |
| Spellemannprisen (Norwegian Grammys) | Hit of the Year | 2013 | Nominated |
| Spellemannprisen | Song of the Year | 2013 | Nominated |
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice Music: International Song | 2014 | Nominated |
| Shorty Awards | Best YouTube Musician | 2014 | Nominated |
| Billboard Music Awards | Top Streaming Song (Video) | 2014 | Nominated |
Before you go, you may also enjoy our other guide on song lyrics and their meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who made “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)”?
The song was created by Ylvis, a Norwegian comedy duo made up of brothers Bård and Vegard Ylvisåker.
When was “The Fox” Released?
It was released on September 3, 2013, originally as a promotional video for their Norwegian TV show, I kveld med Ylvis.
Is “The Fox” a Real Song or a Joke?
It’s both! While the lyrics are intentionally absurd and humorous, the song is fully produced with high-quality music and visuals, making it a parody that has become a genuine hit.
What Genre is the Song?
It’s a mix of electronic dance-pop and comedy music, styled to mimic serious pop tracks while delivering a completely silly message.
