Laura Smith
The Badger Song, also known as Badger Badger Badger, is a viral Flash animation video created by British animator Jonti Picking, also known as Mr Weebl. The video features 12 cartoon badgers doing callisthenics, a mushroom in front of a tree, and a snake in the desert. It was released on 2 September 2003 and has since become a well-known internet meme, spawning numerous parodies and follow-ups. The song's simple lyrics and catchy tune, along with the looping animation, have contributed to its enduring popularity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Badger Badger Badger or The Badger Song |
| Creator | British animator Jonti Picking, also known as Mr Weebl |
| Date of release | 2 September 2003 |
| Genre | Animated meme, music video, song |
| Inspiration | Saturday Night by Whigfield |
| Loop | Yes |
| Duration | 30 seconds to a couple of minutes |
| Views | Over 4.5 million on YouTube; over 1.1 million on Newgrounds |
| Awards | None on Newgrounds |
| Rating | 9.1/10 on Newgrounds |
| Parodies | Potter Potter Potter by Fifth District; Guess I Got My Badger Back; Badgers 2; Badgers on a Plane; Big Ass Badgers; Baby Badgers |
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What You'll Learn
'Badger Badger Badger' song and meme
"Badger Badger Badger", also known as "The Badger Song", is an animated meme created by British animator Jonti Picking, also known as Mr Weebl. The song debuted on 2 September 2003 and features twelve animated cartoon badgers doing callisthenics, a mushroom in front of a tree, and a snake in the desert. The cartoon loops indefinitely, with a bass line and a voiceover singing the names of what is shown on screen. The inspiration behind "The Badger Song" is said to be the song "Saturday Night" by Whigfield, which features a duck quacking throughout.
The video inspired a series of videos in which people performed the dance from the original, holding out their arms and bobbing up and down. The song has also become a meme, with various parodies and spin-offs created. One such parody is titled "Potter Potter Potter", which features images of Harry Potter and other characters dancing on the Hogwarts campus, with the chant "Potter Potter Potter Potter", "Weasley! Weasley!", and "Snape! Snape! Oh, it's a Snape!". Another version, titled "Realistic Football Badgers", was created in response to England's 2014 FIFA World Cup loss.
There have been several follow-ups to the original cartoon, including "Badgers 2", which features zombie badgers on a black background, and a Christmas-themed version with the badgers dressed in Santa Claus suits. In 2007, a live-action version called "Baby Badgers" was released to promote new Badger toys. The song has also been referenced in popular culture, such as in the comic strips of JD Fraser's User Friendly, and has been covered by musicians like Devin Townsend.
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The animated video's creator, Jonti Picking
Jonathan "Jonti" Picking, born on May 17, 1975, in Doncaster, UK, is a British Internet personality and Flash animator. He is also known by his pseudonym Weebl or Mr Weebl, the creator of the iconic "Badger Badger Badger" or "The Badger Song", which debuted in 2003. The animated meme features twelve animated cartoon badgers doing callisthenics, a mushroom in front of a tree, and a snake in the desert. The cartoon loops indefinitely and is accompanied by a bass line and a voiceover singing the names of what is shown on-screen.
Jonti is a trained sound engineer and artist and has worked on 3D visual effects for the film "Resident Evil". He is the creator of Weebl's Stuff and his animations are known for repetitive melodies, surreal dialogue, and catchy tunes with silly lyrics. He does most of the voices in his animations himself and has also appeared in live-action in several of his creations. In addition to his work in animation, Jonti has also produced radio and television advertisements, such as the "Magical Trevor" ads for the 118 24 7 service of Yell.com, which appeared on ITV and other channels.
Jonti set up his own production company, Sumo Dojo, which he later left to establish Weebl's Stuff Limited, also known as Weebl Ltd. He has also contributed to the YouTube comedy channel HuHa under the name Jelly Penguin, producing shorts such as "Evil Guy", a parody of supervillains, and "Beef House", a humorous take on the A-Team. In 2013, Jonti collaborated with Queen guitarist Brian May and actor Brian Blessed to form "Team Badger", a coalition against the British government's proposed badger cull.
Jonti's work has had a significant impact on popular culture, with his "Badger Badger Badger" animation becoming a well-known meme and inspiring numerous parodies. His creations have also gained recognition in the form of awards and nominations, including over a hundred awards for TheWeebl and a couple of Tank Awards nominations. Additionally, Jonti has explored music through Savlonic, a synthpop/synthwave virtual band, with four full-length albums and multiple music videos to their credit.
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'Badger' song's inspiration and creation
"Badger Badger Badger", also known as "The Badger Song", is an animated meme by British animator Jonti Picking, also known as Mr Weebl. It was released on 2 September 2003 and consists of twelve animated cartoon badgers doing callisthenics, a mushroom in front of a tree, and a snake in the desert. The cartoon loops indefinitely and is accompanied by a bass line, above which a voiceover sings the names of what is shown on-screen.
According to Mr Weebl, the inspiration behind "The Badger Song" came from the song "Saturday Night" by Whigfield:
> " [Saturday Night] has a duck quacking throughout. I decided that the tune needed an annoying squeak sound in the background. The lyrics were meant to be a placeholder, but much like The Riddle by Nik Kershaw, the placeholder became the actual thing."
The song has become something of a meme, both on and off Newgrounds, with various parodies and adaptations. One adaptation, "Save the Badger Badger Badger", was released on 19 May 2013, in response to proposed badger culling in the United Kingdom. The song featured vocals and guitar from Brian May and visuals reminiscent of the 1980 film Flash Gordon.
There have been several other follow-ups to the original "Badger Badger Badger" cartoon, including "Badgers 2", which features zombie badgers, and a Christmas-themed version with the badgers dressed in Santa Claus suits. In 2007, a live-action version called "Baby Badgers" was released to promote new Badger toys.
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Spin-offs and parodies of the original
"Badger Badger Badger", also known as "The Badger Song", is an animated meme by British animator Jonti Picking, also known as Mr Weebl. The video consists of dancing badgers, a mushroom, and a snake, with a voice repeating the words in the song's title, and changing to "mushroom" in the fourth measure. The cartoon was posted on 2 September 2003, and has since become a popular meme, with numerous parodies and spin-offs created.
One of the most well-known parodies is the Bananaphone version. A parody by a group called Fifth District, titled "Potter Potter Potter", features Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Severus Snape dancing on the Hogwarts Campus, with a Whomping Willow tree and flying hippogriffs in the background. The chant changes to "Potter Potter Potter Potter", "Weasley! Weasley!", and "Snape! Snape! Oh, it's a Snape!". In 2011, a dubstep version called "Guess I Got My Badger Back" was released, based on "Swagga" by Excision & Datsik. A 3D version was also uploaded the same year. A new version of the song was launched on the Moshi Monsters website, where the Monsters appear on the screen as "Moshi Moshi" is sung instead.
There have also been several follow-ups to the original Badger Badger Badger cartoon posted to the Weebl's Stuff website. "Badgers 2" was created in 2003 and features zombie badgers on a black background with a scratching sound added to the music. A Christmas-themed version was made for the 2004 Weebl Advent Calendar, with the badgers dressed in Santa Claus suits, the mushroom replaced with a present, and the snake replaced with baby Jesus in a nativity scene. "Badgers on a Plane" consists of a scene from a Snakes on a Plane trailer that includes badgers and a mushroom, tumbling from their seats while a bit of the song plays in the background. In 2007, "Big Ass Badgers" was released to spoof the Transformers film, and a live-action version called "Baby Badgers" was released to promote the new Badger toys.
The song has also inspired a series of videos in which people perform the dance from the video, holding out their arms and bobbing up and down. On YouTube, ReelTreble92 and ccati published variations of this in 2008, receiving millions of views.
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The song's long-lasting impact and popularity
The iconic virtual band Gorillaz has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music industry with their unique blend of alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. Among their many beloved songs, "19-2000" stands out as a fan favorite and a testament to the band's creativity and staying power. Released in 2001, the song's title is derived from the date of the band's first meeting on November 19, 1998, commemorating the beginning of their musical journey.
The impact of "19-2000" can be felt across multiple dimensions, from its musical influence to its cultural impact and its role in shaping the Gorillaz phenomenon. Firstly, the song's musical composition and production values have been widely acclaimed. Produced by Gorillaz co-creator Damon Albarn and renowned producer Dan Nakamura (a.k.a. Dan the Automator), "19-2000" blends catchy pop melodies with a driving beat and distinctive guitar riffs. The song's energetic and anthemic nature made it an instant hit, appealing to a broad spectrum of music fans.
The song's music video further added to its popularity and impact. Directed by renowned animator Jamie Hewlett, co-creator of the Gorillaz concept, the video brought the band's unique visual aesthetic to life. Featuring the band members in a high-speed race, with vibrant visuals and a sense of frenetic energy, the video garnered significant attention and helped establish the band's distinctive image. The success of the song and its music video contributed to the wider recognition of Gorillaz as a groundbreaking and innovative force in the music industry.
Beyond its musical merits, "19-2000" also holds a special place in pop culture. The song has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and advertisements, solidifying its place in the public consciousness. Its catchy and upbeat nature has made it a go-to choice for soundtracks and promotional campaigns, ensuring its longevity and widespread appeal. Additionally, the song has been covered and remixed by various artists, paying homage to its influence and popularity within the music community.
The impact of "19-2000" extends beyond its initial release, as it continues to resonate with new generations of fans. The song has become a staple at Gorillaz live performances, with audiences enthusiastically singing along and embracing the energy it evokes. The enduring popularity of "19-2000" has led to its inclusion in various "best-of" lists and compilations, solidifying its place as a defining track of the early 2000s and a classic in alternative rock. The song's longevity is a testament to the timeless appeal of Gorillaz's music and their ability to transcend musical trends.
In conclusion, "19-2000" by Gorillaz has had an undeniable and long-lasting impact on the musical landscape and popular culture. Its critical acclaim, commercial success, and enduring popularity have solidified its place as one of the band's most beloved and influential songs. Through its unique sound, innovative visuals, and cultural permeation, "19-2000" has helped shape the Gorillaz phenomenon and continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.
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Frequently asked questions
The Badger Mushroom animation, also known as "Badger Badger Badger" or "The Badger Song", debuted in 2003 and is therefore around 20 years old.
The animation was created by British animator Jonti Picking, also known as Mr Weebl.
The song used in the animation is one of TheWeebl's creations. It is an electronic song with simple lyrics that repeat the words "badger" and "mushroom".
Yes, there have been several follow-ups to the original animation, including "Badgers 2" (2003), a Christmas-themed version (2004), and "Badgers on a Plane" (2007).
