Whats Up

Stanifer 1
Mackenzie Stanifer
ENG 1201.529
Professor Loudermilk
16 February 2020
What’s Up
The original version of the song “What’s Up” was written by an American rock band
called 4 Non Blonds. The lyrics tell a story of a young adult that seems to be confused and is
struggling to find their placement in the world; this is indicated in the first few verses of the
song, “Twenty-five years and my life is still, trying to get up that great big hill of hope for a
destination.” However, the music video that accompanies this song seems to tell a much different
story, and this is true of the remix version “HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA” as well.
Although both the original and remix of this song are similar in the fact that the lyrics remain
virtually identical (save, one additional line added in the remix
“HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA”), I believe Slackcircus Studios rendition of this song is
meant to be more humorous/whacky and appeals to a much different audience.
The original version of this song first appeared in 4 Non Blonds 1992 album, “Bigger,
Better, Faster, More!” and was later released as their second single in 1993. “What’s Up” was
almost an instant hit and received much attention, eventually receiving the Danish Music Award
for International Hit of the Year. Later on, in 2005, Slackcircus Studios made a remix of the
song that had been created, compiling snippets taken from the 1980s cartoon He-Man.
Stanifer 2
Although, the words throughout both versions of this song remain the same (aside from
one additional line), it is immediately evident, both audibly and visually, that the message
conveyed in these videos are much different, as well as, appeal to two different audiences.
“What’s up” was written in a slower, rock style, sung by 4 Non Blonds lead singer,
Linda Perry. Throughout this song, Linda reaches various vocal ranges that give this song a very
unique sound; this is especially evident in the verse “and so I wake in the morning and I step
outside and I take a deep breath and I get real high” and again several verses later “and I try, oh
my god do I try, I try all the time, in this institution.” Although, the lyrics seem to allude to a
young adult contemplating life’s trials and perplexing questions, the video depicts a much
different image. Throughout this video, we see characters (the composers/band members) sliding
down slides, playing on merry-go-rounds, swinging on swings, and splashing around in rain
puddles. These images do not depict that of a stressed out, confused, young adult weighed down
by the burdens and responsibilities of life but, rather a carefree child living life to the fullest, and
just having fun.
In comparison, Slackcircus Studios remix titled “HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA”
(also known as "Fabulous Secret Powers") sings a much different tune, literally. Unlike the
original, “HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA” has a more upbeat tone to it, the vocalist is now a
male with a raspy/breathy sounding voice that echoes, and it is evident that additional
instruments have been added to the background (perhaps snare drums). In addition, to the
noticeable difference audibly, the visual representation presented in this video has also
changed significantly. While “What’s Up” seems to have a more direct focus and obvious
meaning behind their music video, it’s honestly quite hard to describe what kind of message,
exactly, the creators of “HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA” were trying to convey.

Stanifer 3
Throughout the music video, we mostly just see He-Man waving his arms in the air and
running around with no specific rhyme or reason/perhaps. The simplest explanation for the
creation of this video is that it was intended to make the viewer laugh with its comedic, almost
slapstick adaptation of the 1980s cartoon, He-Man.
I believe both versions of the song appeal to pathos; however, the attended audience
for each video here is quite different. The way in which the lyrics are presented in “What’s Up,”
paired with the visual elements throughout the entirety of the music video, convey a much more
sincere, meaningful message that listeners can relate to. With that being said, I think this version
appeals to a much more mature audience (regardless of gender or race) that enjoys softer
sounding rock with meaningful lyrics. Conversely speaking, I believe
“HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA” is geared more towards a younger group of individuals,
those looking for a good laugh/comic relief, or perhaps just He-Man enthusiast.
Although, initially speaking, “HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA” and “What’s Up”
seem to be polar opposites, I did however observe one link between the two. This link was found
in Slackcircus Studios only added line, “just keep it inside, learn how to hide your feelings (and
it’s notable to say that, at this point in the music video, one of the characters in He-Man shades a
tear).” Although, it is unclear as to why the originators of this remix decided to add in these
specific lyrics and visual clip, it does, however, serve more of a meaning and connects it to
original song. Perhaps this line had no true significant and was just added for additional humor,
or maybe it was Slackcircus Studios way to nod to original song “What’s Up.” Although, we
may never know, one thing remains true, this is one humorously clever video.
Stanifer 4
Works Cited
4NonBlondesVEVO. “4 Non Blondes - What's Up (Official Video).” YouTube, YouTube, 23
Feb. 2011, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NXnxTNIWkc.
ProtoOfSnagem. “HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA.” YouTube, YouTube, 7 Nov. 2010,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ5LpwO-An4.

Whats Up

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Whats Up

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Whats Up

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Stanifer 1

story, and this is true of the remix version “HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA” as well.

virtually identical (save, one additional line added in the remix

“HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA”), I believe Slackcircus Studios rendition of this song is

meant to be more humorous/whacky and appeals to a much different audience.

just having fun.

In comparison, Slackcircus Studios remix titled “HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA”

exactly, the creators of “HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA” were trying to convey.

slapstick adaptation of the 1980s cartoon, He-Man.

sounding rock with meaningful lyrics. Conversely speaking, I believe

“HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA” is geared more towards a younger group of individuals,

Although, initially speaking, “HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA” and “What’s Up”

4NonBlondesVEVO. “4 Non Blondes - What's Up (Official Video).” YouTube, YouTube, 23

Feb. 2011, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NXnxTNIWkc.

ProtoOfSnagem. “HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA.” YouTube, YouTube, 7 Nov. 2010,

You might also like