It's a villain song. It's an abusive relationship, an addiction, your only friend, seemingly inescapable, and all in the palm of your hand. Welcome to the internet

I love the "look at you... Honey how you grew" part. It's the internet talking about these kids as a parent would. Because *it raised them*. The Internet raised these kids, it's their parent. "Look at you... You... You! Oh honey how you grew..."

"Did that harry potter thing actually happen?" Dude there is absolutely no way you exist on the internet and don't know about rule 34, there's just no way.

For anyone who loves this musical style, it’s called “Klezmer”, and has often been used to convey messages of grief and fury in a “funny” or ironic way.

He says all that nice stuff just to joker laugh as if to say “did you really fall for that?”

My favourite little reference in this is "just nod or shake your head and we'll take care of the rest" is about the algorithms that are directing everything you watch online nowadays.

You're the first person I've watched react to this that picked up on the "DM a girl and groom her" line. Thank you for noticing that.

Best analysis of this song I've seen yet. So many people watching this and saying "Yaay...that was fun" being completely ignorant to its meaning. I really hope you've had a chance to watch the special. It'll change ur life...honestly 🤘😁

“Did that Harry Potter thing actually happen?” Shhhhh, no body tell him about Rule 34 of the Internet. Or Rule 63.

ive never seen someone pay so close attention to the lyrics, the music, and the meaning behind both all at once! great job! also the whole "but then you listen to it and, it isnt funny" is such a good description for many bo songs. on the surface its all fun and games, but pay attention and there are often deeper meanings and morals.

The more I listen to this song, the more 'More Sinister Than Normal Disney Villain' vibes I get. This Villain knows he's already won. There is no hero coming.

How he did those Joker maniac laugh after a slow and good parts as if he want to tell us "I got you there! what a fool." is absolute brilliant

Love how Bo lulls you in with the music and comedy and then hits you with a punch of reality and introspection

I absolutely love the line “apathy’s a tragedy and boredom is a crime”. It really sums up this song. Oh your apathetic and desensitized to the horrors of the word, oh well! Don’t you dare be bored. Find something else (some times something even worse) to stimulate your brain

“Send us pictures of your children, tell us everything you think” is most definitely not innocent sir

“Geeze, he goes from 0-100… wow” Welcome to the Internet.

I’d really recommend watching his other two specials “what.” And “Make Happy”. They are really well crafted shows, and it’s not just comedy. Bo really puts on a performance

The irony in someone reacting to this special is palpable.

One of the most disturbing parts of this song to me is the self awareness of the line “Don’t act surprised, you know you like it, you whore” that Bo sings about a woman being sent explicit images because it’s such a typical thing in our society. I’ve certainly had explicit images sent to me without consent and when I’ve said no, I’ve been called a whore, a slut, told I was begging for them and that I was a liar etc, and I know so many women who have experienced the same in the form of images and also in real life. Bo writing and performing that line is criticising the culture surrounding consent, wherein men will instantly turn on women (and sometimes the other way round) when their masculinity is challenged.

Love the reaction, the fucking villain laugh gave me chills, too. This feels like the swan song of our generation.

Oh yeah mate, there's thousands of drawings or writings like that of not only harry potter characters but any other movie/book/show you can think of. There's a rather infamous and joked about website whos sole purpose is to house nsfw images of literally "anything and everything". Despite being a pretty decent adult now, I can definitely reflect and see how damaging discovering that stuff (and it being so normalized) at such a young age was for me.

I like how he drew the line at “dm a girl and groom her” and not “see a man beheaded” 😂

the special is way more impressive than funny. i didn’t find it hilarious but i’d watch it for the third time. Definitely watch the special before listening to any of the other songs. The order and visuals make it so much better. There are definitely a lot of funny moments in it for everyone, it’s not all scary and serious but I can promise you that you won’t get bored.

the harry potter thing happens a lot, there’s many of the 1d boys and so many other too

The comment about how the song speeding up is a parallel to internet speeds getting faster is one i've never seen anyone else mention. good catch mate.

Have you ever heard of Rule 34 of the Internet? "If it exists, there's porn of it." Bo Burnham is a great comedian, he has more than 10 years of experience on the Internet and he definitely knows what he's talking about in the song. I heavily advise you to watch all of his comedy specials, including "Inside", the one that this song comes from. He directed, recorded, and produced every second of it in that particular room at his home, but it looks like a very professional product of a big team.

I've never imagined a world in which I was not aware of Rule 34. How bizarre.

"Yo he's pulling out the freaking joker laugh!" Made me die

This man just became an IRL Disney Villain with this as his theme song.

Bo is a once in a generation talent. He's the comedian of the era. He's our Carlin.

I think you’d really like his song “art is dead” which is about comedy and performing and it’s less of a funny song and more of a take on how that industry is. It’s super good and interesting. From like ten years ago or something. Love to hear your thoughts.

So glad you caught onto the meaning of the song (the mix of happy and horrifying things that can be found on the internet). So many reactions have somehow managed to miss the darker undertones. It’s basically the internet’s ‘villain song’ and I love it so much.

he's portraying a carnival barker and that's also where the musical influences come from, circus music.

Your ,,Wa saaa dude"intro is the BEST thing i ever heard

That was so true and so frightening, born in 1956 I grew up with no tv, never mind the internet, and I think myself so lucky to experience the innocence of pre internet, but I also live on my own and am so grateful to people like you, who I choose to entertain me, I think the key has to be in limiting yourself online, I know even that can be difficult, hours disappear before you know it, I do find the hate difficult to cope with, so many people don't care that they can be ruining somebody's life through their needless comments :)

“it was always the plan to put the world in your hands” “mommy let you use her ipad” a parent wants to give their child the world 😳

Oof... when you said “I was born in 95’” god I’m old. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂😂😂 but Bo is a genius. His songs are incredible & this special has been stuck in my head since it dropped. 😅 the beat also reminds me of a circus... as if the internet is a complete circus/freak show. 😏

Spot on with the review. And for a sub 5 minute song, he captures so many corners of what the internet is. The song has a very dark carnival vibe, like "Step right up and see Uncle Bo's Internet Extravaganza!" He starts off describing the different things you can find, and how jarring they can be, almost like banner adds. The tempo increases as the content rushes past you like auto-playing videos on a tumblr wall. The tempo changes and reminds you where it all started. So innocently, just like you did. Except part of that push to make everything available at your fingertips anytime you want it came with a price. Corporations and advertisers have studied long and hard on how to find a way to reach you, and give you that dopamine rush for interacting with the internet. And we gave it to our kids. Got 'em hooked on it before they were even in school. And then there's the turn. That maniacal laugh, and the dreadful realization that through this entire song, we haven't been able to see his eyes. The cold gaze staring at you grinning, reflecting yourself as it asks you "Could I interest you in everything, all of the time?". The internet has its claws in you, and you couldn't quit now even if you wanted to.

2:24 never let this man learn of rule 34 artists. Keep him innocent.

I love Bo's specials, and this already is one of my favorite songs by him (behind Can't Handle This and maybe #Deep) "Apathy is tragedy and boredom is a crime" is an incredible line

Just so you know he's known for I guess I could say dark realistic humor like he knows how to be funny but he also knows when to talk about real things and make you think that's what I mean

Best reaction / analysis of this I have seen, its nice to see someone take a second to actually realise what it is Bo's getting at. Would love to see you react to more of him and understand how he works, Great vid tho :)

His newly uploaded song "All Eyes On Me" about us being locked in during covid etc is darker than this too if you dig underneath the surface.

"Did that actually happen?" Sir! That is on the MILD end of what you'll find!

"Did that harry potter thing actually happen? I've never heard of that." Oh, you poor, innocent, autumn child. You are far too pure for this world.

Okay, having a midroll ad interrupt the word "desensitized" might be the most brilliant use of meta-commentary that I have ever fucking seen.

Rule 34 "If it exists, there is porn of it. No exceptions.” sso yes there is definitely art of harry potter characters doing that XD

the internet is such a fascinating thing, definitely one of the greatest and worst inventions of humanity. there are so many pros and cons, that's basically what the first half of the song is, the other half being that gen Z has to deal with it and all the cons.

Honestly the laughter isn't too scary for me. But the deepinhale before he starts singing again gives me literal chills.

Best reaction to this song I've seen yet. Although it was a little strange hearing someone on the internet be surprised about rule 34 lol

IVE NEVER SEEN SOMEONE REACT AND UNDERSTAND TO THIS SONG SO CAREFULLY THANK YOU OMG

my favorite line in this song that i feel is the most important is, "your time is now. your inside's out. honey how you grew." "your time is now" leading to the idea that most of your relevant time is now spent on the internet instead of real life "your inside's out" leading to the idea that because you have been on the internet for so long most people you dont know most likely know your life story and personal secrets "honey how you grew" talking about how most young people these days that grew up with the internet have been posted on the internet throughout their lives so you can see what they looked like as a kid , teen or young adult

I absolutely loved your reaction! If you enjoyed how bo uses humor to address issues under the surface, I would definitely recommend reacting to the rest of inside. He talks a lot about what it’s like to be a content creator as well!

I'm so conflicted bc on one hand I'd love to see you react to specific songs from the special but at the same time I really think you should just watch the special all the way through because I feel like it needs to be experienced that way haha

After his laugh, when he resumes the song, there's this undercurrent of lower notes -- almost like cello strings -- in the background, that is SO dirge-like. It's terrifying, and fantastic.

I like that you were very quick to pick up on the theme of rapid and varied internet results, and preserved the flow of the song by rewinding when you stopped to mention anything. I personally feel that the parts where he speeds up and just starts hammering you with different usages of the internet should be listened to all at once to further exemplify the scale that this cacophony happens on.

The song really is scary. Bo has the sheer amount of talent to have you laughing one second, and having an existential fucking CRISIS the very next. I'm so glad you recognize BOTH sides to the song, because a lot of others just focused on the fun stuff while praising his vocal talent/effects/comedy portions without stopping to delve into the true meaning behind the song. "Honey, how you grew!" A lot of kids born after 2000 were half-raised by the internet, getting screentime instead of playtime with their own parents. My older brother learned to use a computer (years before the first ipod, let alone ipad) when he was two years old and is now completely addicted, so that line hit me particularly hard. It took over his life. And he isn't even gen x, neither of us are... This song is a hard-hitting bop, thanks for acknowledging BOTH sides of the coin!

I've seen a lot of reactions of this song, you're the first who spend some words for the "boredom is a crime" line

Surprisingly insightful. I see a lot of stuff analyzing at face value how much stuff there is, content-wise, but I really appreciate your reflection of the increase in tempo reflecting the growth of the internet itself. It's something I had noticed and hadn't seen anyone else touch on.

You analyzed this song perfectly. Completely understood the message and the weight behind it, which I’ve seen a lot of people gloss over. Very well done

Your reaction is actually the best ive seen, you got the meaning of the song almost as soon as it presented itself

The melody, the key changes, the chord changes, the tempo changes, the entire thing is so brilliantly arranged, and plays off of the lyrical content.....perfectly. This is art. Its one of those things you see that is so good, it makes you jealous while also loving it.

I don’t think he’s the personification of the internet… I think he’s the Wal-mart greeter of the internet :) like… hello, welcome, would you like to know what aisle has photos of cats? whatever you need, we got it.

It reminds me of the circus, like in Pinnochio, where the evil entices the kids with fun, games and vices, before transforming them to donkeys.

The best joke is that it's all true that's why he's a comedic genius

The first really good reaction to anything that I've watched. You went so in depth and really thought about the meaning. 10/10 100% subbing.

The funny thing is that this is one of those types of songs you almost need to listen to twice. Because after the maniacal laugh everything that happened in the song beforehand suddenly takes an even more twisted light. It feels almost like a deal with a demon. They seem more kind and generous at first giving you this wonderful opportunity but the more they talk the more the veneer starts to chip away, and it’s almost like the moment he starts laughing is the moment the demon takes off their hat and reveals their horns.

Wait I just noticed the part right after the grooming part he says “do a zoomer” isn’t about zoom calls.

Let’s hope Bo sees this review! I think he’d feel heard! Excellent analysis, hit every point. 100% agree

"Did that Harry Potter thing actually happen?" Oh you dear sweet innocent soul. For real though, as someone else said, yours is the best analysis reaction I've seen.

I love how after The Laugh, that simple single-note back-and-forth (I don't know musical terminology very well) that sounded so happy in the first section of the song is suddenly just a _little_ bit slower and played a _lot_ harder on each note that that same happy circus-like melody becomes incredibly sinister and imposing, like he's moving in on you like a predator. It's just a fantastic piece of work, like everything else from Inside (and the Inside Outtakes).

I hadn’t noticed the laughter being in the background at the end and I’ve listened to this about a dozen times! So, so good.

Bo is so good, he is an OG on KZfaq, I highly reconvene more

Saying, "Oh. Wow," over and over is exactly what happens after watching Bo's best works. Even his funny, "stupid" shit like Words, Words, Words isn't actually funny or stupid, he's incredibly perceptive and intelligent, to the point where his self-awarenes is painful. You're going to fucking LOVE watching Inside fully, and I'm excited to watch your other Bo reactions.

I love the connection you made between the terrifyingly exponential growth of the internet with how intense the escalation of the song is! Great commentary.

I love how he just bombards you with information. its so accurate to the internet lmao

"Did that Harry Potter thing actually happen?" This is the epitome of when someone tries to deny knowledge of something they clearly are into. Does someone need to tell him what Rule34 is?

I always appreciate ‘comedy’ (though when you really pay attention it’s not that funny & when you totally pay attention it’s just scary) like this. It makes you think & it separates those that think from those that just flit across for entertainment. Have you heard of Tim Minchin? He’s another performer that does this kind of thing. Very good.

That first, loving sounding "You" followed by the one later on that just sounds like he's disgusted by your existence is a fkn MOOD.

the laugh is amazing. i listened to just the audio the first time i heard this, and that laugh just gave chills like wtf, i thought we were having fun. super well done. Also, great reaction and breakdown/analysis of the song.

Woah I did not expect to like this so much! And how have you not seen those Harry Potter drawings? They exist of every fandom there is 😂

only smart reactor who gets the meaning, not just the face value

Excellent breakdown. I've watched A LOT of reaction videos to this and you definitely caught some nuances that other people missed.

lol I'm just watching your entire playlist of reaction to Bo's work in a row, because it's a very good reaction playlist. Good job!

If you haven’t heard it I HIGHLY suggest “a world on fire”

You know the man's a good man when he doesn't know the rule 34. Sadly I know...

ah dude. i love your interpretations. everytime you stop to point something out, i've literally been physically nodding and being like, "yeah, right!? i know!"

He acts the part of the Internet as it truly is. A dealer enticing you with free samples to get you hooked till the point you pay with your time unknowingly, like an addiction

I really love your take on this song! A lot of people who have reacted to it just laugh at the parallels he draws while you actually deep dived into them and thought them through. Thank you for this!

Just found you, and love your reaction and analysis of this song. After the "your time is now" line, it says "your inside is out". Noone seems to catch that line, or analyze it, but is one of the scariest lines to me. Talking, I think, about how noone spends time outside any more, especially children. Just more gifts from the internet!

I never really used to watch reaction videos, but you're one of the first I saw before going down a rabbithole of Bo Burnham reaction videos. This is still definitely my favorite one.

The internet is so weird. I’ve seen puppies cuddling, a guy accidentally blowing himself up with a grenade, and feral foxes laughing while having their tummies rubbed

Great reaction. I really like how the intro to the song between the music and his phrasing is definitely reminiscent of a Circus side show barker that would call out to people trying to lure them in to see the side show circus performers.. it has that snake oil salesman vibe as well..

The fact that you paid attention to the lil things is great. All these other reactors missed the artistic and complexity of this song. Gained a new subscriber 😊👍 hope your other vids are mindful like this one 🤞

I’ve been watching lots of Bo reactions and I truly appreciate you taking the time and brain power to see past it all. You’re great; thanks!

I love watching these reaction vids specifically for the "It was all in the plan, to put the world in your hand" and watching the person who's reacting's mind get blown.

One of the few reaction videos that actually looks beyond the surface of Bo’s song. He’s talked a lot about how he thinks the Internet is dangerous to young people. Great vid, man.

Fantastic reaction video, really nailed it I think, thanks for making it.

such a great analysis as per usual! i highly recommend watching the whole special, inside, it was soooo skillfully made

"Yo he's pulling out the frikkin Joker laugh" lmao this dude's such a kid. welp, was nice to see an innocent reaction I guess.