YOLO (The Lonely Island song)

"YOLO" is a song by the American comedy troupe The Lonely Island, featuring Adam Levine and Kendrick Lamar. It was released on January 25, 2013, as a promotional single for The Lonely Island's third studio album, The Wack Album. The song is a satirical take on the popular acronym "YOLO" (You Only Live Once), inverting its intended meaning of reckless abandon and instead advocating for cautious and responsible behavior.

The song's lyrics are filled with examples of excessively cautious actions, presented in a humorous and exaggerated manner. The verses describe scenarios where the protagonists prioritize safety and well-being over impulsive decisions. This juxtaposition creates comedic effect by contrasting the supposed spontaneity of YOLO with the characters' commitment to risk aversion.

Adam Levine's vocal performance is intentionally earnest and sincere, further enhancing the song's comedic irony. Kendrick Lamar's guest verse provides a contrasting perspective, initially appearing to embrace the traditional YOLO sentiment before ultimately endorsing the cautious message of the song. This contrast adds another layer of humor to the track.

"YOLO" was a commercial success, reaching the top 100 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its popularity was fueled by its comedic nature and its commentary on the widespread use and potential misuse of the "YOLO" acronym. The song is notable for its use of satire to challenge a popular cultural expression and promote a message of responsible decision-making, albeit in a humorous way.