The Meaning Behind The Song: Everything Is Awesome by Tegan and Sara
Everything is Awesome: The Surprising Story Behind Tegan and Sara’s Catchy Hit
Table of Contents
Introduction
The year was 2014, and The Lego Movie had just hit the silver screen. Along with its success came the breakthrough hit single, “Everything is Awesome,” performed by Canadian indie pop duo Tegan and Sara. The song became an instant phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and snagging an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. While the upbeat tune and quirky lyrics made it an instant favorite among kids and adults alike, there’s much more to the song than meets the ear. In this article, we’ll delve into the surprising story behind “Everything is Awesome” and what it truly means.
The Making of “Everything is Awesome”
Tegan and Sara are known for their emotive and often introspective music, so you might be surprised to learn that they weren’t initially on board to perform “Everything is Awesome.” In fact, the track was originally written and produced by Mark Mothersbaugh, frontman of the influential new wave band Devo. The song’s lyrics were penned by Shawn Patterson, a songwriter and composer who had previously worked on animated shows like Johnny Bravo and Spongebob Squarepants.
Mothersbaugh and Patterson’s initial vision for “Everything is Awesome” was far different than what we hear in the final version. They wrote the song as a tongue-in-cheek parody of the “ra-ra positivity” that they saw as prevalent in self-help books and motivational speakers. The original chorus went:
“Everything is better when we stick together,
Side by side, you and I, gonna win forever!”
While the melody was catchy, the lyrics were decidedly snarky and sarcastic. That all changed when Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the directors of The Lego Movie, heard the demo and fell in love with the melody. They asked Mothersbaugh and Patterson to rewrite the lyrics to make them more sincere and less cynical.
The result was a song that still had a bouncy, infectious melody, but with lyrics that celebrated community, co-operation, and the joy of creativity. The final chorus was now:
“Everything is awesome, everything is cool when you’re part of a team,
Everything is awesome, when we’re living our dream!”
The Meaning Behind the Song
On the surface, “Everything is Awesome” is a simple, upbeat song that gets stuck in your head after just one listen. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that the song has a powerful message about the importance of community, collaboration, and creativity.
The opening lines of the song set the stage for this message: “Everything is awesome, everything is cool when you’re part of a team.” This is a clear nod to the idea that we are all better off working together and supporting one another, rather than trying to go it alone. The idea is reiterated throughout the song, with lyrics like “we’re all working in harmony” and “we’re the same, I’m like you, you’re like me.”
Another key theme of the song is the power of creativity. The chorus declares that “we’re living our dream,” an idea that aligns perfectly with the playful, imaginative world of The Lego Movie. The idea that we can create our own reality, and that we have the power to shape the world around us through our creativity, is a powerful one.
The Reception of “Everything is Awesome”
When “Everything is Awesome” was first released, it was met with mixed reactions. Some critics dismissed it as a silly kids’ song, while others praised its infectious melody and catchy lyrics. But when The Lego Movie hit theaters, the song was transformed into a cultural phenomenon.
Kids and adults alike couldn’t get enough of the song’s bouncy beat and uplifting message. It became an anthem for anyone who loved creativity, co-operation, and fun. The song was covered by everyone from indie-pop darlings The Decemberists to Oscar-winning actress Anna Kendrick, who performed it on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
While the song’s popularity may have come as a surprise to Tegan and Sara, they quickly embraced their role as ambassadors of positivity and creative co-operation. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Sara Quin said, “If the song is helping people feel better about their day and the world, I’m happy to be a part of that.”
Conclusion
“Everything is Awesome” may have started out as a tongue-in-cheek jab at motivational clichés, but it has since become so much more. The song’s infectious melody and uplifting message have turned it into a cultural touchstone, inspiring people of all ages to work together, be creative, and dream big. In a world where negativity and division can often feel overwhelming, “Everything is Awesome” serves as a reminder that there is still joy, positivity, and co-operation to be found.
