Yolo

The Lonely Island

About Yolo

"YOLO" is a song written and recorded by American comedy hip hop group The Lonely Island featuring Maroon 5 lead vocalist Adam Levine and American rapper Kendrick Lamar for The Lonely Island's third studio album The Wack Album. The song was released as the lead single from the album on January 25, 2013, worldwide outside North America. The single premiered in North America on Saturday Night Live on January 26, and released as a single the following day.


Year:
2013
3:08
950 
#8

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

YOLO

YOLO, you only live once

The battle cry of a generation
This life is a precious gift
So don't get too crazy
It's not worth the risk

You know that we are still young
So don't be dumb
Don't trust anyone
Cause you only live once

Ugh, you only live once
That's the motto
So take a chill pill
Ease off the throttle

Never go to loud clubs
Cause it's bad for your ears
Your friends will all be sorry
When they can't hear

And stay the hell away from drugs
Cause they're not legal
Then bury all your money in the backyard
Like a beagle

'Cause you should never trust a bank
They've been known to fail
And never travel by car, a bus
Boat or by rail

And don't travel by plane
And don't travel at all
Built a bomb shelter basement
With titanium walls

And wear titanium suits
In case pianos fall on ya
And never go in saunas
Cause they're crawlin' with piranhas

And never take the stairs
'Cause they're often unsafe
You only live once
Don't let it go to waste

You know that we are still young
So hold off on the fun
Cook your meat 'til it's done
Cause you only live once

Yeah
And here's another piece of advice
Stay away from kids
Cause their hair is filled with mad lice

There's no such thing
As too much Purell
This a cautionary tale
Word to George Orwell

So don't 1980 force
Any plugs into sockets
Always wear a chastity belt
And triple lock it

Then hire a taster
Make him check your food for poison
And if you think your mailman is a spy
Then destroy him

No blankets or pajamas
They can choke you in your sleep
Two words about furniture
Killing machines

Board your windows up
The sun is bad for your health
And always wear a straight jacket
So your safe from yourself

Take no chances (no chances)
Stop freelancin' (right now)
Invest in your future
Don't dilute your finances (uh huh)
401K, make sure it's low risk
Then get some real estate (how much?)
4.2% thirty year mortgage
That's important, that's a great deal
And if you can't afford it
Don't forge it on your last bill
Renting is for suckers right now
A dependable savings
And you'll retire with money in your account
Beast

YOLO, say no no
Isolate yourself
And just roll solo
Be care-folo
You oughta look out
Also stands for YOLO

You know that we are still young
Burn the prints off your thumbs
Then pull out all your teeth
So you can't bite your tongue

Only on this earth for a short time, time
So don't go outside, cause you don't want to die, die

Just take our advice and hide
And scream YOLO to the sky

You oughta look out

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The Lonely Island

The Lonely Island is an American comedy troupe composed of Akiva "Kiv" Schaffer, Jorma "Jorm" Taccone, and Andy Samberg, best known for their comedic music. Originally from Berkeley, California, the group is currently based in New York City. The group broke out due to their collective work from 2005–2011 on Saturday Night Live. Samberg and Schaffer continue to work at the show, with occasional input from Taccone, though Samberg announced at the end of the 37th season that he would not return to SNL. more »

1 fan

Written by: Akiva Schaffer, Andrew Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Rhiannon Bryan, Rhydian Dafydd Davies, Khari Cain

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Comedic Inspiration
"Yolo" is a comedic song by comedy trio The Lonely Island, which consists of Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone, known for their hysterical musical sketches on "Saturday Night Live."
Big Collaboration
The song features vocals from legendary American singer-songwriter, Adam Levine, and rapper Kendrick Lamar, showcasing a wide range of tones and styles throughout the track.
Popular Phrase Usage
The song plays humorously on the popular acronym "YOLO" which stands for "you only live once," turning this aphorism, which usually encourages enjoyable risk-taking, into advising extreme caution because you only have one life.
Debut and Reception
Released in January 2013, "Yolo" debuted at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received positive reviews for its satirical lyrics and catchy tune.
Wide Reach on YouTube
The song's music video, uploaded on YouTube, has garnered over 100 million views, illustrating the huge popularity and viral nature of The Lonely Island's content.
Music Style
Musically, "Yolo" displays a fusion of pop, hip hop and comedy, underlining The Lonely Island's distinct and versatile musical style.
Television Premiere
The song was first performed live on the popular TV show "Saturday Night Live," further demonstrating the group's strong connection with the program.
Satirical Approach
The lyrics sarcastically recommend an overly-cautious lifestyle, including advice on financial investments and avoiding common activities supposedly to preserve life.
Album Release
"Yolo" also appears on the group's album "The Wack Album," which was released later in 2013 and includes an eclectic mix of comedic songs.
Inspiring Parodies
The song inspired several parodies and covers due to its satirical and entertaining narrative, reinforcing The Lonely Island's influence on pop culture comedy.

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    Yolo

    92.7M
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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2013

    Billboard #60


    Album

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      Yolo

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