The Resurrection of an Iconic Meme: May and *NSYNC’s Legacy
As May rolls in, so does a familiar wave of nostalgia associated with the iconic song "It’s Gonna Be Me" by *NSYNC. Originally released in 2000, this pop anthem has experienced a revival each May, thanks to a humorous misinterpretation of its lyrics due to Justin Timberlake’s distinct pronunciation. Instead of the straightforward phrase "It’s gonna be me," Timberlake’s Tennessee twang makes it sound as though he’s heralding the arrival of May. This amusing twist has launched a plethora of memes, resurfacing the song in contemporary pop culture and garnering renewed attention on platforms like YouTube.
The genesis of this meme traces back to 2012 on Tumblr, where clever internet users began to playfully alter the song’s lyrics, creating a fun tradition that has endured for over a decade. Every April, excitement builds as the *NSYNC music video experiences a spike in views, rekindling a collective memory that connects listeners with their youth. This annual phenomenon has evolved into a pop culture staple, where the phrase "It’s Gonna Be May" epitomizes not just the onset of the month but also a sense of shared joy and nostalgia among fans of the boy band.
Interestingly, the phenomenon is not just limited to internet users; even notable figures have joined in on the fun. Barack Obama famously joked about the meme in 2014 with a social media post that featured Timberlake, illustrating how far-reaching the influence of this playful phrase has become. Members of *NSYNC, particularly Lance Bass, have acknowledged the role of younger generations in keeping the song alive, attributing the ongoing excitement to their willingness to engage with and perpetuate the meme culture that surrounds it.
Bass expressed gratitude for the meme’s longevity during an appearance on NBC’s Today, amplifying the shared sentiment that this annual tradition acts as a fun reminder of music’s lasting impact. He remarked that "memes last forever," highlighting the power of internet culture to breathe new life into songs and memories from years past. This cyclical revival not only reinforces the song’s relevance but also serves to connect generations through shared cultural references.
Justin Timberlake has not shied away from engaging with the meme either. On the last day of April 2020, he playfully acknowledged his role in the ongoing tradition by tweeting a photo of himself with a caption that referenced the meme. His lighthearted engagement demonstrates the way in which artists can embrace and interact with fan-driven culture, transforming a simple pronunciation quirk into a yearly celebration that resonates with audiences of all ages.
As we embrace another May, the enduring legacy of "It’s Gonna Be Me" serves as a testament to the enduring nature of music and its ability to create connections through humor and nostalgia. The song’s transformation into a seasonal meme reflects the changing landscape of how we engage with culture in the digital age, proving that some classics never truly fade away but instead continue to evolve, thanks to the creative energy of fans and the shared joy that music brings.
