Connecting Through Music Parodies
A common way for people for connect to one another through music is to rewrite lyrics of songs to make them more relatable. During this pandemic, many people have taken to YouTube to make music videos of songs with altered lyrics pertaining to their lives in quarantine. Some artists use humor to help listeners relieve stress while others encourage people to donate to organizations or educate listeners to practice good hygiene. However, all of these parodies help unite us all as we endure this pandemic together.
“Keep Your Distance”
Broadway performers Susan Egan, Laura Osnes, and Courtney Reed created a fun parody to “Go the Distance” from the Disney movie Hercules entitled “Keep Your Distance.” As they sing about social distancing, food and supply shortages, and the importance of hygiene, listeners are able to laugh a little about the situation we are all in.
“Good Morning Quarantine”
Kirstin Maldonado is a member of the A Capella band “Pentatonix.” She is using her platform as a musical artist to create humorous, relatable content for people. In an interview with ABC World News Now, Maldonado says that sharing music related to the pandemic can help make people feel like they are not alone. Her parody, “Good Morning Quarantine,” (adapted from the song “Good Morning Baltimore” from the musical Hairspray) is a light-hearted song describing her boredom while she is stuck at home.
SOUNDS OF QUARANTINE: Grammy winners and YouTube sensations are putting out songs to remind us that we’re all in this together. @willganss talks to @kirstin about her latest hit. pic.twitter.com/FBd9u6V2fP
— ABC World News Now (@abcWNN) May 4, 2020
“Songs for Social Distancing”
The Holderness Family has a YouTube channel that features many different parodies. This compilation of parody songs, performed by the father, Penn, describes the struggles of parents teaching children from home for the first time and thanks the medical professionals for their hard work. The well-known songs are reinterpreted to reflect on the absurd circumstances that we’re living in.
“The Epic Hand Washing Parody”
Peter Hollens posted a compilation of short parodies on YouTube all related to washing your hands. The lyrics include information about how long to wash your hands (20 seconds) and the importance of not touching your face. Each short excerpt is about 20 seconds long, so people can listen to one clip while they wash their hands.
“BCEFA COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund”
Broadway performers Sydney Lucas, Zell Steele Morrow, and Oscar Williams posted a parody of “Hey There, Delilah” to encourage fans to donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. The organization raises money year-round to help actors in need, and right now, they are collecting money for those who are struggling during the pandemic. This video helps connect people and push them to support organizations that will help people during this difficult time.