Some gravitate towards the intricate beauty of Bach’s fugues, the festive spirit of Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, or the lighthearted melodies of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas. Others are captivated by the cinematic scores of John Williams, Hans Zimmer, and Ennio Morricone. And then, there are those who, inexplicably, find themselves drawn to the generic lyrics and predictable tunes of mainstream pop artists.
But for a dedicated and perhaps slightly eccentric fanbase, there’s only one song that truly matters: The Duck Song.
If you’re unfamiliar with the lyrical genius of Bryant Oden’s creation – and sincere condolences if you are – the original animated Duck Song first graced the internet on March 23, 2009. This seemingly simple tune tells a tale as old as time, yet as surprisingly profound as life itself. Like life, the Duck Song is repetitive, occasionally mundane, and punctuated with unexpected moments of humor. Were one inclined to find deeper meaning, it could be interpreted as a whimsical allegory for persistence and unwavering determination in the face of repeated rejection (but we won’t delve too deeply into that).
The narrative is straightforward: day after day, a duck waddles up to a lemonade stand and politely inquires if the proprietor has any grapes. Each day, the stand operator responds in the negative, often with increasingly elaborate and hilariously bad rhymes. As the duck’s persistent inquiries continue, the lemonade stand man’s frustration escalates, culminating in a threat to permanently adhere the duck to a tree if the grape-related questions persist. Undeterred, the very next day, the duck returns, first asking if the man possesses any glue. Upon receiving a negative response, the duck, with unwavering resolve, delivers the iconic line: “Got any grapes?”
Oden, recognizing the burgeoning cultural phenomenon, expanded the Duck Song universe with “The Duck Song 2” in November 2009 and “The Duck Song 3” in April 2010. Then, a 14-year silence descended. During this extended interlude, devoted fans, myself included, religiously refreshed Mr. Oden’s YouTube channel, patiently awaiting the next installment. Generations grew up, and still, the world held its breath, anticipating the promised return.
Then, on March 23, 2024, illumination pierced through the darkness: “The Duck Song 4” premiered. It was, unequivocally, everything one could have hoped for. Musically, it exhibits a complexity not as pronounced in the initial two Duck Songs. While “The Duck Song 3” occupies a cherished position in the hearts of many, comparing it to “The Duck Song 4” is akin to appreciating the subtle differences between various apple varieties – both delightful in their own right.
As the fourth chapter in a now-legendary saga, “The Duck Song 4” carries a significant legacy. It rises to this challenge with aplomb. It masterfully blends nostalgia with a fresh, self-aware approach. While familiarity with the preceding three songs enriches the viewing experience, newcomers will find themselves easily drawn into the ongoing saga of the grape-seeking duck. Furthermore, “The Duck Song 4” pushes the boundaries of pun-based humor, venturing into surprisingly edgy territory. Parental discretion might be advised for younger viewers. However, this slight edginess is not a condemnation. After all, what is art if it doesn’t take risks? And where do risks reside if not on the edge? And how can one approach the edge without, to some extent, embracing edginess?
Duck asking for grapes
You are, naturally, entitled to question my taste, my sanity, and my overall judgment. But regardless of your ultimate verdict, I implore you – go and experience “The Duck Song 4”. Allow yourself to be captivated by the charming animation, the clever wordplay, and the deceptively simple yet captivating G-C-D chord progression. Let the duck, much like Virgil guiding Dante, lead you on a journey into the everyday yet timeless question of whether the lemonade stand man has acquired any grapes. Ponder the lemonade man’s escalating irritation and contemplate whether the wrath of Achilles was truly that much more significant. Marvel at the duck’s persistent questioning – was Socrates’s method so fundamentally different?
And once you’ve been enlightened by this auditory masterpiece, step away from the sublime world of song and ask yourself the pivotal question: “Got any grapes?”
