fun.’s “We Are Young,” featuring Janelle Monáe, exploded onto the music scene in 2012, becoming a defining anthem of the year and the first band in a decade to top the Billboard charts. This indie rock group’s breakout hit transcended genres, dominating radio airwaves across Rock, Alternative, Adult Top 40, and Mainstream Top 40 charts. “We Are Young” marked fun.’s and Janelle Monáe’s debut on the Billboard Top 200, catapulting them into mainstream pop culture. Featured on their album Some Nights, the song’s impact was solidified with Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best New Artist for fun. in 2013.
fun. performing We Are Young
At the heart of “We Are Young” lies a striking musical element: the minor sixth interval. The phrase “so we’ll set the world on fi-ire,” first heard at 1:00 in the official video and repeated throughout the chorus, showcases this interval prominently. The stretching of “fi-ire” across this minor sixth creates a dramatic and memorable hook rarely found in contemporary pop music. While the rest of the melody incorporates smaller, more conventional intervals, this minor sixth becomes a signature element, contributing significantly to the song’s unique and powerful sound. This interval, often associated with feelings of melancholy or longing, adds an emotional depth to the otherwise celebratory and anthemic nature of the song.
Beyond its musical innovation, “We Are Young” resonated with a generation. The song’s lyrics, depicting a narrative of reconciliation and youthful exuberance in a bar setting, tapped into universal themes of love, friendship, and making the most of the present moment. While some interpretations of the lyrics have sparked discussion – particularly lines referencing getting “higher than the Empire State” and a “scar” – the overarching message remains one of unity and resilience. The song became an anthem for embracing youth and overcoming challenges, amplified by its soaring melody and passionate delivery by Nate Ruess and Janelle Monáe.
Janelle Monáe performing with fun.
Though the official music video contains scenes of stylized minor violence, the song’s core message and musical brilliance remain undeniable. For listeners seeking a performance that truly highlights the vocal prowess of Janelle Monáe, alternative live versions offer a compelling experience. Ultimately, “We Are Young” stands as a testament to fun.’s artistry and Janelle Monáe’s exceptional talent, forever etched in pop culture as a Grammy-winning anthem that captured the spirit of a generation.
