Some music aficionados find solace in the complex harmonies of Bach, the festive spirit of Corelli, or the witty charm of Gilbert and Sullivan. Film score enthusiasts might be captivated by the epic compositions of John Williams, Hans Zimmer, or Ennio Morricone. And then, there’s a segment of the population drawn to the pop anthems of artists like Taylor Swift or BTS. But for a truly unique auditory experience, one must turn to the unparalleled genius of “The Duck Song.”
For those yet uninitiated into the lyrical universe of Bryant Oden and “The Duck Song” – allow me to express my deepest sympathies for what you’ve been missing. The original animated “The Duck Song” video waddled onto YouTube on March 23, 2009, and has been quacking its way into hearts ever since.
The song tells a tale as old as time, yet perpetually fresh. It’s simple, bordering on profound. Much like life itself, “The Song Duck” narrative is repetitive, occasionally mundane, and sprinkled with unexpected humor. Were I inclined to preach, I might declare it a masterclass in persistence against all odds (but thankfully, I’m not).
Each day unfolds with the same delightful absurdity: a duck ambles up to a lemonade stand, politely inquiring about the availability of grapes. Each day, the stand’s keeper delivers a firm “no,” often accompanied by rhymes that would make even the most amateur poet blush. As the duck’s visits become a daily ritual, the lemonade vendor’s patience wears thinner than his lemonade, culminating in a threat to adhere the persistent waterfowl to a nearby tree. Undeterred, our feathered protagonist returns the next day, not for grapes initially, but to inquire, “Got any glue?” Upon receiving a negative response, he cuts to the chase: “Got any grapes?”
Oden, recognizing the insatiable demand for more duck-related inquiries, gifted the world with “The Duck Song 2” in November 2009 and “The Duck Song 3” in April 2010. Then, a 14-year silence descended. Many of us spent that interlude in a state of perpetual refresh on Mr. Oden’s YouTube channel, yearning for the next installment. Eras passed, trends faded, and still, we waited, united in our anticipation.
Then, on March 23, 2024, illumination broke through the digital clouds: “The Duck Song 4” made its grand entrance. It was, unequivocally, everything we had hoped for and more. Musically, it demonstrates a greater complexity than the initial and second songs. While “The Duck Song 3” holds a special place in many hearts, comparing it to the fourth installment is akin to appreciating both apples and their crisper, slightly tart green counterparts—both are excellent, yet distinct.
As the fourth act in a now-quadrilogy, “The Duck Song 4” carries a significant legacy. It rises to this challenge with effortless grace. It strikes a perfect harmony between nostalgic echoes of the original and a fresh, self-aware humor. While familiarity with the preceding songs enriches the experience, even newcomers can easily grasp the narrative. Moreover, “The Duck Song 4” ventures into slightly edgier pun territory, prompting a mild parental advisory for younger audiences. However, this isn’t a condemnation – after all, isn’t art supposed to push boundaries? And where are boundaries tested if not on the edge? And how does one approach the edge without embracing a touch of edginess?
Alt: Animated duck politely asking a man at a lemonade stand “Got any grapes?”
You are, of course, welcome to question my musical preferences, my sanity, even my overall judgment. But regardless of your personal stance, I implore you – immerse yourself in “The Duck Song 4.” Allow yourself to be captivated by the delightful animation, the sharp wordplay, and the deceptively simple yet captivating G-C-D chord progression. Let this persistent duck, much like Virgil guiding Dante, be your guide. Ponder the everyday yet timeless question of whether the lemonade stand proprietor has any grapes. Reflect on the vendor’s escalating frustration and contemplate whether the wrath of Achilles truly overshadows it in dramatic intensity. Marvel at the duck’s unwavering questioning – was Socrates himself so different in his relentless pursuit of truth?
Having absorbed these profound lessons from this modern-day epic, step away from this digital song sanctuary and ask yourself the quintessential question: “Got any grapes?”
Alt: Irritated lemonade stand owner telling a duck he does not have grapes.
