Ylvis, the Norwegian comedy group who went viral earlier this year with the unnervingly catchy ditty "The Fox," are back. This time, with an ode to Massachusetts, called "Massachusetts."
Bård and Vegard Ylvisåker and Calle Hellevang-Larsen, who make up the trio, start the song by crooning facts about the state, before it devolves into tired gay jokes (or social commentary on homophobia?) and then complete nonsense.
But are those random facts about the state even facts? After "The Fox," we're not so sure (according to them, a fox says, "Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding! Gering-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding! Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow! Joff-tchoff-tchoff-tchoffo-tchoffo-tchoff!" A fox actually says, "RAAAAAAAEH.")
Let's fact check Ylvis:
"It's the 14th biggest state"
FACT! If you are determining "biggest" by population. Massachusetts is the 14th biggest state in population, with 6.5 million people. In terms of land size, no. Massachusetts is the 45th biggest state.
"Just four hours from New York"
FACT! While Google estimates that traveling from New York to Massachusetts—203 miles—will take only three and a half hours, both TravelMath and About.com estimate four and a half hours. So about four hours is a safe compromise.
"Home of Nelson Mandela"
NOT A FACT! The former president of South Africa was both in Mvexo, South Africa. That said, The Cambridge Chronicle reported that Mandela loved Boston for its "persistent commitment to human rights and the way its citizens embraced the struggle against racism in South Africa, campaigned for his release, and cared for two of his daughters." And he earned an honorary degree from UMass.
Also, the South African embassy is located on Massachusetts Ave. in D.C.?
"Home of JF Kenneday, that tragically was shot"
KIND OF A FACT! John F. Kennedy (though Kenneday does have a ring to it) was indeed born in Brookline, Mass., on May 29, 1917. JFK, who was tragically shot, was assassinated in Dallas, though.
"1620 - The pilgrims came to town! Mayflower!"
FACT! Passengers of the Mayflower founded Plymouth in 1620.
Three-and-a-halfish out of five isn't that bad?
Especially since the people of Massachusetts seem to love the song, if this YouTube comment is any indication:
"I don't understand why everyone hates MA? You guys think its the boring state. You guys call us Massholes? We call you wicked stupid. Get over it. You are just jelous [sic] your state didn't get a song. Deal with it. MASSACHUSETTS!!!!! HELL YEAH!!!!!"