The dynamic trio that is The Lonely Island is back and ready for their new album in 2013. The first single released off of the album is “YOLO”, which is about living life cautiously.
The original meaning of YOLO is “You Only Live Once,” and the iconic phrase originated on the Drake and Lil Wayne song, “The Motto.” YOLO seemed to be the anthem for 2012, what with the pending Dec. 21 apocalypse and all.
YOLO was used by many as an excuse to do stupid things to the detriment of their lives. The Lonely Island takes a different position on the motto, viewing one life as an excuse to be exceedingly cautious and take no risks in life to prevent any sort of pain.
The song is hilariously brilliant. It references George Orwell’s 1984 and encourages holing oneself in to avoid human contact and keep safe. “You know that we are still young, so don’t be dumb, don’t trust anyone, cause you only live once.”
Maroon 5’s Adam Levine was featured in the single to sing the catchy chorus. “You know that we are still young, so don’t be dumb,” sings Levine, “don’t trust anyone, cause you only live once.”
Rapper Kendrick Lamar was also featured on the track at the hook to preach about saving money and 401K financing. The tone of his part was serious, which made the retirement rap seriously funny.
All of The Lonely Island’s safety precautions are gut-busting and extreme, abiding by their adapted YOLO motto, “You Oughta Look Out.”
YOLO was labeled “the battle cry of a generation” by The Lonely Island, and they definitely took it to a new level with humor and what was hopefully sarcasm.