Introduction
Did you just hear Justin Timberlake say, “It’s gonna be May” again? If you’re online in April, let alone May, the chances are exceptionally high. Every year, like clockwork, the internet explodes with variations of this simple yet enduring meme. The “It’s May” meme, at its core, is a humorous misinterpretation of the lyrics from NSYNC’s iconic song “It’s Gonna Be Me.” It plays on Justin Timberlake’s slightly nasal pronunciation, which many hear as “May” rather than “Me.” This simple phonetic quirk has transformed into a viral sensation, a cultural touchstone that resurfaces annually to the delight (or occasional groan) of internet users worldwide. But why does this meme persist? What is it about a slightly off-key pronunciation and a boy band anthem that continues to captivate us year after year? This article delves into the history, evolution, and enduring appeal of the “It’s May” meme, exploring the reasons for its continued virality and its impact on internet culture. We’ll examine its origins, dissect the various forms it takes, and ultimately understand why this meme remains a delightful reminder of the approach of May.
The Genesis of a Meme: NSYNC and the Misheard Lyric
To understand the “It’s May” meme, we need to rewind to the year two thousand and the release of NSYNC’s chart-topping hit, “It’s Gonna Be Me.” The song, a staple of late nineties and early aughts pop culture, featured catchy melodies, synchronized dance moves, and the signature vocals of Justin Timberlake. However, it was Timberlake’s pronunciation of “Me” in the chorus that inadvertently set the stage for internet history. The way he stretched the vowel sound, combined with a slight nasal twang, led many listeners to hear “May” instead. While the intended lyric was clear enough within the context of the song, the ambiguity was sufficient to plant the seed of what would become the “It’s May” meme.
It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment the mishearing transformed into a meme. Early internet forums and nascent social media platforms likely played a crucial role. Perhaps it began with a simple observation, a shared joke among friends, or a casual comment on a music forum. Gradually, the idea spread, morphing into image macros, GIFs, and short videos. Early iterations of the meme were relatively simple, often featuring a picture of Justin Timberlake alongside the caption “It’s May.” These early forms, though basic, were enough to capture the humor of the misheard lyric and establish the foundation for future variations. The early internet landscape, characterized by its playful and often absurd humor, was the perfect breeding ground for the “It’s May” meme to take root and flourish.
A Meme Transformed: Evolution and Popular Variations
The beauty of a successful meme lies in its ability to evolve and adapt. The “It’s May” meme is no exception. Over the years, it has spawned countless variations, each building upon the original concept and adding its own unique twist.
One of the most common forms of the meme is the image macro. These typically feature a photo of Justin Timberlake, often a close-up of his face from the “It’s Gonna Be Me” music video, superimposed with text that reads “It’s May.” The simplicity of this format allows for easy sharing and quick comprehension. The captions often play on the arrival of May, referencing holidays, seasonal activities, or simply the joy of warmer weather.
Beyond image macros, GIFs and short videos have played a significant role in the meme’s evolution. These often feature clips from the “It’s Gonna Be Me” music video, edited to emphasize Timberlake’s pronunciation of “Me” as “May.” Some variations incorporate humorous animations or sound effects, further amplifying the comedic effect. Parodies and remixes of the song have also become popular, with creators replacing the original lyrics with “It’s May” or incorporating the meme into other contexts.
But the meme’s adaptability doesn’t stop there. “It’s Gonna Be…” variations have emerged, extending the meme to other months or events. For example, in December, you might see “It’s Gonna Be… Christmas.” Similarly, “It’s (Day of the Week)” variations have appeared, using the same phonetic play to mark the arrival of a specific day. This demonstrates the meme’s versatility and its capacity to be applied to a wide range of situations. Even companies use the meme to gain more attention. Commercials sometimes make the joke as an easy way to make people laugh.
Of course, humor translates differently cross-culturally. While the “It’s May” meme is primarily an English-language phenomenon, the concept of misheard lyrics and phonetic jokes can be adapted to other languages. For example, in Spanish-speaking countries, there might be similar memes based on misinterpretations of popular songs in Spanish. The core element—the playful manipulation of language—is universally appealing.
The Staying Power: Why the “It’s May” Meme Still Resonates
In the ever-churning landscape of the internet, where memes rise and fall with alarming speed, the “It’s May” meme has demonstrated remarkable longevity. Its annual resurgence is a testament to its enduring appeal and its ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels.
One key factor is nostalgia. For many millennials, NSYNC and “It’s Gonna Be Me” represent a specific time in their lives—the late nineties and early two thousands. The meme taps into this nostalgia, evoking memories of simpler times, pop music dominance, and the dawn of the internet age. It’s a reminder of their youth and a shared cultural experience.
Furthermore, the meme’s simplicity and humor are undeniable. It’s easy to understand and share, requiring no specialized knowledge or complex cultural references. The joke is straightforward: a misheard lyric and a visual pun. This accessibility makes it appealing to a broad audience, regardless of their background or internet savvy.
The annual relevance of the meme is perhaps its greatest strength. Unlike memes that are tied to specific events or trends, the “It’s May” meme has a built-in timing mechanism. Its connection to the month of May ensures its consistent return each year. This predictable resurgence creates a sense of anticipation and allows internet users to prepare for its arrival.
Finally, the meme’s adaptability contributes to its staying power. As discussed earlier, the “It’s May” meme has evolved over time, taking on various forms and adapting to different contexts. This constant evolution keeps the meme fresh and prevents it from becoming stale or repetitive. Its ability to be reimagined and repurposed ensures its continued relevance in the ever-changing world of internet humor.
A Cultural Artifact: The Impact of the “It’s May” Meme
The “It’s May” meme is more than just a fleeting internet joke; it’s a cultural artifact. Its widespread adoption and consistent resurgence have cemented its place in the online lexicon.
Every year, as May approaches, the “It’s May” meme trends on social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. The sheer volume of mentions and shares is a testament to its popularity. Users eagerly anticipate its arrival, creating and sharing their own variations of the meme and engaging in playful banter.
The meme’s cultural impact extends beyond individual users. Brands have also recognized its potential and have incorporated it into their marketing campaigns. From social media posts to email marketing, companies have leveraged the “It’s May” meme to connect with their target audiences and inject humor into their messaging. Some brand integrations have been successful, generating positive buzz and increased engagement. Others have fallen flat, highlighting the importance of understanding the meme’s nuances and avoiding forced or inauthentic applications.
Moreover, the “It’s May” meme has likely influenced other seasonal memes. The success of this meme has demonstrated the power of recurring, annual jokes and has paved the way for other memes that are tied to specific dates or events. The broader phenomenon of recurring memes highlights the internet’s capacity to create shared cultural traditions and rituals.
Conclusion
The “It’s May” meme, born from a simple mishearing of an NSYNC lyric, has become a beloved internet tradition. Its enduring appeal stems from a potent combination of nostalgia, simplicity, annual relevance, and adaptability. This meme’s journey from a casual observation to a viral sensation exemplifies the power of the internet to transform everyday occurrences into shared cultural experiences.
The “It’s May” meme, with its blend of pop culture nostalgia and simple humor, has secured its place in the annals of internet history. As we approach another May, we can be sure that Justin Timberlake will once again be there to remind us, albeit unintentionally, that “It’s May!” The meme’s longevity suggests that it will continue to resurface for years to come, perhaps evolving in unforeseen ways. It might even be possible that in the future, NSYNC embraces the meme and includes the saying in their concerts or musical comebacks. The internet is unpredictable, but one thing is certain: the “It’s May” meme is here to stay. The enduring legacy of the “It’s May” meme underscores the power of a simple joke to unite people and spark joy in the digital age.
