Never Gonna Give You Up was released by English singer Rick Astley in 1987 and became a worldwide pop hit long before it became a meme. In the late 2000s, internet users began disguising links to its music video as links to something else, a bait-and-switch prank that became known as rickrolling. The joke spread through forums, social media and video platforms, helped by how instantly recognisable the chorus is. Decades later it remains a harmless shared in-joke, used whenever a creator wants a surprise that almost everyone will recognise.
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The Rick Astley Never Gonna Give You Up chorus used to prank friends with a fake link, perfect for surprise reveals, memes and funny reaction videos online.
This clip captures the instantly recognisable chorus of Rick Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up, with its bright 1980s synth-pop beat, punchy drums and Astley's smooth, confident vocal delivering the famous promise never to give you up or let you down. It sounds upbeat, polished and almost too sincere, which is exactly why it works as a prank. Listeners expect something serious or exciting, then recognise the melody within a second or two and realise they have been caught out. That sudden switch from anticipation to amused defeat makes it perfect for reveals, fake links and playful trick endings.
