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Never Gonna Give You Up was released by British singer Rick Astley in 1987 as his debut single and became a number one hit in many countries. Its second life began in the mid 2000s on forums like 4chan, where users replaced expected links with the music video in a bait and switch called rickrolling. The joke spread to YouTube, social media and even live events, turning a sincere pop song into a shared internet ritual that new generations keep rediscovering.
About this sound
The opening chorus of Rick Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up, the classic rickroll bait-and-switch clip used for prank links, memes and surprise reveals.
This is the instantly recognisable opening of Rick Astley's 1987 hit, with his warm baritone delivering the promise of never gonna give you up over bright synth pop production. The clip is upbeat, sincere and deliberately earnest, which is exactly why it lands so well as a joke. Listeners expect something else entirely, then hear those familiar drums and vocals and realise they have been rickrolled. The contrast between the serious romantic lyric and the prank context creates a mix of groans, laughter and nostalgia that works even when people see it coming.
