Never Gonna Give You Up was released by British singer Rick Astley in 1987 and became a worldwide number-one hit. Twenty years later it became the centre of Rickrolling, an internet prank that began around 2007 in which a misleading link or title promised one thing and delivered Astley's video instead. The joke spread through forums, social media and video platforms because it was easy to share and instantly recognisable. It remains popular today as a light-hearted surprise in memes, streams and edits, long after most viral jokes fade.
About this sound
The opening of Rick Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up, the song behind the Rickroll prank, used to surprise viewers in memes, videos and misleading links.
The clip captures the instantly recognisable opening of Rick Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up, with its bright 1980s pop production, punchy drums and smooth vocal hook that almost everyone recognises within a second. It sounds cheerful, confident and deliberately over-the-top, which is exactly why it works as a joke: the listener expects something serious or shocking, then gets an upbeat love song instead. That sudden switch from anticipation to familiarity creates a warm, funny payoff that feels harmless rather than mean-spirited.
