This sound comes from the opening of All Star by Smash Mouth, released in 1999. The song became even more culturally embedded after its use in Shrek in 2001, and the first lyric turned into a standalone meme online. Short clips of that opening spread across YouTube, Vine-era edits and later TikTok meme compilations because the line is instantly identifiable and easy to interrupt for comedic timing. It is still used as a quick setup for nostalgia jokes, ironic intros and remix edits.
About this sound
The opening line from Smash Mouth's All Star, widely used as a meme sound for abrupt intros, Shrek jokes and ironic reveal edits.
This clip features the instantly recognizable opening lyric, “Somebody once told me,” from Smash Mouth's All Star. Even on its own, that short sung phrase sets up a joke because so many listeners expect the next line immediately after it. It has a bright, punchy pop-rock tone and works like a comedic trigger for nostalgia, irony or a sudden cut to chaos. Creators use it when they want a familiar setup that signals a meme is coming, especially in Shrek-related edits or bait-and-switch videos.
