Album: Mandatory Fun (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a parody of Pharrell Williams' "Happy," an upbeat anthem from Despicable Me 2 that topped charts around the world in 2013, including the US Billboard Hot 100 and R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and the UK Singles Chart.
  • Al took aim at two other Pharrell-produced hits on this album: Robin Thicke's controversial "Blurred Lines" (as "Word Crimes") and Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" in his "NOW That's What I Call Polka!" medley. It wasn't an easy sell, at first. The ever-scrupulous comedian was having trouble getting through the throng of executives in Pharrell's camp to get the singer's permission, so he craftily obtained his personal email address to send a direct message. Al told Billboard: "He sent me a very sweet email back immediately saying he'd be honored. I was just blown away. He was just the sweetest guy."
  • The song's lyrics list all the ways Al is tacky, from his questionable attire - "wearing stripes with plaid" and "lovely pink sequined Crocs" - to his cheap behavior - "we can go to see a show, but I'll make ya pay."
  • The music video features several comedians, including Aisha Tyler, Margaret Cho and Jack Black, badly lip-synching to Al's vocals while showcasing even worse dance moves. Al insists the entire video was filmed in one long shot: "While it looks like there MIGHT have been an edit somewhere, I absolutely guarantee you, that was all done in ONE CONTINUOUS SHOT. That was a bit of a challenge for me, because I start the video on a 5th floor fire escape, and I reappear on street level wearing completely different clothes. That means - for EVERY TAKE - as soon as the camera was off me I had to run down 5 flights of stairs WHILE CHANGING MY CLOTHES so I could be on camera again at the end. Definitely got my workout THAT day!"
  • What does the "Tacky" video have in common with The Big Lebowski? Both were filmed at the Palace Theatre in Los Angeles. The 1998 movie used the venue as Maude Lebowski's (Julianne Moore) apartment.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.