It’s that time of year again. As the days get longer, the weather gets warmer, and the flowers start to bloom, your social media feeds are inevitably flooded with a very specific, and often hilarious, phrase: “It’s May!” But this isn’t just a simple statement about the changing of the seasons; it’s a full-blown internet phenomenon, a meme that resurfaces every spring like clockwork. So, where did this seemingly ubiquitous meme come from? Why does it continue to dominate our timelines year after year? And what makes the “It’s May” meme so darn appealing? We’re here to dive deep into the origin, evolution, and lasting cultural impact of this viral sensation. Prepare yourself for a journey through pop culture history, musical mishaps, and the enduring power of a good misheard lyric.
The Origin Story: Boy Bands, NSYNC, and a Fateful Pronunciation
The story of the “It’s May” meme is inextricably linked to a very specific moment in pop music history: the release of NSYNC’s hit song “It’s Gonna Be Me” back in the year two thousand. This high-energy track, featured on their album No Strings Attached, quickly became a staple on MTV and radio stations around the globe. But while the song itself was undoubtedly catchy, it was a particular pronunciation by lead singer Justin Timberlake that would ultimately give birth to the meme we know and love.
If you listen closely to the song, specifically the line “It’s gonna be me,” you might notice something… well, a little off. Timberlake’s pronunciation of the word “me” sounds decidedly like “May.” It’s a subtle difference, but a difference that resonated with listeners, particularly as the internet began to blossom into the meme-generating machine it is today. The mishearing, combined with the exaggerated facial expressions and dramatic gestures in the song’s music video (released in the year two thousand), created the perfect ingredients for internet gold.
However, it’s important to note that the “It’s May” lyric wasn’t an overnight success. The earliest known use of this song lyric as a meme wasn’t until late two thousand eleven, when people started using a screen grab of Justin Timberlake from the music video, with the words “It’s May” written on top. The meme was born, it just took eleven years to cultivate! It took several years for the meme to fully take off and become the annual tradition we see today. The slow burn of this meme is what has led to the longevity of it.
Meme Evolution and Hilarious Variations
The “It’s May” meme has gone through several iterations since its humble beginnings. The earliest versions were relatively simple: a screenshot from the “It’s Gonna Be Me” music video, often featuring Timberlake mid-performance, with the caption “It’s May!” superimposed on top. These early memes were straightforward, relying on the inherent humor of the misheard lyric and the nostalgic appeal of NSYNC.
However, as the meme gained traction, it began to evolve. The late two thousands and early two thousand tens saw the meme begin to grow across different social media platforms. Platforms such as Tumblr, Twitter, and Reddit became breeding grounds for creative adaptations and variations. The meme was no longer confined to a single screenshot and a simple caption.
Suddenly, image macros featuring other characters saying “It’s May” started to appear. Think beloved cartoon characters, famous actors, or even historical figures, all digitally altered to utter the fateful phrase. Video edits using the NSYNC clip became increasingly popular, often incorporating sound effects, visual gags, and other pop culture references. The possibilities seemed endless.
The meme also began to play on the word “May” itself. We started seeing clever crossovers with other May-related events and holidays. The Star Wars fandom, never one to miss an opportunity, embraced the meme with open arms, creating countless variations that combined “It’s May” with the iconic “May the Fourth Be With You” slogan.
Beyond popular culture mashups, the meme has also incorporated events that happen in May. Graduation, the start of summer break, and Mother’s Day have all been included in the meme. The meme is an all-encompassing way to commemorate the changing of the seasons. There are also what are known as “It’s Gonna Be…” memes, which take the same NSYNC clip and apply it to other months or occasions. This creates new memes based on old ones, and keeps the public engaged with the meme year-round.
Why the Meme Endures: A Perfect Storm of Internet Humor
So, what is it about the “It’s May” meme that allows it to not only survive but thrive year after year? Several factors contribute to its enduring appeal.
Nostalgia plays a huge role. For many millennials, NSYNC represents a simpler time, a golden age of boy bands and bubblegum pop. The meme taps into that collective nostalgia, bringing back fond memories of teenage crushes, catchy tunes, and a less complicated digital landscape.
Simplicity and relatability are also key. The meme is incredibly easy to understand and participate in. You don’t need to be a tech wizard or a meme expert to get the joke. All you need is a basic understanding of the NSYNC song and the willingness to embrace the absurdity of it all. It’s a lighthearted way to acknowledge the changing of the seasons and to connect with others online.
Furthermore, the “It’s May” meme has become an annual ritual. People actively look forward to seeing it reappear in their feeds every year. It’s a comforting and predictable tradition in the ever-changing world of the internet. The anticipation builds throughout April, culminating in a frenzy of “It’s May” memes on May first.
Of course, the humor of the meme is also a major factor. The mishearing of the lyric is inherently funny, and the often-exaggerated and absurd ways the meme is presented only amplify the comedic effect.
Lastly, accessibility is important. Its simple format and reliance on a widely known song allows anyone to easily participate. There’s no required niche knowledge, no hidden meaning, just simple and easily-understood humor.
The “It’s May” Meme in Modern Culture: More Than Just a Joke
The “It’s May” meme has transcended its humble beginnings as a simple internet joke and has become a significant part of modern internet culture. It’s not just individuals who are sharing the meme; brands and companies have also jumped on the bandwagon, using it for marketing purposes and to connect with their audience in a relatable way. You might see a company posting an “It’s May” meme to promote a spring sale or a summer product.
Interestingly, the meme has also garnered attention from the very source of its creation: NSYNC themselves. Justin Timberlake has, on numerous occasions, acknowledged the meme and even participated in it, further solidifying its place in pop culture history. Other band members have also given their thoughts on the meme, mostly with positive affirmation.
While the “It’s May” meme is generally harmless fun, it has occasionally sparked unexpected events. For example, there have been instances where the meme has been used in unexpected contexts, sometimes to humorous or ironic effect. These unexpected usages highlight the meme’s versatility and its ability to adapt to different situations.
Conclusion: See You Next May!
The “It’s May” meme is more than just a fleeting internet trend. It’s a testament to the power of misheard lyrics, the enduring appeal of pop culture nostalgia, and the collective humor of the internet. From its humble beginnings as a simple screenshot from an NSYNC music video to its current status as an annual internet phenomenon, the “It’s May” meme has proven its staying power.
The meme’s continued relevance in the internet world showcases the power of humor, nostalgia, and accessibility when it comes to digital content. Its simple format and widely known origin make it an easy and effective tool for connecting people all over the world.
Ultimately, the “It’s May” meme is a reminder that even the silliest of things can bring us together and create a shared sense of community. So, prepare your feeds, because come May first, you know what’s coming. The “It’s May” meme will be back, ready to spread its infectious humor and remind us that spring has finally arrived. And who knows, maybe next year it will be even bigger and better than before.
