It was in 2016 that Baby Shark debuted and quickly became a hit children’s show. It is about a baby shark, its family members and friends as they experience friendship, sharing and solving problems. It is presently one of the most viewed kids’ programs across most nations, with a mobile game and a musical also made for it. Baby Shark went viral among children and families all over the world. Baby Shark videos were shared on social media platforms, which all contributed to its rapid rise in popularity.
But, Pinkfong, a South Korean entertainment company, has since made a new version and video for the 21st century. On June 17, 2016 Pinkfong came up with their own interpretation of this melody which instantly went global. A YouTube music video that went viral and took over all online and social media platforms was released in that form. In 2020 it became the first YouTube video to ever have more than 10 billion views; today it has about 14 billion views on its page.
It is interesting that some previous versions of Baby Shark were not as suitable for young children as it is at present. Some earlier versions have been rather graphic and mention a surfer in panic as he is eaten limb by limb by a shark. Other renditions mention the surfer not just losing his limbs and dying, but also getting unsuccessful CPR and going to heaven. As the choreography of these versions was rather graphic, it was not considered suitable for babies and toddlers to view.
The present-day song starts with bars from Symphony No. 9 by Antonín Dvořák and is very similar to the theme music of the movie Jaws.
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Lyrics of Baby Shark Poem
The lyrics of this poem are repetitive and simple to memorise and sing making it very popular among toddlers and preschoolers.
Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Baby Shark
Mommy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Mommy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Mommy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Mommy Shark
Daddy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Daddy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Daddy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Daddy Shark
Grandma Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Grandma Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Grandma Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Grandma Shark
Grandpa Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Grandpa Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Grandpa Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Grandpa Shark
Let’s go hunt, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Let’s go hunt, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Let’s go hunt, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Let’s go hunt
Run away, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Run away, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Run away, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Run away (ah!)
Safe at last, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Safe at last, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Safe at last, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo Safe at last! (phew!)
It’s the end, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo It’s the end, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo It’s the end, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo It’s the end
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Summary of Baby Shark Poem
The poem’s catchy tune, colourful animation and uncomplicated lyrics have added to its popularity. It is all about a family of sharks which includes Baby Shark, Daddy Shark, Mommy Shark, Grandpa Shark and Grandma Shark. Children are taught different hand motions as each member of the shark family is introduced. This interactive poem is thoroughly enjoyed by young children because of its repetitive nature and easy-to-follow dance moves. There is probably no toddler or preschooler who is not aware of this poem and its corresponding hand and dance movements.
Reasons and Rise of its Popularity
Regardless of the fact that the Baby Shark poem has an extremely catchy tune and simple lyrics that set one’s feet tapping, there is definitely more than meets the eye to account for its popularity worldwide. Today, it is the most-watched YouTube video of all time, offered in multiple languages. Its beats are inspired by K-Pop and the song has become a household staple not only for kids but for several adults too around the world. It has even caught the attention of celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres and James Corden, who have also hopped on the Baby Shark wagon.
There is no dearth of songs and videos online to entertain kids these days, so one wonders what it is about this song that makes it so addictive to children. The tune of Baby Shark is such that it makes it especially endearing to children. It’s repetitive and has a simple melody that is both catchy and easy to memorise and sing. Its upbeat tune elicits a pleasurable response from children and makes them want to dance in time to the beat. Also, the lyrics are about animals and their families, which children can relate to. The video of this song provides an immersive experience and visual stimulation for children. All these factors together have led to the global popularity of this song.
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Its popularity has led to an online dance craze called the Baby Shark Challenge and K-pop groups have helped in further spreading the popularity of this viral song through their featured TV shows and concerts. In July, 2019 Kellogg’s entered into a partnership with Pinkfong to release a new Baby Shark cereal that includes raspberries and marshmallows. During the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Pinkfong also released an interactive song for children on proper handwashing and this became relevant to the ongoing situation.
It is amazing how a simple song for toddlers has reached such heights in terms of popularity across the world. This is the power of teaching through interaction, music and immersive activities. Children enjoy themselves and earning takes place in the process as well. For more interesting updates and information on poems for toddlers and preschoolers, do touch base with the EuroSchool blogs and watch your child blossom.
Check out other Nursery Rhymes for your kids:
Wheels on the Bus
Finger Family
Two Little Dicky Birds
At The Zoo
Hello How are You
Miss Dolly Had A Polly
First Day at School
The Day of the Month
Merry Go Round
