Level Clear! - (Official Music Video)

Save over my game again and i'm dobbing
Thanks to Lily Reynolds for helping me on vocals + Princess
How good is this arcade font generator? arcade.photonstorm.com
I've always been obsessed with retro 8 bit sounds, game themes and game music.
Just about everything you hear is straight from the box on this plugin - • High Score by Renegade...
Spotify - open.spotify.com/artist/0hQBk...

[@Yachirobi]

Your absolute masterpiece. It's "Mario is Afraid", it's "Everything Everywhere All at the World 1-1". This is funny but also profound. Absolutely excellent.

[@tomcardy1]

Haha I love this comment! I love everything everywhere and can't wait to see Beau is Afraid!

[@tomcardy1]

fk everything everywhere all at world 1-1 is a sick caption. I'm not changing the one I did because I have to stick to my guns, but I'm pinning this shi

[@zeggyy]

This comment summed up my feelings for this video better than I ever could 😭

[@vonnie0_0]

@@tomcardy1 I can’t put into words how much I love this song! Especially considering I’m a Mario fan lol. Thanks, Tom Cardy.

[@wobblysauce]

@@tomcardy1 talking about guns, looking good Tom.

[@Sciman0231]

Love how this is half an elaborate joke about how Mario's been put in like a hundred different roles, and half about the dread of living from goal to goal.

[@tumblingartist]

That’s just the Tom Cardy vibe

[@CyberBlaed]

Yes. Everyone seems to forget Hotel Mario though... :(

[@louised2818]

Just like Barbie!

[@xerpenta]

Living goal to goal, while having weekly obsessions but no real passion. Is he achieving all that or just daydreaming about it...

[@lifeturn594]

I didn't even pick up the reference to all of Mario's jobs, I thought this was just about making everyone feel vaguely uncomfortable about where their life is at!

[@GdoubleWB]

“Despite the absurdity of his existence, one must imagine Mario happy.” -Albert Camus, “The Myth of Mario”

[@tomcardy1]

Man you just made me the happiest lil boy in the world. I've had a voice in my head this entire time like "ok, don't caption it with a Sisyphus pun or make a joke about rolling a mushroom up a hill, no one will get it". So thank you, I feel SEEEEEEN

[@GdoubleWB]

@@tomcardy1 I appreciate you, king. 👑

[@miningglalie]

i was looking for this comment

[@jeanprinck1239]

Precisely that - as soon as the last yes-no dilemma appeared, the bells had rung in my head as it were the judgement day. The only true problem is whether or not to commit suicide. + bonus afterthought of the right to say no, silent quitting and all that (tying it to "Hey, I don't work here"), great stuff. Thank you, Tom

[@cxxbxx2243]

YES Camus was exactly what I was drawn to watching this as well

[@willsith9762]

I think this may be the best Tom Cardy song. That repeating line, "Even if you did defeat me, what would you do then?" hammering home how useless a hero is without a villain, and just the satisfying sounds of the text scroll and repetitive NPC lines being used as instruments is musical genius.

[@noikloi]

It's a banger because it's made by a native Aussie 😁 I swear us Aussies are the best comedy musicians out there, probably the best musicians in general since most of us don't use auto tune 😆

[@SoshJam]

@@noikloi random nationalism jumpscare

[@dagonmoore2117]

​@@SoshJamAgreed. Let us never speak of this again.

[@Pandor25]

I think that line there is more toward the pointlessness of life. Like you kill me so what?

[@3takoyakis]

The emptiness of hero life Even after doing literally anything, nothing could fill him like the feeling of beating super egomaniac villain

[@caustic9947]

Underrated part of this that I haven't seen many people mention is how this endless goal-driven mindset affects his relationship with his family. He doesn't think to talk to his father until someone presents it to him as a task to be done, and when given the opportunity to hang out with his brother instead he blows him off

[@sourwitch2340]

also the literal first family interaction is when he begs for a task to do and gets "idk you're brother's been a bit of an ass", and his way of solving that isn't talking to his brother. it's punching him in the face.

[@RafaPro44]

"he blows him off" 🔍hmm suspicious

[@undergroundmonorail]

​@@RafaPro44me when i'm unfamiliar with totally normal english idioms

[@RafaPro44]

@@undergroundmonorail you when i start throwing quarters into the air

[@undergroundmonorail]

@@RafaPro44 +COUNTERRICOSHOT

[@stephaniedo-tx9tt]

As a therapist, I didn’t think I’d be saying “there’s this Australian musical comedian on KZbin…” to my clients so often, but here we are again!

[@chadkohalyk]

Tom has defined the new musical genre of "therapeutic lulz"

[@JamesDavis-qk4hr]

"But therapist, I am Tom Cardy!" comes to mind...

[@ragamuffinm2834]

Ahhhhhhh!!! I was starting to wonder if anyone else psych felt this way!!!

[@Steve-mr4pu]

I'm so glad I'm not the only therapist who's done this lmao

[@NoodleBear]

Makes sense to me lol, didn't he go to school for psychology?

[@fabian6087]

Never felt so much existential dread while being so thoroughly entertained.

[@stead2275]

yeah get cardy-ed loser

[@evilsheepmaster1744]

Tell me you haven't seen Brian David Gilbert's videos without telling me you haven't seen Brian David Gilbert's videos

[@HPFireYT]

Relatable

[@tomcardy1]

@@evilsheepmaster1744 I wish that I could wear hats

[@tomcardy1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJ6peJV4otGsgbM thanks me in the morning

[@captainchrono6448]

I just realised the Cheese Knees disease doctor didn't get a level clear implying he went on to only be remembered for being #HamGuy and not his actual achievements. RIP

[@germanpogostick]

Isn't this what happened to the author of Sherlock (see even I refer to him as the author of Sherlock)

[@Dr._Bo]

​@@germanpogostickoof😭

[@vintage-radio]

Damn

[@sillygoose9791]

​@@germanpogostickArthur Conan Doyle?

[@SethHisoka]

@@germanpogostick mostly, except Sherlock is always the second thing to come to mind when i think of Arthur Conan Doyle, the first will always be "Oh you mean that antisemite goy that kept telling Houdini that his yiddish-speaking mother was summoned at a seance cause all seances were so real, and that his yiddish mom was speaking perfect english now and remembered no yiddish and also kept saying christian bible quotes? Yeah fuck that dude"

[@Gmanrocky]

I love how at 2:24 it just starts listing everything mario has done Golf, Tennis - Mario Sports games Race Car Driver - Mario Kart Olympian - Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Umpire - PunchOut Plumer - Mario Bros Arcade Carpenter - Donkey Kong Arcade Composer - A part of Mario Paint Doctor - Dr. Mario Builder - Mario Maker Fighter - Smash Bros Painter - Mario Paint Royal Family Negotiator - Tbh Idk about this one, comments help me out Break Dancer - Dance Dance Revolution Mario Mix Turtle Killer Freelancer - Just Mario in General Astronaut - Mario Galaxy Indentured cleaner on a beach resort - Mario Sunshine

[@diazblo_]

To me, Royal Family Negotiator was a reference to him saving Princess Peach, and other royalty, countless times. I'm not a massive follower of Mario so please feel free to correct me on that XD

[@Chillyzirconium]

I think the royal negotiator.might be a reference to the rpg on nintendo 64

[@m.3.3.w]

The original Super Mario Bros animation movie (not related to the 2023) where he saves Peach from Bowser and she marries to another Prince. After that idk. I mean between all the "Princesses" he saves you'd think one would actually like him not his own nemesis.

[@javkiller]

I think the joke on the lyrics is meant more as a hostage negotiator but the visual skit is played as if he's having to negotiate with the princess herself. :P

[@RiTrev]

I didn’t even notice that man he puts so much effort into these songs you gotta love him.

[@rockinchild234]

"even if you did defeat me, what would you do then?" absolutely love the fact that the song are all technically answers to this question, yet the fact you keep coming up with more answers still means that the "bad guy" was still right all along. also kudos to the secret level

[@karmicrespite5737]

Honestly when it went into the "beat a guy and took his stuff", I thought the rest of the song would be how he becomes a villain like the one he beat at the start... the fact that it didn't and just continued on with doing other things after he was killed was unexpected but more existential.

[@hgdellinger]

​@@karmicrespite5737 That would also be a banger song concept

[@benjaminsaenz2357]

Sleep is the solution

[@Nope-ln4yj]

@@karmicrespite5737 that one really hit me too, he didn't spiral down into searching an answer and ultimately finding himself becoming the bad guy. No, it was just one of many options that he considered to be a final answer to it, what would he do now? What next? Maybe being bad is the right choice? Nope, neither, try the next thing, murder and robbing people ist just an other attempt at fulfilling himself.

[@DrFunkman]

And the end he went back and decided to just walk away instead of fighting the bad guy meaning there was no one to stop him, so in a way, both the main character and the bad guy got what they wanted

[@xerpenta]

Tom is the only person who's able to sing melancholically at 240 bpm.

[@thedevicebook]

**Guestures to Brian David Gilbert and They Might Be Giants**

[@rockberry4267]

​@@thedevicebook fuck. You're not wrong. I was just thinking this while listening to They Might Be Giants like yesterday or the day before lol

[@BigSmokes1]

The fact this isn't on Spotify is a crime to humanity

[@aqua6296]

I need it on my repeat playlist, like yesterday

[@Snarethedrummer]

Spotify is also a crime to humanity and musicians alike.

[@KWBR1123]

@@SnarethedrummerCan I ask why?

[@highdefinition450]

doesn't really work as well without the text tho lol

[@Engineer_Who]

@@KWBR1123 Spotify pockets most of the money from each song streamed, and only a pittance goes to the artists. Also Spotify platforms dangerous misinformation in podcasts and various other content.

[@aclabonte]

Nobody has ever said to me "Even if you did defeat me what would you do then" but somehow I feel every word of it deep down in my soul

[@valiantknight6364]

I think no one has literally said that to you, but a lot of people metaphorically say that. Like 'what's the point of living green, a billionaire still pollutes so much it won't matter' or 'why vote, the other guy will still win' or for those of us with depression, our own minds are like 'why do dishes, they'll get dirty anyway?'. Or whatever. Defeat each day for what reward, the next day? Start again

[@theflyingspaget]

@@valiantknight6364 My brain tells me that all the time, if I ever "defeated" my mental illnesses, what would I do? I'd just be boring.

[@sourwitch2340]

well, the good news is you can't. the game will keep going forever, or until you die. whichever happens first. so you will never become truly boring. but you can learn how to not let your mental illnesses define the life you spend until then, though that requires a lot of figuring out what they actually are and how to handle and befriend them without endorsing their destructive character. that's what i figure anyways.@@theflyingspaget

[@paulkaehn6203]

Come to think of it, no one has said that to me either. Small world.

[@3takoyakis]

its so hurtful since it often appears in media (rick and morty, some batman comics, and better call saul) that told us "what would you do after you achieve you killing me aka achieving your lifetime goal?" the answers is having two life, so your life didnt become empty after its gone or fulfilled. Like after youre fired from your lifetime job or even after become the most successful businessman in the world

[@ljkarel]

As one who suffers from chronic cheese knees, I appreciate your work in the field.

[@tomcardy1]

You are not invisible

[@rowdydiversion97]

@@tomcardy1 really #inspirational of you to raise awareness for the cheese knees sufferers

[@thedevicebook]

Well, the cottage cheese thighs I have build character & I hope they are never cured.

[@gobglob2201]

@@foolishlyfoolhardy6004more like it’s been curd am i right

[@paulkaehn6203]

Have you thought about just eating the cheese? Then you would have cheeseless knees AKA regular knees

[@carsonm7292]

1:09 "live my life, love my wife" [wife beaming] is an underrated moment in this masterpiece of great moments

[@planguy9575]

And still it wasn't enough. What could be?

[@planguy9575]

@@jair8357 I didn't think she was? I was talking about how the character in the songs narrative is never satisfied with his accomplishments and always moves on to the next one.

[@sephirosu]

The "don't even try to sleep" on the medical route is my favourite part.

[@InternSeraph]

absolutely OBSESSED with the line "Even if you did defeat me, what would you do then?" it's SO good

[@jacobviers5701]

Thank god I'm not the only one

[@devourlordasmodeus]

EVEN IF YOU DID DEFEAT ME, WHAT WOULD YOU DO THEN?

[@Wolfy09784]

It a line form a game called pit people it a good and funny game you should check it out!

[@venn7257]

That line just gives me chills

[@MtBedwars]

Is so true and I like just the start up

[@mizisawesome]

Tom Cardy, You have truly inspired me to raise awareness about Cheese Knees!

[@rosesalad2797]

Why hello there underling appreciator :0

[@tomcardy1]

I myself am not only a CK awareness ambassador (disease, not Louis), but a CK survivor. It is not something I generally chat about online, but I have been suffering from Parmesan Patella for 7 years now. Doctors gave me a delicious 3 years to get my affairs in order, but I ignored her advice and just didn't die. That's the thing about Doctors, they are just people, and you can always ignore people

[@mizisawesome]

@@rosesalad2797 ah yes you have class!

[@mizisawesome]

@@tomcardy1 I’m incredibly sorry about your Parmesan patella, in my case, having Cheddar Cheeks can be a massive pain in the ass!

[@grindstone4910]

@@tomcardy1 All I got out of this is that your knees are delicious.

[@naiastra]

I have watched this about 10 trillion times by now and it plays in my head constantly. It's just so... real. Like, it's simultaneously about the futility of life (there's always another dragon to kill, another level to beat) while the fact that we as humans NEED a dragon to slay, a level to beat, in order to give our lives meaning. We need a goal just to keep going, but it's never enough, you've never really "won". And the only way to be ACTUALLY okay (and get some sleep) is to let go of the need to do so. You succeed and your feelings of success are so short-lived before the feeling of hollowness sweeps in in their place. You beat one "boss" in your life, overcome one obstacle, and behind it there are twenty more. It's never over. You never win. The only way to hush up the voice that's telling you to keep seeking out dragons to slay is to actively decide to accept that there are problems out there that need solving, that you yourself could solve, and then choose to ignore those problems. So it's also about the importance of self-care in a way. It's a song that somehow touches on so much of human insecurity, existential crises, a need for and lack of fulfillment. First time I heard it I legit almost cried because it's a perfect microcosm of how life feels. I've never even played Mario; the song isn't ABOUT Mario, it's just using Mario as a framing device for something a lot deeper and harder to face. (and making it easier to digest with humor and a fire beat. heh.)

[@suitcasegnome]

Still struggling to accept these facts in middle age, but appreciate your honesty and analysis. You are a champion.

[@padathir]

Buddhism has certain concepts that are in the same vein...

[@ShadowGamer300]

This whole song feels like the opposite of the 'Main Character completed all the side-quests first' meme and instead did the story quests first only to realise he isnt doing it to get stronger and overpower the bad guy...he does them because he knows they are all he has left and it haunts him more than the big bad ever did.

[@toonybarzz]

ANOTHER BANGER FROM THE LEGEND HIMSELF !! this goes so hard!!!!

[@tomcardy1]

thank you my dude!

[@enriquegarciacota3914]

Yes. Please. The bees knees cheese disease jeez Louise

[@outsidelookinginprod]

@@tomcardy1 So many comments appreciating the music and the existential lyrics, rightfully so, but I don't think the editing on this video is getting enough love. I certainly realize how difficult all those still shot, jerky animated moments are to edit, but the lazy approach would be to just select some random still images and cut from one to the next. I am impressed with how well thought out each expression and hand motion is. It's proof of your acting talents as well because the pictures you choose are so expressive and communicate so much in just a few frames. I also think that over the course of his adventures, switching to video instead of just sticking with the low frame rate approach was very wise and works for the story. Great use of text too. I like how your videos succeed in every facet: the lyrics are well written and the jokes land, the music production is amazing, and the editing really complements the music and lyrics. I also love your acting and the different voice affectations you use so effectively in your other songs. Really exceptional.

[@phillipefillope]

It's seeing people with this level of creativity that makes me feel like I'm actually an NPC.

[@whapadoodle]

a tad of sonder doth make thee wonder

[@Yachirobi]

You are not an NPC. No one is.

[@Nintendominator]

@@Yachirobi how do you know you aren’t an npc…….. how does anyone….

[@jostayaboi6285]

@@Yachirobi that sounds like a npc to me bud (If you cant tell this is a joke)

[@beans9288]

If you wonder this then you probably aren’t buddy, don’t worry. You wouldn’t be programmed to be self aware unless the devs fucked up again

[@msthecommentator2863]

2:23 it has been two months since this song has come out and it was driving me crazy trying to figure out why the tune in the background sounded so familiar. I finally figured it out today. It's the Gourmet Race theme from Kirby. I fucking love you, Tom ❤

[@apexkonchu2234]

And shortly after that, you can also hear the start of the Zelda main theme a couple of times.

[@morrisbeauregard286]

I love "Indentured Cleaner on a Beach Resort," if not for being an accurate summation of Super Mario Sunshine, then for making all 17 of us who actually played that game feel good.

[@mattyb9991]

That game was included in one of the mainstream releases of the GameCube, and is one of the most popular games on the thing? I’m honestly curious as to how you could even come to such an incorrect conclusion.

[@yakobsoulstorm5187]

Super Mario Sunshine is one of the most well-known games of all time.

[@matterking1]

I think they just wanted to feel special

[@KatieLHall-fy1hw]

I tried to play that game, I am AWFUL at it, haven’t even hit the halfway point. The water jet pack mechanic is really tough for me, and the constant aiming (hence why I don’t play many first person shooters)

[@kamikeserpentail3778]

I thought almost everyone who had a Gamecube had played it.

[@matildakristensen541]

This shook me. To me the character is having a crisis and desperately looking for a purpose in life after completing his main quest. It creates this feeling of hopelessness that really messes with me. I find myself relating to the main character in weird a way. Once again you manage to make something silly looking on the outside but the more I read into it the more meaning it gets. I think that's geniunely really impressive. Also musically this sounds awesome!

[@thrawnnoconnection6931]

To me, it's not even quite that. The main quest was the character doing what they were told they 'had' to, and while it gave them purpose, it was something of a co-dependant relationship with the heroism. Without the quest, the character is desperately searching for something to fill that emptiness, but they're only truly free when they go back and reject the idea that they have to follow the quest. They finally make their own choices, and prioritize their actual needs above the societal ideas of a successful person

[@curtisholsinger6023]

​@Thrawn No Connection One day, Sisyphus stopped rolling the Boulder up the hill. One must imagine Sisyphus as fed up with this shit.

[@user-oh8vh3yi1p]

@@curtisholsinger6023 one must imagine Mario is happy

[@adabsurdum5905]

Was kind of shook when he selected not to continue, as I thought it was a metaphor for suicide at first.

[@VictorRA2010]

Ok, that's the fourth time I'm watching this and knowing it won't be the last

[@theaceofspades8619]

Unironically the concept of a song about what a hero does after saving the day and finding it all mundane compared to saving the world is absolutely brilliant and combining that with your style of comedy makes an ingenious idea even better with how funny it is!

[@hambreger8351]

a bit like shrek forever after

[@TheSuperion123]

ah, so a bit like The Incredibles.

[@megajirana11]

or like the end of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

[@lucastiedeman7090]

I was re-listening to this, and I finally heard the Legend of Zelda stings between 2:35 and 2:43, and then I went back and gave it another once over to see what else I could catch and got the Gourmet Race melody at 2:23. I adore just how much love clearly got put into this.

[@19nmiller1]

Something I haven't seen anyone else appreciate is at 2:17 when he's supposed to say "start again" with his mouth full it sounds like he's saying "not again." It's a really cool and subtle way of showing how he's becoming more exhausted with the whole process

[@SolarSeaSlug]

I'm not convinced it was intentional but a great interpretation to think about!

[@generalagondray]

to me it sounds like "try again"

[@DEANT_IS_ME]

If that was intentional, then Tom is really clever

[@alexhinners]

finally, a lovechild of the two greatest cinematic masterpieces of our time: Everything Everywhere All At Once and The Super Mario Bros Movie

[@creatrotera]

for a moment i was wondering how did this relate to the dementia song

[@sweesbees]

starring bob hoskins and john leguizamo as mario and luigi

[@vikerish3633]

I love the potential message in this song. Life isn't a game to be won, there is no end goal, and even if there was, what would you do once you reached it? Why would you ever WANT to reach it if you aren't going to enjoy the time it takes you to get there. If you only focus on the end you'll miss everything along the way and wind up having nothing at all.

[@isaacpianos5208]

Great reading of the video!!

[@msthecommentator2863]

Also the fact that Mario has been around for so long, he's been shoved into every conceivable role in video game history 😂

[@ochumbamba]

Maybe the real goal was the friends we made along the way, but unironically

[@lieserl_V]

We're living in Garry's Mod.

[@Stolanis]

@@ochumbamba According to what I've seen, yes. I've looked at all sorts of articles and studies on what it is that makes someone most likely to live a happy, healthy life, and the one factor I keep seeing crop up time and again is having a strong support network of friends and family around you. Being rich and motivated to achieve big goals is fine up to a point, but people who don't take the time to build and maintain quality relationships tend to report far less life satisfaction and are far more likely to suffer health problems. In short, humans are social creatures. Forget this at your peril.

[@raving-rambler]

Tom deserves a Grammy for fitting the line 'indentured cleaner on a beach resort' into a song and making it hit every single time I hear it

[@weewooyeet9246]

I love that even if everything he does is with a passion and meaning: "learn the *joy* a family gives", when he completes the 'task' he strove for, at the end of the day it is all just empty. Nicely done again tom.

[@theacewithamace8847]

Not only is Tom an Amazing Singer, he’s a ✨FASHIONISTA ✨

[@HeisenbergFam]

The transformation of cheery "thank you" to deep "thank you" is well done, dope song

[@abc123456190]

The polar opposite of "Hey, I don't work here"...this boi works everywhere! Another fantastic banger Tom, you never fail to disappoint, can't wait to buy some "Level Clear!" merch when you bring some out!

[@sammyboy2007]

the little synth beat that plays at 2:35 and 2:41 give me chills, in the best way possible. it just sounds so damn good man

[@deltagotgroceries8155]

listen close, it’s the Zelda sting! there’s also gourmet race at 2:23

[@sammyboy2007]

​@@deltagotgroceries8155holy fucking shit, your right. Tom is a mastermind

[@roenais]

the most impressive part of this video is the amount of costumes and props tom had to gather for it.

[@noodle3218]

That’s impressive, but I’d say the editing is the most impressive. I can’t even fathom how hard that was including doing the text boxes like that

[@thedevicebook]

With my content creation, my costumes are tax deductible so I may just cover this song as an excuse to buy more costumes. Mwahahah!

[@Sosotora55]

Or he made the song as an excuse to use up a bunch of random outfits :).

[@thedevicebook]

@Sofia I have no idea how taxes work down under. I imagine they tape a spreadsheet & some currency to a kangaroo then point it in the direction of their local government

[@msthecommentator2863]

And some were used for only the span of a fraction of a second. We love our hardworking king from down under 👍

[@lunasthemoth7774]

I don’t see enough people praising the subtle expression changes at 0:38. Just the zoom in on the happy face, to the blink, to the discontent. Really hits home the “waking up” of the character after the fun adventure/goal is over. BRILLIANT WORK!

[@zTom_]

I do love that little moment! 👍

[@user-lt6bl2lf2i]

i know right! Especially in the stop motion, it looks so clean too.

[@leahfarr1681]

This is actually my favourite part of the video. He did a great job at the subtle face change.

[@germanpogostick]

I have put this vid on in the background frequently but always check the tab again at that bit

[@dirkyheart5243]

His eyes literally lose their shine- its just perfect.

[@ZayaVT]

This is one of the few Tom Cardy songs where i'd love to hear an instrumental version. There's just such depth and complexity to the rhythm behind the lyrics, it would be absolutely bonkers to hear it by itself.

[@chronicmedisorder]

the fucking "thank you" soundbite plays in my head constantly and interrupts any other song i think about

[@UltraDumbass1782]

The little ‘conversation’ scenes are the best to me. The little noises as well as how the Toad sounds progressively more annoyed when saying “Thank you” is just god-tier.

[@imabrokenglowstick]

“even if you did defeat me, what would you do then?” GOD that line goes hard. you’re so cool tom

[@lumine881]

What hits me the hardest about this song (other than the fact it's a fkn banger) is that Mario SUCCEEDS. At everything he does, he clears the level, accomplishes incredible things and reaches greatness. The fact that he can't sleep is a metaphor for fulfillment, and that no amount of success is enough for him (could also be seen as a representation of workalohism). That hits me so hard, because though I know I will never do as many things as him, obtain as much success, in one way I am blessed. Succeeding is so often seen as a good thing that you strive for, one could hardly imagine overdosing on success. The lyrics encapsulate what someone who does would feel. What more can you do when you grow tired of winning ? In this song, Mario simply stops playing, but I cannot help imagining that someone would want to, you know, lose... Anyways great song, thank you so much, add it to Spotifiy and make more

[@noikloi]

commented 1 month ago, thats how i know your american :D

[@lumine881]

@@noikloi I’m not ? Why do you think that

[@NothingLeftInThisEmptyWorld]

“Even if you did defeat me what would you do then?” Has got to be one of the most ominous lines I’ve ever heard.

[@nobodynowhere000]

I love how the reoccurring theme is that he can’t sleep due to his constant need to be doing work. But in the end, when he says no, he finally goes to sleep. Love this song!!!

[@johncargille7722]

Half an immortal desperately searching for purpose, half a story of everyday goal-focused burnout, all wrapped up in a musically insane and humorous package. You outdid yourself with this one, man.

[@starfire2rav]

I absolutely love the fact that every time we see peace guy he's just standing there eating the fundraiser cookies

[@funnit7320]

at 1:57 he gets +5 faith and it immediately turns him into the pope, meaning that at 2:28 he could probably crush some ones skull by accident

[@FitinLizard]

i just realized that entire fast-paced rapid-fire of things to do at 2:32 are entirely cannon to mario games. Golf - Mario Golf Series Tennis - Mario Tennis Series Racecar Driver - Mario Kart Olympian - Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Umpire - Punch Out!! Plumber - Regular Mario Carpenter - Jumpman/Donkey Kong Composer - Mario Paint Composer Doctor - Dr. Mario Builder - Mario Maker Fighter - Super Smash Bros. Painter - Mario Paint Royal Family Negotiator - Regular Mario Breakdancer - Super Smash Bros/Mario 64/DDR: Mario Mix Turtle Killer Foot Freelancer - Regular Mario Astronaut - Super Mario Galaxy Indentured Cleaner on a Beach Resort - Super Mario Sunshine Idk if the stuff from before was just tom's mind but i couldn't find much on mario becoming a lawyer or pope. (edit: added Donkey Kong to Carpenter)(edit 2: added DDR: Mario Mix to breakdancer)

[@tomcardy1]

You got it!

[@FitinLizard]

@@tomcardy1 Everything clicked when I heard Indentured Cleaner on a Beach Resort, I love Sunshine.

[@TheKillahKyla]

Then this song is even more genius than I initially thought

[@teaz3139]

​ Breakdancer is more likely about DDR: Mario Mix.

[@kathbyrnes918]

Shit I just really liked the line “indentured cleaner on a beach resort” I don’t know games at all but still effing obsessed with this song. I’m grateful to the comments so I can appreciate the levels!

[@The_Eevee_Breeder]

I love all the references to Mario and his many, _many_ jobs. I also love the use of the Earthbound Text box. 10/10 Friend.

[@NathanC35]

Not to mention the little use of the Zelda melody at 2:35

[@The_Eevee_Breeder]

@@NathanC35 I didn't even notice that! Nice catch!

[@joounoha]

Outro scene with Celeste dialogue voices was a nice touch as well.

[@sarahhefforn9596]

Are the references to lawyer-ing and being a clergyman/priest canon or just things that fit regular life? I know Mario has done a LOT of the jobs mentioned, but I couldn't find any basis for those two.

[@The_Eevee_Breeder]

​@@sarahhefforn9596 Clergyman/Priest I can't say, but I'd like to believe Lawyer-ing is a reference to Ace Attorney, imo :)

[@DanTheManGruen]

I think you just reverse psychology me because now I feel more ambitious and inspired.

[@yamizureyx]

Not sure if you will see this comment, Tom, but I just wanted to say how amazing this is. I recently started therapy because of some trauma from being in a cult for 25 years. (I'm 30, I was born into it,) and one of the key things I've been struggling with is the constant urge that what I do and who I am isn't good enough unless it's completely perfect. I work very hard at my job, caring for my partner and looking after my friends and family, to the point where I'm exhausted all the time and plagued with nightmares and sleep paralysis. When I got to the end of this song I suddenly started weeping. The idea that I can just say no to my feelings (and other people too) for my own sake isn't something I've been used to doing and the frantic goal chasing followed by Mario falling asleep at the end of this song hit me in the chest like a ton of bricks. My therapy is helping, but I want you to know that this song helped me internalize this too. I'm starting to be able to say "no, I need some time to take care of myself." So thank you for making me cry! haha Also the song is really catchy and super well produced, I love your work. Nate

[@lilith4404]

Don't know if Tom will see this. But I saw this and have to say I'm proud of you and you deserve happiness!

[@yamizureyx]

@@lilith4404 Thank you very much, you're very kind. :)

[@starloft3]

for years I’ve wanted to feel what other people do when they said “omg I relate sooo much to this, thanks Tom!” finally, the song that gets me.

[@milogop3574]

It was ‘Red Flags’ for me

[@christianholbrook2686]

1:15-1:38 This whole part goes incredibly hard. Great work Tom.

[@DanielRieger]

Fro me it’s the moment 2:36 onward

[@jarroz9620]

@@DanielRieger Managing to fit "royal family negotiator" in there is undeniably impressive

[@kathbyrnes918]

Indentured cleaner on a beach resort!

[@StuartisUnoriginal]

I like the implication that because there’s no “Level Clear” between the dedicated doctor and the Ham Guy that they are the same lifetime

[@MC-uf5mz]

This is by far my favorite Tom Cardy song. The nostalgic video game sounds, the upbeat rhythm, the repeating phrase, the depth of the message, it's definitely dance worthy.

[@SkyDesignsGames]

For me, it's the texture of the song. The "start again's" from 1:47 to 2:19 are each composed of different notes and styles, which just helps this fever dream stay fresh and not feel repetitive. Really solid production in this one.

[@nicestpancake]

Literally every part of this perfect smh

[@pantis_]

Tom Cardy is still so seriously underrated. I know the guy has almost a million subscribers, but holy shit he deserves so much more. This is so fucking good on so many levels.

[@TecnopataObsoleto]

So many... levels

[@calebgibbons-eyre8602]

I keep coming back. "even if you did defeat me..." keeps repeating in my head, both because that line hurts but also the music is just such a d*mn bop

[@seanmcgovern1779]

This would be a nightmare for most, but I love Groundhog Day. This is my childhood dream, live a life and then start over with a new character.

[@FleshWeaver]

I'm liking the interpretation that the reason the character can't fall asleep and keeps retrying is because they're not able to come to peace, and each level clear is them passing on and going back in time to try to find whatever it is they think they need to be at peace in life. Eventually giving up and deciding to just make do with not having it, which ironically seemed to be the exact thing they needed as they are now able to sleep at the end of the story, now no longer forcing themselves to do "the thing"

[@FleshWeaver]

Realize I forgot to mention it in this post, but I also like the interpretation because it says that the doctor and the ham guy are the same life since there's no level clear / game over in between the two

[@kieranparesh2432]

"Level clear - start again" is, unironically, motivating for me.

[@emilysmith2965]

It is possible that you have misunderstood the assignment

[@OkamiSykan]

It is really minor compared to the other many merits of the song, but I love how he raises awareness of Cheese Knees and then cures the now-famous disease. That verse is very understated but it puts a smile on my face in the middle of the Sisyphean crisis this song puts me in.

[@charliekeane2520]

The NPC character saying thank you reminds me Return to Zork. Both in the way he's dressed and the "animation" switching between single frames/poses.

[@clefadrylwires1348]

Going from "Try to sleep, lie in bed" to "Asleep" at the end is so sweet. Such a good detail

[@SoraZ2112]

God I hope there’s an animated video of this fantastic song one day. Feels perfect for that.

[@user-xk5ig9rp5o]

It would swap between certain game styles, the lawyer= phoenix wright, etc

[@vanillaplanifoliae]

i was thinking of making something like that :0

[@drakesdrum1]

the first animated music video to receive a C&D from Nintendo Legal Team

[@thatextrovertartist5474]

It’s actually very interesting to think about how a hero would cope with finally dealing with their enemy once and for all. “Even if you defeat me, what would you do then?” Is a good question for both sides, because at the end of the day the both rely on eachother in a way- they’ve become apart of their routines, their normalcy. With that gone, they’ve got all the time to do whatever.

[@3takoyakis]

Nothing could give the hero the same feeling of beating the villain

[@generalagondray]

and THUS you have uncovered the secret to the DC universe not liking killing off bad guys unless its a accident.

[@afoolishmortal5265]

I legitimately want an everything everywhere all at once type game with this plot, give it 40 separate genras as the protag just try's to find something to do after their job is done.

[@ChaseVaccaro-ge3gk]

I feel like it'd play like Warioware, or maybe the 2020 Battletoads- One main game setting, peppered with minigames.

[@pesci20002010]

How can this man sit in his studio, wear dozens of different outfits, have a static camera shot AND STILL MANAGE TO MAKE THE BEST VIDEOS OF THE MODERN MUSIC SCENE!?

[@sc4ndi]

The amount of work that went into this is insane! Yet another banger 🔥🔥🔥

[@Nolfinkol]

As soon as I remembered how to do the ASL sign for "thank you", I immediately thought of Toad's motions when he first says "THANK YOU" 0:06

[@hectorfalcon7878]

TOM PLEASE PUT THIS ON STREAMING SERVICES 😭😭😭😭

[@pcblite7203]

I've watched this a "normal" number of times and noticed something different each time so I'm just gonna list off what I've noticed & loved so far 1. you worked so hard to not say "Mario" at the beginning and then later just straight up say Toadette 2. When the crime syndicate gets started you do ASL for 'fuck you' instead of thank you 3. at 2:35 I think I hear a nod to the classic Zelda theme in the background? 4. The ramp up at the beginning is unmatched, with the dialogue transitioning into the music and the 8-bit talking that gradually becomes more and more organic until returning to 8-bit (4b. Love the "death noises" that come after each successive 'thank you!') 5. "Learn the joy that family gives" every time his brother is onscreen he gets hadukened lol 6.#hamguy is on the same level as curing cheese knees (6b. can't wait for hamguy to become the next TikTok trend) 7. Mario's doing the "addict scratch" at 1:25 when he's desperately asking for another goal to reach for 8. When the music become more "natural" so do the movements, and then when there's 8-bit solos the movement goes back to being choppy 9. Bad Guy's voice is organic from the beginning, setting him apart from the rest of the 8-bit music from the very start 10. 2:50 it sounds like the background vocals are saying "you win, level up, level clear, start again" 11. 3:50, all the different 'levels' being paired against each other to fight is opened with two street fighter versions of the Hero going against each other, really cementing that it's a fight against himself as much as against Bad Guy 12. I feel like the ending is implying that the ultimate satisfaction comes from doing things for yourself, because you want to, and not for anyone else. Goals are good for you if they're the goals you want to have, not if they're goals you think you should have. The goal was never to be a lawyer, or an indentured beach resort cleaner, but to get a good night's sleep. This need to put yourself first happens with the high score being appropriately named 'ASS', and I love that TLDR; absolute banger, wonderful video, you've done a fantastic job as always Mr. Cardy! I'm sure there's more to notice but this bit got away from me and I need to get dinner

[@deathrisen7036]

was looking through the comments for the zelda theme to see if i was going insane, i really liked that part in the song

[@Kaerusss]

i loved the hand-shaking holding the coffee on 'dont bother trying to sleep'

[@MadisonRamanamabangbang]

Just realized he wiggles the sword stabbed in him just to see if it makes him feel anything, holy shit

[@curtisholsinger6023]

Why am I anxious?... You only sleep 4 hours a night Getting some good sleep keeps cropping up in Tom's songs, I love it. And on that note... time for bed goodnight

[@msthecommentator2863]

One minor correction to your original post, at 2:50 the background vocals are actually saying, "get out of bed, level up, level clear, start again" implying a vicious cycle of always chasing goals and not appreciating what you have accomplished

[@vienna4516]

I keep coming back and relistening to this song. As someone finishing up their degree, it does feel like endless tasks, and this really speaks to me

[@megabuilder15]

Same, I’m so close to finishing my degree in less than a month, but I’m worried that once I finally stop the endless grind to get things done I’ll sit back and realise I’m not sure what to do next.

[@vienna4516]

@@megabuilder15 im gonna try travel, hopefully ill figure it out on the move

[@NoTalentHack22]

Thank you so much for this song. I set myself some very ambitious writing goals a little less than a year ago and hit them last night. This morning, I woke up and felt kind of empty. In the absence of deadline pressure, self-enforced goals, and promises I'd made to the community I'm part of, I felt rudderless. Throughout the day, that got better, but I still felt listless until I remembered this song and listened to it a couple times. Now, I'm going to go take a nap, then a break for a few days without feeling guilt. And, when I'm ready, I'll get to my next adventure.

[@kevinwatkins3710]

Can't believe this song isn't on Spotify, it's so good it really should be

[@diegothedino7255]

how is the music, story, and actual video so good. please dont stop tom! thank you for making my day better.

[@tomcardy1]

Thanks so much mate! I appreciate it!

[@benjimancasebeer7747]

This encapsulates the phrase "You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain." With a beautiful whiff of existential dread that I've come to appreciate in your work.

[@isaacpianos5208]

I don't think it's really about that

[@benjimancasebeer7747]

@@isaacpianos5208 you're welcome to your own opinion. That's what came to mind after an initial watch. The evolution from hero, to mob boss, to apathetic nihilist was an excellent example of the idea behind my comment.

[@isaacpianos5208]

@@benjimancasebeer7747 I think the point is to stop searching for meaning and making everyone happy instead of just resting sometimes

[@benjimancasebeer7747]

@@ScorpV1 situation: a house is on fire, you can hear a woman screaming for help on the 3rd floor. A former volunteer firefighter/afghanistan vet is standing there and you beg them to go in and save the woman. "No" says the vet, laughing in your face. He's the villain in that situation no? Apathetic negligence is the allowance of the evil/horrible thing to happen. Which in a court of law means you're guilty of the crime to an extent. So my comment stands true, you're welcome to your own interpretation of the song. That's just how i felt after listening.

[@benjimancasebeer7747]

@@isaacpianos5208 very valid moral. And an excellent interpretation. There are a thousand ways people may translate a song or video, ours may vary, but neither are inherently wrong.

[@ADamDovah]

I’ve watched this video so many times. The expression change at the beginning. The oodles and oodles of Mario references. Luigi. It’s just all great. Especially the convo at the end. When he says No and it’s all over the text box. It looks like the game is bugging out kinda like which is just awesome, and then he finally sleeps. So many messages it’s just anazing

[@Zuljitak]

This one really hit home and perfectly articulates how I've been feeling over the last ten years or so, it got me tearing up, but the sheer energy of this song is fantastic, you killed it with the 8-bit vibes! We're so lucky to be able to experience your work and interact with you, even if it's just a comment here and there. You are appreciated, Tom, thank you for sharing yourself with the world like this.

[@unsweetenedfruit]

Of course Tom Cardy would make a silly video game song that reflects the existential horror of endlessly trying and failing to find purpose in life. 🎶 Wake up, start again. 🎶 Yeah, I'm good, why do you ask?

[@honeytsubame]

Didn't think a Mario parody would have me sitting here wondering what the heck I'm doing with my life, but here we are. Might genuinely be my favourite thing of yours so far, Tom

[@matildakristensen541]

Same here! This geniunely shook me already the first time I watcehd it. Might be because of my current mood but still, this is deep. And a banger!

[@prashanthsrinivasan2680]

IT LOOPS PERFECTLY

[@sapnupua5]

lyrics reminded me a ton of the song "reincarnation apple," up until the end where it took a different turn than it did, revealing to have had a different theme the whole time

[@mr_murmiaucher3876]

It's astonishing how many costumes Tom has to go through each video, rocking every single one of them. Love the song!

[@DeepBlueInk]

Oh good, the only thing I'm gonna listen to this week just dropped again

[@samreid6010]

I have found the rare DeepBlueInk in the wild!

[@americanpride5540]

I love the symbolism of the continue? button, every night Super European Laborer Sibling is faced with the same question we are all faced with every night. For most it's an automatic response they choose without ever giving it a continuous thought. They hit Yes and choose life to face the coming day head on, but then there are others who as the days pass and the sleepless night stack up the time it takes for them to hit yes, to commit themselves to facing one more day grows longer and longer. As sleep continues to evade them. Until one day in the late night or early morning they simply can't do it anymore and hit No. And the world loses another light and dims just a bit more. Truly powerful stuff Tom, powerful stuff indeed.

[@SolarSeaSlug]

There's something in how quiet and... almost apathetic? The first verse is. There's something in there that really hits different, like the character just can't find a reason to do anything anymore. Like a marionette with the strings cut. Hits me in the gut.

[@ikcrochi]

Amazing as always, Tom! I am struggling right now since I graduated from collage and got a job, so I don't have other goals in life. I feel I am not alone figuring how to live properly. Thanks!

[@tomcardy1]

College and Uni into the world and jobs is such a wild transition, I was so lost when I finished my degree ( so much I went and did another degree!). This is water!

[@dtexpress]

Tom quoting DFW…this video and comments thread just gets better. Tom, you dropped this on the day I finished grad school and wow…I am my own bad guy.

[@GustheGunGuy]

Since you finished your collage, maybe you could start a diorama

[@loser_geek_weebever2807]

this man's wardrobe is somehow perfect for each and every character he does and nothing else its a character costume or it's a tank top no in-between lmao

[@GalexiDude]

I had an existential crisis from listening to this. 10/10 would reccommend

[@Jitmakesstuff]

In my head, I keep imagining him attacking Luigi because Luigi is so effortlessly satisfied with not going on quests, not saving princesses, not chasing goals, just content with doing nothing and not striving towards some high goal. And Mario resents that on some level. Luigi being present and cheerful is just a reminder that Mario's chasing a ghost of satisfaction and won't ever be actually happy until he stops. Or at least that's my random headcanon about that, haha

[@dastitone4044]

That 2:45 super mario sunshine reference hit HARD

[@g0thamw0rk]

When you do inevitably put this GOLDEN MASTERPIECE on an album, please keep the "THANK YOU" sound clips and such 🙏

[@Idekwhouis]

I cant stop listening. Its just kind of scary but i can stop listening to the “think about what bad guy said” part. Goosebumps everytime i see “mario”’s face just sadden as the music starts

[@ammaokami4479]

I've been checking Spotify every few days hopimg this would come out as a single. I just want to listen to it on repeat while driving

[@cogmonocle2140]

glad this is a silly song about a video game and not about how endlessly chasing achievements in any aspect of life is a hollow goal which won't bring you fulfillment on its own

[@karmacean]

HUGE BANGER TIME FOR THIS TO BE ON REPEAT FOREVER

[@llamarama6976]

Start the song again?

[@couchpotato4928]

Even if you did listen to the song what would you do then?

[@bentleythegreatest]

My favorite Tom Cardy song. I keep on listening.

[@HeyoImKaGo]

I like the riffs of actual themes mixed into the song, it really adds to the mix of it being a video game themed setting rather than JUST the 8 bit stuff some people go for