Reaction to The Chicken - Bo Burnham

The Chicken - Bo Burnham
Original Video:
• The Chicken - Bo Burnh...
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Reaction to The Chicken - Bo Burnham

[@Marina-cq2yt]

When I first heard this song I was like: "okay, cool, I get it." Then I heard it in the car this morning after an awful week, and I cried. It's hard out here for a lil chick, man.

[@DetroitNickel]

Lil chick. Love it. Nice comment

[@rottenwings]

1st listen its easier to take the words at face value, I broke in tears the 2nd listen cause you start to relate to the chicken 🤔

[@TheSwede9]

This made me laugh so hard as a tired rooster who also legitimately cried out of nowhere first time hearing the song. I think because he realized he's stressed out from getting up so dam early every day and Bo is therapy music

[@Numb00]

@@rottenwingsha, I feel it, I’ve been listening to it throughout the week. Hasn’t had any effect on me, until about my 10th listen and I really understood and related to it, pieces falling into place. And my heart shattered, cryin in the bathroom at my work for 10 min. Amazingly beautiful and heartbreaking song

[@abbyj2783]

Something I found the most interesting is the musical details. Throughout the song, he his constantly switching between "happy" and "sad" chords, creating that pained emotion. When he gets to the end, that last chord usually defines whether the ending was actually happy or sad, but you'll notice he didn't play the final chord. He left it open ended, just like in the story. Did she actually die? Did she make it across? He doesn't know. And maybe he doesn't want to know.

[@mrschips]

Loved this! The chicken wakes up to her husband’s “screams” because he’s a rooster

[@alanheyes694]

It could also be interpreted as an abusive relationship.

[@krisdoesart9643]

Yeah I think that was just a chicken joke before the metaphor really kicks in

[@konvex69]

@@alanheyes694 highly unlikely since later on bo says that the chicken likes being a wife and mother.

[@tersommers]

Why did the chicken cross the road? Bo answered it! This is such a beautiful song, even without the lyrics. Add in the lyrics and it is just spectacular. I would like to look at the hopeful ending as what happened rather than the chicken getting squashed along with her dreams. 7:50 makes me get really emotional with what he does with the melody. Thank you for your reaction to this one! Appreciate your thoughts!

[@melovespoon]

pasting the same comment on multiple reactions is an interesting strategy, working well even. Good job finding what works

[@ptolover7]

After dozens of times listening to this song I remembered that a common theory about the classic chicken joke is that the "other side" answer in the joke is referring to death or the afterlife. I feel like that's what Bo meant by "most think she died". A lot of people think the real meaning of the joke is that the chicken died crossing the road, but an unusually hopeful and optimistic Bo thinks we should take one thing at face value, and believe that "the other side" really means the other side of the road. And that there's a chicken in Memphis right now recommending braces and cleaning teeth. (I feel like there's an orthodontist/ornithologist joke in there somewhere 😅)

[@Lon-Lon]

It is, since chickens don't have teeth

[@loke3684]

if you think about "the other side" as the afterlife, the original joke becomes SO sad. "Why did the chicken cross the road? to get to the other side!" suicidal chicken D:

[@greglirne5611]

If you take the other side as the afterlife, the last line makes a lot more sense, it explains why the song stops so abruptly, but it also makes everything a lot more depressing (and I persnally think that this is why he didn't make it the finale to Inside).

[@teidorhalariblah]

Yeah that's what I thought too. Not many people get the real message in this song.

[@Vii_ridian]

Wait what the fvck i just realized that too ;-;

[@pastafarians]

People always ask 'why did the chicken cross the road?'. Most never ask what happened to the chicken.

[@marylynn8455]

Never thought the reason why the chicken crossed road would make me cry 😢. This was really beautiful...thank you for your excellent reaction and comments!

[@simple_scribe]

I really like how you get the lyric's meaning so well. Its really painful watching reactions sometimes where they just miss the biggest point of the song. Thank you!

[@raisnaix]

This song is emotional whiplash and I am here for it! Did you notice at the end how it zooms out with him silhouetted in a headlight?! The man is an ARTIST!

[@rjjackson2044]

I know you’re working on inside and it’s popping right now but keep in mind if you listen to his work in order by release date you can watch a young offensive kid turn into a self-reflective god of comedy 🎭

[@Time_Is_Left]

This is the most interesting thing about Bo imo, and he’s an interesting dude so that’s saying something lol But for real tho, the journey he and his work has taken lay really well over the past 20 years of the path the global north has taken if that makes sense? (In terms of White (not white) middle American millennials and gen z’s)

[@wrecktalwreek]

Just wanna say that every time you've said "maybe this is a reach, but..." I think you've been dead-on and very insightful. I think it's just your (respectable) humility, but have confidence in your assessments, I think you've earned it 👍

[@xhorton]

I love your commentary. beautiful voice. Your thoughts on this song opened me up to yet another incredible perspective on the song. Thanks

[@TheDaringPastry1313]

The part where he sings road to the other road ... absolute goosebumps at his voice and the song itself ... Just so good. And you're so right, his intro to the song straight up puts you in a mood knowing that the song is going to be more emotional. The fact that he made a, "why did the chicken cross the road" joke into this masterpiece .... dude.....

[@druid_zephyrus]

Now, personally, I'm certain the metaphors are there. However, knowing Bo's artistry and the fact that it was cut from the special, a small part of me just thinks of this as the most elaborate "Why did the chicken cross the road?" joke. All that said, "...made it to the other side..." could just be a hope for heaven after the car. But then again, maybe life on Earth can be Heaven. -Your Friendly Neighborhood Druid

[@ludos1963]

I love how.. on one hand it's a song about being stuck in life, wanting to chase your dreams and the "consequences" of abandoning your child, a lot of profound and incredible stuff and on the other hand it's a song about why the chicken crossed the road lmao

[@jaceeaster2246]

this song reminds me of my cousin, we grew up in NC, he always wanted to visit california. He eventually saved up enough money to go for a few days. His flight crashed in Tennessee and he passed away. Didnt even get close...smh.

[@Marina-cq2yt]

Condolences ❤

[@lukeerikblue958]

This is the best reaction to the song I've ever seen. You were even able to voice some things I couldn't. I can't tell how much this helps. Thank you.

[@tybrennan7780]

This is awesome. I’m so glad you decided to dive into Bo’s music

[@davidtrujillo1689]

From the outakes you should hear five years and joe biden, the second one is more short but equally amazing. He's an artist and even what he discarted has real value.

[@monodescarado]

Just found the channel. Great reaction. Good to hear someone talk about the musicality side of things in the intro. I also only just realised that the male chicken screaming is actually a play on the Rooster crowing in the morning. I completely missed that to begin with! Other things I noticed on this rewatch: - the word 'coup' is also how we refer to be being confined (couped up) - the meadow on the other side refers to the idiom: 'the grass is always greener on the other side' - the chicken is 'little' = Chicken Little? ;) It’s also likely this song is a metaphor for his own anxiety and fears of re-entering the world.

[@gjriehl]

This song is incredible to me. It's not only a why did the chicken cross the road joke. But it's also a story of chasing ones dreams. But on top of that it's also a story about failing at chasing your dreams but just because you failed doesn't mean it wasn't worth it. The chicken gets hit by a car but she made it to the other side. Even if she died, she made it across and chased her dreams instead of being unhappy.

[@bastistargazer]

Your reading between the lines is amazing. As a guy whos biggest issue is selfdoubt and insecurity this song hits. I'm hiding since years and always am in my little space. Recently i started looking for more support and help to going. There slow steps but i'm definetly going somewhere and hope to find always some strenght to go further. To my Chicken Soulmates, don't give up and if you do, search hope again don't just lie there fallen. You're not alone and your feelings are natural but your wishes and hopes are too. Best of luck 🍀

[@rjjackson2044]

1:35 when you realize Dave is a fellow member of the music world fr fr

[@ThaneofWindhelm]

I think it's about his career. Sitting in his room thinking about fame. When he finally gets out there all his anxiety finally gets to much in front of headlights(stagelights) i.e. the kanye rant. He ghosts for 5 years(most think he died), but he got to the otherside.

[@Brutal_n_Cunnin]

I cannot wait for you to react to 'that funny feeling' by him, it makes me cry.

[@whatitdodave]

Dropping tomorrow! It made my head scratch tho haha.

[@twigthetroll9279]

Person: Why did the chicken cross the road? :-D Me: Me: ............................Um.

[@rjjackson2044]

5:45 😭😭😭 I know bro holy fuck it’s BEAUTIFULLL

[@nutmeg418]

I really appreciated your thoughts on this! beautiful song with thoughtful commentary. ❤️😌 thanks for another awesome vid Dave!

[@timothymcnerney3352]

This song gets deeper and deeper every listen, you deff nailed it from my interpretation…well done sir

[@djalexander968]

the beauty of making a powerful message of a person being chained down by obligations, but going after dreams, and the comedy of making an elaborate joke for "why did the chicken cross the road" is the pinnacle of what makes bo burnham a genius of our time, honestly so glad he didnt just delete this in a fit of anxiety thinking it wasnt good enough, because practically everything he can make is standalone amazing

[@lukes.3679]

I just realized that she woke up to her husband's screams because he's a rooster.

[@unclefoot]

I’m really enjoying your reactions to Bo and how you take the time to try and tease out the metaphors. It’s super calming and brings a new perspective to material that’s already deep as shit lol. There’s always things to read between the lines with Bo’s work. Even his older, edgelord stuff had some kind of deeper, existential quandary beneath the face-value humor. Can’t wait for more!! And you’ve just gotta dig into his backlog after going through Inside! Words Words Words, What, and Make Happy are the 3 full length specials he did before inside and it’s wild watching him literally grow up and into the brilliant existential absurdist he has become. Cheers!

[@wendycohen9038]

Really admire your insight. Love this song.

[@DoraScarlet]

The moving image in the background makes me feel motion sick lmao

[@ManadaCan]

Funny thing is, he’s actually talking about a chicken.

[@monsterurby]

I never comment on reaction videos. However, I've got to say that your break down of the meaning of the song was fantastic. You've got a great voice for it as well, I could listen to you all day. :D

[@daytonbudreau3532]

Th step before the "leap" is always the hardest that's so true, being willing to accept what may come with it and motivating yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Amazing commentary as always and I had the same thoughts as you, there is a message here and I would say you deciphered it perfectly

[@noodle67]

This is the true reason why the chicken crossed the road

[@LucasBNagy]

you really gotta see the whole netflix special about INSIDE. yes, i know you are scared of the aspect of it getting taken down, but at least watch it for yourself, get all the context, experience what he did between the makings of the songs and all that. It is also possible for you to record it, ive seen people do it, but its an hour of content - some funny, some more serious - what im saying is at least watch all, cut everything but parts of the special that made you feel like it was important, rant about it, analyze it, do whatever, most of the good songs are already published on youtube by either netflix or bo himself so you shouldnt really be scared about strikes, and definitely not when you got so much more to bring to it. At least make watching the netflix special called "INSIDE" so you've seen it in its whole for yourself

[@Hey_Jamie]

Waking up to her husband screaming is talking about a rooster. Roosters crowing early in the morning.

[@twistedbard]

The waking up to a male, screaming, chicken: Rooster. Bro... it's about the chicken. It's about 'why' the chicken crossed the road. I agree with everything you talked about, to be fair, but the song was about the chicken, in the joke. "That's 'why' she did it."

[@whatitdodave]

Thanks.

[@cesarcarvalhod1100]

Yeap that sums up what i wanted to say…!

[@edisonlima4647]

Just like Romeo and Juliet is "just" about a guy going to a masquerade ball and having a bad week afterwards. Art very often have layers.

[@DetroitNickel]

I LOVE YOUR COMMENTARY! One of the best reactors on YT! Always engaging beginning to end. 💓

[@Dan-B]

I think it is about an actual chicken ("husband's screams" i.e. a rooster) But the whole song can definitely be seen as an allegory for anyone when they're feeling trapped. 😛

[@matthewgilbert9881]

I think you might have missed the one line that really drove the seriousness of the Kanye rant home because you were thinking about reacting to some other aspect, but he says, “as I try to give them what I don’t have myself”. In the context of the whole special, which is named “Make Happy”, it’s a really hard hitting line.

[@Akirilus]

Yea this song is quite deep if you think about it. There are many angles to this. First of all I guess be careful what you wish for, your hell might not be hell at all. But then again to aspire is to risk, to risk is, in it's extreme to risk your life, can you achieve anything without risk? Perhaps not. But lastly, you're not that man, or woman. You're not the protagonist, you're not special, you're just a chicken, whom wanted for more but couldn't ever grasp it, know your place. See in reality it's contradictory and that's what makes it so deep. In the end all this is saying is be careful. Think things through, don't just rush towards your destination assuming you'll get there, tomorrow is not guaranteed.

[@GwydionsAstralCoffeehouse]

39 years I spent in Los Angeles. Then I left, and never came back. Love from India. 🙏🏼

[@genostellar]

Some people literally die while trying to achieve their goals, too. Also, anyone who doesn't listen to your commentary... what are they even doing here? Anyone who's only here to watch Bo Burnham should just go watch Bo Burnham. If you guys are here, you're here for the reaction. You're here for the thoughts. You're here for the commentary. Otherwise, go to Bo. He needs the support, too.

[@dantegreciante7984]

Why did the chicken cross the road? She had hope for a better. Had. Ok this is the burnham standard. Anyone fucked up enough to make a dark joke out of the chicken crossing the road deserves hugs all over the world. If they can express it artistically then they deserve to be appreciated alongside the hugs.

[@cedriclankes3115]

I'm here for the commentary like I dislike when people tell to react less on reactions. Then I always think just go watch the original video. Also u just crossed a huge road my own. Same as you I dont like traveling but just a week ago I got into a plane and flew for the first time in my life it was scary, exciting and super interesting but it was not easy for me at first. I am so glad I did it however I can only recommend trying to bend your boundaries and leave your comfort zone once in a while. Thank you for reading whoever does and a nice day to you specially!

[@dantegreciante7984]

Basically, everyone who survived crossing the road is heard of, makes you think you can too until you see the roadkill along the way, but then it's too late. You're just another smear on the road. But hey, atleast you painted the asphalt. It was good and thrilling while it lasted. I guess that's just life. You get what you can while you can until you don't live no more.

[@kzbw]

lmao I just watched like 10 reactions to this and nobody else has mentioned how "The Chicken" also refers to someone who is scared to take that leap. Thanks for that, can't believe everyone is missing that layer

[@OverpoweredByMonk]

Love your reactions, buddy. I hadn’t really thought about it at all in the way you presented your thought process. Much love ❤️

[@cinnamoncito]

I've watched a coueple reactions to this but so far yours is my favorite, I love how you had something to say at many points, I love your voice and I'll be checking out more stuff from you ❤

[@SergioArangio]

I hadn't heard if you before but I hit follow the second you stopped the video to give your thoughts on the intro. Awesome to have run into a new favourite creator for when I'm in the mood for music reactions 🙏

[@greglirne5611]

With all due respect, and even though art is not objective so you're free to believe anything you want, I don't think that your interpretation of the song is the right one. Bo often talks about the fact that he does not feel like he earneed his success and has often criticized this kind of ambitious and capitalistic vision of life so it wouldn't fit his previous work to make a metaphore about the fact that you must make the first step if you want to succeed in life. I could totally be wrong though. What I understand about it is a more litteral interpretation. I think that you must take the chicken as a metaphore for anyone struggling in routine, and the "way out" that many have probably considered during the lockdown. The last two lines are the keys to understand it. "I think we ought to believe that she got to the other side". The other side could be the other side of the road, or it could be life after death. In which case the last line: "That's why she did it" does not mean that she "did it" to actually get to the other side of the road, but that she was, well, committing suicide, waiting for a car... When I first listened to the song, I didn't pay attention to this last line, I thought that it was just a way to end the story on generique words and then I realised that it carried the twist about the end. I then thought that it was bitter sweet. Like she died but as least she in heaven so it's not that bad. And then you understand that she meant to end up in heaven. It is crushing and depressing, but also beautiful. This man is a genius.

[@ashtonjaymes6133]

The first time I heard this song: oh thats funny, a dramatic song about a chicken Me the second time, sobbing: oh my God it's a metaphor

[@parkerbanks5104]

I appreciate your perspective man, it’s really refreshing to see a reaction channel that adds thoughtful commentary instead of just watching along. This one hits hard

[@sportybeatle]

See whats awesome about bo burnham is you can take his songs anyway you want to you could just see this as a why did the chicken cross the road joke or you can take this like you did as a huge metaphor but I honestly think the headlights then chicken disappearing could be someone leaving their home town to be successful and most people think that person failed just because they haven't herd anything about you since you left idk what do you guys think

[@tw5732]

You should be a therapist!!!! You are awesome in the way you break down Bo’s songs.

[@Itsant33]

Crossing the road is overcoming fear by facing it knowing you're scared

[@riotto1802]

Why did the chicken cross the road?... Because everything she ever wanted was on the other side 🥺

[@Hey_Jamie]

Wasn’t sitting on a hen. A hen is a female chicken. He said sitting on the EGG she is warming. Basically, a pregnant woman for comparison.

[@whatitdodave]

I misspoke but you know what I meant. I even mentioned kids in my reaction when trying to break it down haha.

[@js_musicmedia8981]

Thanks for the reaction! This is one of the best songs I’ve heard this year

[@cedriclankes3115]

Lets be honest the people skipping over your comments miss out.

[@Dieuwertje12]

I skipped some of the commentary initially, but then went back cuz its actually good advice! I'm trying to not put up those roadblocks right now, it's tough to jump into the unknown, but so worth it!

[@whatitdodave]

You got me wondering if people take a chance on my commentary befor me skipping it. I just assume ain’t nobody wanna hear all that taking haha

[@emilyrobinson4103]

I think the bit with the headlights can also be related to Bo and how he sorta went on hiatus. Because of everything he says in his other songs, especially the Kanye Rant, he's achieving his dream, but everything got too much and he was sorta "caught in the headlights" and could seemingly only choose between putting himself down more and even well... Dying.. or having to "chicken out" (as he probably saw it) and leave

[@emilyrobinson4103]

"and that's why [he] did it"

[@zacharybranch1074]

Great reaction and breakdown. Appreciate the vid

[@ell3beam]

thank you for the thoughtful commentary

[@Hey_Jamie]

Bro it’s not an album lol. It’s a SPECIAL. A special that also has some music.

[@kizukun001]

Music bring more important than words, yup in context. like the song mad world, the original is so much different than the Gary Jules arrangement that most people recognize.

[@nezumi16]

Very much appreciate the commentary. I'm not a father, and have no real interest in being one, and that's exactly why I love reaction channels: to hear perspectives and experience that I don't/won't have. Definitely want to throw some love to the attention paid to the music in the beginning. It's easy to get swept up in the message (Bo does that) and miss how beautiful the music is.

[@falsicorgi813]

I love your take. Beautiful interpretation. It's also literally an overly extended "why did the chicken cross the road?" joke in line with his favorite type of obserdist humor

[@jeantrentleman7543]

Hi Dave love your reactions was hoping you would react to VANNY VABIOLA cover I have nothing by Whitney Houston now I know what your thinking this songs been murdered by many singers but Vanny is different she is the queen of goosebumps they call her the Celine Dion of Indonesia and one of the best female vocalists in the world today hope these words find you well love and respect from the east coast of Canada Rocko out

[@SilverSoother]

I came across your channel on a whim and can't help but go through video after video. You're insight and understandings are so fresh and welcoming. I know most people come for the videos, but stay for the commentary.

[@5amur121]

It's crazy how good the stuff in the Inside Outakes are his scraps are what people aspire to be and that's ridiculous. Also of course I don't skip the commentary I know some do just don't get that its a reaction channel let them speak but man I just enjoy listening to ya voice it has like the Bob Ross effect.

[@KazyQ]

I swear that this is a parody of something

[@aq2451fgidky]

The melody was taken from his other song straight white man. Both songs have way different topics though.

[@Charsept]

Love the piano on this one

[@brandenflinchbaugh9038]

Hey man, you say that you appreciate those who listen to the commentary, but that's what I came here for. You're great man!

[@emilyrobinson4103]

Would never skip the commentary, you always have such great things to say

[@Time_Is_Left]

The commentary is why we’re here 💜 I got a lot of kids lol

[@shamansyephul]

Appreciate the break down fam

[@dudarrrrgh]

beautiful insight! thanks for the reaction

[@gavino2812]

Best break down of the chicken by far

[@joshvandergrift]

Best reaction to this by far !

[@thisbridgehascables]

Love the commentary!

[@Ethanf2318]

Loved your breakdown of this. I think you did fantastic of not missing any details. I think in the middle of the road when we take our eyes off of the prize and we stumble that’s when we “fall” and that’s when everyone else falls off and ignores you or you “die”. I think that if we pick ourselves back up from those headlights and not worry about what’s behind us we make it to the other side without the worry or need of the thoughts of those “most”.

[@tammyknoll1496]

"Choose your damn sacrifice!" (Jordan Peterson) 👍

[@elbruces]

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road? A: To get to the other side! Everybody: HA HA HA! That's the oldest joke in the world! Bo: No wait, there's more to it than that, lemme break it down.

[@sanderevers9396]

To me it just seemed like a deconstructed version of a "why did the chicken cross the road?" joke. Sometimes a chicken is just a chicken and a road just a road. But I appreciate your take on it. I feel like in a lot of Bo's work people read way more into it than he intended. Have been guilty of seeing deeper meaning in his songs as well, so definitely not blaming anyone for doing it.

[@foreignresult4164]

But that's the beauty of good art and well written songs. It doesn't really matter what Bo meant with this song. You can hear so many things in this song