Harlem Shake

The song 'Harlem Shake' by Baauer is not known for its lyrical depth but rather for the infectious beat that sparked an Internet meme and dance craze in early 2013. The lyrics are minimal and repetitive, featuring the phrase 'Con los terroristas' which translates to 'With the terrorists' in English, followed by the instruction to 'do the Harlem Shake.' The phrase 'Con los terroristas' is a sample from the song 'Maldades' by Hector Delgado, which Baauer incorporated into the track. The meaning behind the use of this sample is not directly related to the theme of terrorism but is likely chosen for its rhythmic and vocal qualities that complement the beat.

The 'Harlem Shake' itself is a dance that originated in Harlem, New York, in the 1980s. However, Baauer's song does not directly reference the original dance moves. Instead, the song became the backdrop for a viral meme where one person would dance to the song's build-up, surrounded by others who are not paying attention, and when the beat drops, everyone would join in, performing erratic and comical dances. The simplicity of the lyrics and the catchy beat made it easy for the song to become a backdrop for a wide variety of videos, contributing to its viral spread.

In the cultural context, 'Harlem Shake' represents a phenomenon where the music is secondary to the social media trend it inspired. The song's impact lies in its ability to bring people together in a shared, albeit brief, moment of creative expression and humor. It showcases how a piece of music can transcend its original form and become a canvas for internet culture and community engagement.