It’s Going to Be May Meme: The Enduring Power of a Boy Band Mispronunciation

The Song That Started It All: NSYNC and the Genesis of a Phrase

The Album “No Strings Attached”

Before the memes, the image macros, and the endless streams of social media posts, there was the song. NSYNC, the quintessential boy band of the late nineties and early aughts, blessed the world with a string of catchy tunes and meticulously choreographed dance moves. Their album, *No Strings Attached*, released in two thousand, included the infectious hit, “It’s Gonna Be Me.” While the song itself, with its upbeat tempo and earnest lyrics, was a chart-topping success, it was a seemingly minor detail that would ultimately give birth to a meme phenomenon.

The source of the meme lies within the vocal delivery of the song. During the chorus, Justin Timberlake, the band’s most recognizable face and voice, sings, “It’s gonna be me.” However, the way he pronounces “me” on the track led to a very slight mispronunciation that many listeners perceived as “may.” This subtle twist, a slight deviation from the standard pronunciation, proved to be the perfect ingredient for internet humor.

The song, and indeed, the album, was a massive cultural touchstone for a generation. For many, NSYNC represented a soundtrack to their youth. Their music filled radio airwaves, and their faces adorned posters on bedroom walls. This pre-internet ubiquity paved the way for the meme’s eventual viral spread. The original popularity of “It’s Gonna Be Me,” thus, provided a fertile ground for the meme to take root.

From Music Video Moment to Internet Sensation: The Birth of the Meme

The visual element of the meme, the image that became synonymous with the phrase, is extracted directly from the music video for “It’s Gonna Be Me.” The video features each member of NSYNC as a toy, and the scene focuses on Justin Timberlake as he sings. The image often used is a still of Timberlake with his face slightly contorted, a slight smirk and mischievous glint in his eye. This visual element, combined with the inherent humor of the mispronunciation, created the perfect formula for internet meme gold.

The exact moment of the meme’s initial emergence is somewhat difficult to pinpoint. As with many internet phenomena, its origins are shrouded in the mists of the early internet. What is clear, however, is that the meme slowly began to circulate across online platforms. Imageboards, forums, and early social media sites served as the initial breeding grounds. People began to share the image of Timberlake, pairing it with the text “It’s Going to Be May.” The humor was instantly recognizable: the mispronunciation was humorous, the image was easy to manipulate, and the association with the popular boy band gave it instant recognition.

The simplicity of the meme was one of its key strengths. No complex setup was required. The association with the end of April and the beginning of May made it highly relatable. It tapped into the collective anticipation of the changing seasons, the promise of warmer weather, and the simple joy of shared online experiences.

The Meme’s Rise: Spreading Across the Web

As the internet grew, so did the meme. It quickly spread from niche online communities to more mainstream platforms. This meant the meme was exposed to an increasingly wider audience, and thus, gained further recognition.

The meme’s core remained consistent: the image of Justin Timberlake with the caption “It’s Going to Be May.” Yet, the meme adapted and evolved to fit various online formats. Users created image macros, GIFs, and animated videos, all playing on the mispronunciation. The meme began to show up on the feeds of social media users, eventually finding a home on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and other major platforms. As new platforms became prominent, the meme migrated with the online masses.

It also began to be incorporated into the general context of the end of April, especially when the days came close to turning the calendar into May. People looked forward to the anticipation of the meme.

A Cultural Phenomenon: The Meme’s Impact on Society

The “It’s Going to Be May” meme has become more than just an online joke. It’s become a cultural touchstone. It has crossed over into the realm of pop culture, being referenced in television shows, movies, and even advertising campaigns. Companies realized the potential of the meme and began to use it to connect with their audiences. Businesses would often post their own versions of the meme, either as a way to promote their brand or connect with their audience.

The meme’s consistent reemergence every year at the end of April reinforces its cultural significance. It’s an annual tradition, a shared online moment that unites internet users across generations. This annual arrival is a testament to the meme’s adaptability and its ability to resonate with people over time. It serves as a reminder of the early days of the internet and the enduring power of internet humor.

The meme’s success also sheds light on the way that internet culture functions, the ways that phrases and ideas are shared. Memes like “It’s Going to Be May” demonstrate the power of the community to take hold of and transform existing forms of media, such as the NSYNC song.

Why Does This Meme Keep Resurfacing?

Several factors contribute to the meme’s enduring popularity. The nostalgia factor is a huge aspect. For many, NSYNC represents their youth. The song “It’s Gonna Be Me” and its associated music video evoke memories of a specific time and place, connecting with people on a deeply personal level. Seeing the meme triggers a sense of warmth, amusement, and connection to the past.

The simplicity and relatability of the meme are also crucial. Its concept is instantly understood, regardless of age or background. Everyone can appreciate the humor of the mispronunciation. It’s not too obscure, nor does it require a deep understanding of internet culture. This simplicity contributes to the ease with which the meme can be shared and appreciated.

The timing of the meme is also a key factor. The end of April and the beginning of May is when the anticipation builds. The meme serves as a playful reminder of the impending change in seasons, a transition from the cold of winter to the warmth of spring. The timing of the meme adds to its predictable nature and adds to the sense of anticipation.

The meme also fosters a sense of community. It’s a shared experience, a moment of online connection that unites people. The simple act of seeing, sharing, or creating a “It’s Going to Be May” meme is a way of participating in a larger cultural conversation. It’s an easy way to connect with others who share a similar sense of humor or appreciation for a specific aspect of pop culture.

Memes, in general, have become an integral part of modern culture. They serve as a common language, a form of cultural shorthand that allows people to communicate ideas, feelings, and humor quickly and efficiently. They are a form of commentary, a way of expressing emotions. In this context, the “It’s Going to Be May” meme is a cultural artifact that represents a shared experience, a moment of connection, and a reminder of the internet’s capacity to create and sustain cultural phenomena.

Modern Interpretations and Variations on a Theme

The “It’s Going to Be May” meme has continued to evolve over time. It has adapted to changing trends and the ever-shifting landscape of the internet. We see new iterations of the meme every year, and it’s a testament to its staying power and adaptability.

Video edits are common, with users creating videos that combine the original music video with captions, text overlays, and other elements. Animated GIFs are also common, incorporating the image of Justin Timberlake with various humorous effects. Spin-offs of the meme include variations on the original image. In some instances, the “It’s Going to Be May” phrase might be combined with other images.

Businesses are constantly using this opportunity to appeal to their audience. Companies have adopted the meme to reach out to their audience. A large corporation might use the meme to advertise a product, make a clever joke, or celebrate a milestone. These modern adaptations keep the meme fresh and relevant, ensuring that it continues to resonate with internet users.

The Legacy of the “It’s Going to Be May” Meme

The “It’s Going to Be May” meme is a remarkable example of how something seemingly insignificant can become a cultural phenomenon. It started with a mispronounced lyric in a popular song and became a shared internet moment. The meme’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors: nostalgia, simplicity, relatability, and timing. Its ability to endure and evolve speaks to the power of internet culture to create and sustain cultural phenomena.

The meme is also a reflection of the internet itself – a place where information, humor, and cultural references spread rapidly. Its enduring popularity and yearly resurgence show that even the simplest of memes can have a significant and lasting impact. While internet trends come and go, it is safe to say the “It’s Going to Be May” meme will continue to return every April, reminding us of the humor, the nostalgia, and the shared experiences that make the internet such a unique and influential place.