As April comes to a close and May approaches, social media feeds are once again flooded with a familiar meme: “It’s gonna be May.”
This playful phrase, accompanied by a photo of Justin Timberlake from his *NSYNC days, has become an annual tradition, sparking laughter and nostalgia among internet users worldwide.
But what exactly is the origin of this meme, what does it mean, and why does it continue to resurface year after year? In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating story behind the “It’s gonna be May” meme, its cultural significance, and the reasons behind its enduring popularity.
The Origins of the Meme:
The origins of the “It’s gonna be May” meme can be traced back to a specific moment in pop culture history: the release of *NSYNC’s hit song “It’s Gonna Be Me.”
The song, which was included on the boy band’s 2000 album “No Strings Attached,” quickly became a chart-topping success and solidified *NSYNC’s status as one of the biggest musical acts of the early 2000s.
The phrase “It’s gonna be me” is prominently featured in the chorus of the song, with lead vocalist Justin Timberlake’s distinctive pronunciation lending it a memorable quality.
However, due to Timberlake’s unique vocal stylings, the phrase is often misheard as “It’s gonna be May,” leading to a humorous interpretation of the lyrics.
The Rise of the Meme:
Fast forward to the age of social media, and the misheard lyric from *NSYNC’s song took on a life of its own.
In 2012, a Tumblr user named Emily launched a blog called “It’s Gonna Be May,” dedicated to celebrating the meme and its cultural impact.
The blog featured photos of Justin Timberlake alongside the caption “It’s gonna be May,” accompanied by a countdown to the end of April.
From there, the meme quickly spread across various social media platforms, gaining traction among users who appreciated its humor and nostalgia.
Each year, as April draws to a close, the meme resurfaces, with internet users eagerly sharing photos of Justin Timberlake and jokingly proclaiming that “It’s gonna be May.”
The Significance of the Meme:
On the surface, the “It’s gonna be May” meme may seem like a simple joke, but its significance runs deeper than that.
At its core, the meme is a celebration of nostalgia, capturing a moment in time when boy bands like *NSYNC dominated the airwaves and teenage fans adorned their walls with posters of their favorite heartthrobs.
For many millennials who grew up in the 90s and early 2000s, *NSYNC holds a special place in their hearts, representing a carefree era of pop culture and youthful exuberance.
The “It’s gonna be May” meme allows fans to reminisce about their childhoods and revel in the shared experience of loving a boy band that defined a generation.
Furthermore, the meme serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together and evoke shared memories.
Despite the passage of time, the catchy melodies and infectious lyrics of songs like “It’s Gonna Be Me” continue to resonate with audiences, bridging the generation gap and fostering a sense of connection among fans of all ages.
Why It Continues to Resurface:
So why does the “It’s gonna be May” meme continue to resurface year after year, long after *NSYNC’s heyday has passed? The answer lies in its timeless appeal and universal relatability.
Regardless of age or background, nearly everyone can appreciate the humor and nostalgia of the meme, making it a perennial favorite on social media feeds around the world.
Additionally, the meme’s annual resurgence has become a beloved tradition in its own right, signaling the arrival of spring and the promise of warmer days ahead.
As April fades into May, internet users eagerly await the familiar sight of Justin Timberlake’s smiling face and the playful reminder that “It’s gonna be May.”
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the “It’s gonna be May” meme is a testament to the enduring popularity of *NSYNC and the cultural impact of their music.
What began as a simple misheard lyric has evolved into a beloved internet phenomenon, capturing the hearts of fans around the world and inspiring countless memes and jokes.
As we celebrate the arrival of May and the annual resurgence of the meme, let us revel in the nostalgia and shared camaraderie that it brings.
Whether you’re a die-hard *NSYNC fan or simply appreciate a good laugh, there’s no denying the joy and humor of the “It’s gonna be May” meme.
So as you scroll through your social media feeds this April, don’t be surprised if you see Justin Timberlake’s smiling face and the familiar refrain that has become synonymous with the arrival of spring: “It’s gonna be May.”