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Fast Food Song
Fast Food Song
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"Fast Food Song"
Single by Fast Food Rockers
from the album It's Never Easy Being Cheesy
Released16 June 2003 (2003-06-16)
Length3:10
LabelBetter the Devil
Songwriters
Producers
  • Mike Stock
  • Steve Crosby
  • Sandy Rass
Fast Food Rockers singles chronology
"Fast Food Song"
(2003)
"Say Cheese (Smile Please)"
(2003)
Music video
"Fast Food Song" on YouTube

"Fast Food Song" is a song made famous by British-based band Fast Food Rockers, although it existed long before they recorded it,[1] as a popular children's playground song. The chorus is based on the Moroccan folk tune "A Ram Sam Sam" and mentions fast food restaurant chains McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut.[2] The lyrics have circulated since at least 1990.[3]

The song was released on 16 June 2003 as the lead single from their album It's Never Easy Being Cheesy. The song was highly successful in the United Kingdom, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and number one on the Scottish Singles Chart. The song also achieved minor chart success worldwide and reached number 24 on the Irish Charts and number 56 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart. The song was co-written and produced by Mike Stock.

The original version of this song was written and recorded in Dutch by Eric Dikeb, called "Pizza-ha-ha", even though it is better known as "De Pizza Hut". "Fast Food Song" is only one of the many adaptations of the Dutch original. Other versions include "De pizza dans" by Dynamite, which was a number-one hit in Belgium's Flanders region,[4] and "Burger Dance" by DJ Ötzi and Dikeb, which reached number one in Germany.

Track listings

[edit]

All tracks are credited to Mike Stock, Steve Crosby, Sandy Rass, Eric Dikeb, Martin Neumayer, and Bob Patmore.

UK CD single and Dutch maxi-CD single[5][6]

  1. "Fast Food Song" ('Deep Pan' radio mix) – 3:10
  2. "Fast Food Song" (Extra Large 'Deep Pan' radio mix) – 4:16
  3. "Fast Food Song" (Shanghai Surprise 'Go Large' club mix) – 6:05
  4. "Fast Food Song" (Sing-A-Long-A-Fast-Food) – 3:08
  5. "Fast Food Song" (video)

UK cassette single[7]

  1. "Fast Food Song" ('Deep Pan' radio mix) – 3:10
  2. "Fast Food Song" (Sing-A-Long-A-Fast-Food) – 3:08

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[15] Silver 200,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United Kingdom 16 June 2003 (2003-06-16) CD Better the Devil [16]
Australia 7 July 2003 (2003-07-07) Sony Music Entertainment Australia [17]

DJ Ötzi version

[edit]
"Burger Dance"
Single by DJ Ötzi featuring Eric Dikeb
from the album Flying to the Sky
Released28 July 2003 (2003-07-28)[18]
Length3:24
LabelPolydor
Songwriters
  • Eric Dikeb
  • Gerhard Friedle
  • Van Hoover
Producers
  • Martin Neumayer
  • N-Dee
  • Frank Lio
DJ Ötzi singles chronology
"Ramalamadingdong"
(2003)
"Burger Dance"
(2003)
"Not Without Us"
(2004)

A version recorded by Austrian singer DJ Ötzi featuring Eric Dikeb was released in July 2003 titled "Burger Dance". It reached number one in Germany, number three in Austria, and number seven in Switzerland.

The song is based on the original Dutch "Pizza ha-ha", including the parts that invite audience participation. It therefore also uses samples of "A Ram Sam Sam" and some sections of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" particularly "Glory Glory Hallelujah".

Track listing

[edit]

German maxi-CD single[19]

  1. "Burger Dance" (party version) – 3:24
  2. "Summer of '69" – 3:21
  3. "Burger Dance" (international remix) – 3:17
  4. "Burger Dance" (single version) – 3:42
  5. "Burger Dance" (karaoke version) – 3:24

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Austria (IFPI Austria)[26] Gold 15,000*
Germany (BVMI)[27] Gold 150,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Fast Food Song" is a novelty pop single by the British group , released in 2003 as the lead track from their debut album It's Never Easy Being Cheesy. The song humorously catalogs popular chains—including , Kentucky Fried Chicken, , and —through its repetitive, upbeat chorus, encouraging listeners to "" in a playful critique of consumer culture. The track originated from a children's campfire chant that emerged in American schools and camps during the 1980s, adapting the melody of the traditional Moroccan folk tune "A Ram Sam Sam" to parody fast food advertising. Fast Food Rockers' version was co-written and produced by Mike Stock, Steve Crosby, and Sandy Rass, building on an earlier Dutch adaptation titled "Pizza-ha-ha" by DJ Eric Dikeb from 2001. The group's lineup—Ria Scott, Lucy Meggitt, and Martin Rycroft—formed in 2003 at a fictional fast-food convention in Folkestone, England, specifically to record this lighthearted bubblegum dance-pop number. Issued on June 16, 2003, by the independent label Better the Devil, "Fast Food Song" rapidly climbed the charts, debuting and peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart, where it spent 14 weeks and five in the Top 10. It also reached number one on the Scottish Singles Chart and topped the UK Independent Singles Chart for two weeks. Despite mixed for its simplistic and overt commercialism, the song's catchy rhythm and nostalgic appeal marked as a . The enduring popularity of "Fast Food Song" stems from its evocation of childhood memories and viral spread through school sing-alongs and media, with covers and parodies appearing in educational settings and online content into the . The group briefly reunited in for live performances, highlighting the track's lasting cultural footprint.

Background and composition

Origins and Fast Food Rockers

The melody of "Fast Food Song" derives from the traditional Moroccan children's folk tune "A Ram Sam Sam," an early 20th-century Arabic-language song that spread globally through oral tradition and educational materials. By the 1980s, this tune had been adapted into an English-language playground chant popular among children in the United States and United Kingdom, with lyrics referencing fast food chains such as "A Pizza Hut, a Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken and a Pizza Hut, McDonald's, McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and a Pizza Hut." This version transformed the original nonsensical refrain into a rhythmic, participatory rhyme that emphasized brand names, reflecting the growing cultural prominence of fast food during that era. The chant's fast food theme was first formalized in a recorded song with the 2001 Dutch novelty track "Pizza-ha-ha" by Eric Dikeb, which explicitly incorporated references to and other eateries while retaining the core melody and interactive structure. The , a British novelty pop trio specializing in upbeat, humorous tracks, claimed to have formed in the summer of 2003 at a fast food convention in , , a fictional element of their promotional . The group comprised singers Ria Scott, Lucy Meggitt, and Martin Rycroft, who adopted a playful aesthetic featuring food-related costumes and a named Hotdog, a giant blue canine character. Active primarily from 2003 to 2004, the released their debut and only album, It's Never Easy Being Cheesy, which showcased their bubblegum dance style through cheesy puns and lighthearted themes. Beyond "Fast Food Song," their singles included "Say Cheese (Smile Please)," which peaked at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart, and the holiday release "I Love ," reaching number 25. The group reunited in for live performances, marking their first shows in over two decades at events like Lincoln Pride.

Songwriting and production

The "Fast Food Song" received songwriting credits from Mike Stock, Steve Crosby, Sandy Rass, Eric Dikeb, Martin Neumayer, and Bob Patmore, reflecting a collaborative effort that adapted the track for a pop audience. These contributors drew on their experience in electronic and to craft the song's structure. Production duties were handled by Mike Stock, Steve Crosby, and Sandy Rass, who oversaw the recording as a studio project under the Better The Devil Records label. The process transformed the composition into the Fast Food Rockers' debut single, incorporating and elements such as upbeat rhythms and electronic synths to enhance its energetic feel. A key feature was the chant-style chorus, which emphasized group-like call-and-response vocals for a lively, participatory vibe. The lyrics employed a simple, repetitive format that highlighted fast food chains like , , and , repeating phrases such as "I said a , a " to create an infectious, easy-to-sing hook. This structure prioritized catchiness over complexity, aligning with the song's novelty pop genre. Rumors circulated in 2003 that the Fast Food Rockers did not perform their own vocals, suggesting the parts were recorded by external session singers while the managed the overall sound.

Release and promotion

Single release

The "Fast Food Song" was released as the debut single by the on 16 June 2003 in the through the independent label Better The Devil Records, with distribution handled by MPG Ltd. An Australian release followed on 14 July 2003 via Entertainment Australia. The single was issued in multiple formats, including an enhanced CD single featuring the 'Deep Pan' (3:10), the Extra Large 'Deep Pan' mix (4:16), the Shanghai Surprise 'Go Large' club mix (6:05), and a version (3:08); a cassette single was also available. Digital options, including these mixes, became available later through platforms associated with MPG Ltd. Produced by the Mike Stock team, the track was positioned as a lighthearted novelty hit for the summer market. Promotion emphasized radio airplay and television appearances to capitalize on its catchy, parody-driven appeal, with over 100,000 copies pre-ordered in the UK prior to launch, contributing to strong initial sales.

Music video

The music video for the ' "Fast Food Song" was released in June 2003 alongside the single, adopting a novelty style characterized by bright primary colors and simplistic, playful visuals to align with the track's theme. Directed in a lighthearted, energetic manner, the video features the three band members—Ria Scott, Lucy Meggitt, and Martin Rycroft—performing upbeat dances and lip-syncing in colorful sets designed to mimic fast-food restaurants such as , Kentucky Fried Chicken, and . Playful elements, including visuals of burgers, pizzas, and , are integrated throughout, emphasizing the song's repetitive chorus about these chains, while a cuddly in bright attire joins the group for added whimsy. The approximately three-minute runtime incorporates eurodance-style choreography, group interactions, and crowd-like chants to enhance the fun, cheesy atmosphere. Filmed in the to match the band's British origins, the production highlights a professional yet intentionally over-the-top novelty approach, produced under the oversight of Mike Stock to capture the song's lighthearted essence. Since its upload to in December 2018 by the official channel, the video has amassed millions of views, reflecting ongoing interest in early pop culture. The video's vibrant, child-friendly imagery and humorous fast-food motifs significantly contributed to the song's viral popularity among children and fans of early novelty pop, amplifying its appeal as a fun, memorable .

Commercial performance

Charts

The ' "Fast Food Song", released in June 2003, achieved significant chart success in the , peaking at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart dated 28 June 2003 and remaining in the top 10 for five weeks during its 14-week run. It also reached number 1 on the Scottish Singles Chart, marking the band's only number-one single in that market, and topped the UK Independent Singles Chart. Internationally, the song experienced more modest performance. It reached number 24 on the Irish Singles Chart, number 56 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, and number 8 on the Eurochart Hot 100 Singles. Due to its novelty appeal, the single made additional entries on minor charts across Europe and Asia, though it did not achieve top-40 status in most of those territories.
Chart (2003)Peak Position
UK Singles (OCC)2
Scottish Singles (OCC)1
UK Independent Singles (OCC)1
Irish Singles (IRMA)24
Australian Singles (ARIA)56
Eurochart Hot 100 Singles8
In the year-end UK Singles Chart for 2003, "Fast Food Song" ranked at number 37, reflecting its sustained popularity through the summer months. The song's chart trajectory demonstrated a strong debut at number 2, driven by heavy radio airplay and exposure on channels like and The Box. However, it was ultimately blocked from reaching number 1 on the UK Singles Chart by Beyoncé's "", which held the top spot for multiple weeks during the same period.

Certifications

The "Fast Food Song" by the achieved sales of approximately 155,000 units in the , falling short of the 200,000-unit threshold required for a (BPI) silver certification for singles during that era. These figures reflect physical CD and cassette sales in the pre-streaming period, with the track's novelty appeal contributing to its summer-driven performance following a peak at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart. Globally, sales were estimated to be under 200,000 units overall, driven predominantly by the market with limited international traction. The song received no certifications in other territories, including and , where its chart performance was modest and did not meet award thresholds set by bodies like the Australian Recording Industry Association () or the Irish Recorded Music Association ().

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release in June 2003, the Fast Food Song by the received predominantly negative reviews from music critics, who lambasted it as a prime example of cultural decline through overt and promotion of unhealthy eating habits. In a scathing piece for , Stuart Jeffries described the track as one that "sucks," arguing that it exemplified how "culture has collapsed into ," with lyrics name-dropping fast food chains like , , and Kentucky Fried Chicken in a manner that extended globalization's commercial grip on . He highlighted its "insufferably catchy" nature, predicting it would become a playground and potential summer soundtrack despite its flaws, but criticized the band's claim of promoting healthy eating as "slimy" and cynical. The British Dietetic Association echoed this sentiment, labeling the song "unwelcome and irresponsible" for glamorizing amid rising concerns over British children's rates, the highest in at the time. Music press and broadcasters portrayed the song as a quintessential cheesy novelty act, appealing primarily to children but dismissed by adult audiences for its simplistic, gimmicky style and endorsement of poor dietary choices. In the BBC's CBBC Newsround coverage of the 2003 Smash Hits Poll Winners, the track was voted the "Worst single," reflecting youth voters' mixed feelings toward its overt playfulness amid broader pop trends. Despite the disdain, some youth-oriented commentary noted its infectious fun and quality, with observing its rapid adoption in schoolyards as evidence of its unshakeable appeal to younger listeners. Overall, contemporary reception was mixed, with critical scorn for its disposability and overshadowed only by acknowledgments of its relentless , positioning it as ephemeral pop fodder that prioritized entertainment over substance.

Retrospective views

In the , retrospective critiques of the ' "Fast Food Song" often highlighted its perceived lack of artistic depth and excessive cheesiness, positioning it as a low point in early pop production. A 2012 analysis by Popdose labeled it one of the "world's worst songs," criticizing its "brain-dead dance beat" and simplistic lyrics—such as repetitive chants naming fast-food chains—that rendered even the "dumbest joint" comparatively sophisticated, while decrying the track's glossy, mascot-driven visuals as emblematic of soul-sucking devoid of merit. This view echoed broader disdain for the song's formulaic nature, with rumors noted that the group may not have performed their own vocals, further undermining its authenticity. In a 2016 review of the band's follow-up single "Say Cheese (Smile Please)," critic Jonni viewed the original "Fast Food Song" more favorably by comparison, though the follow-up was seen as emblematic of overproduced pop. Entering the 2020s, the song experienced a nostalgic resurgence on platforms like and , where it gained traction as a from early childhoods, with official videos amassing over 10 million plays and evoking playground memories through viral challenges and remixes. This revival framed it as a lighthearted, if cringeworthy, artifact of Y2K-era fun, appearing in countless nostalgic montages that celebrated its absurd, chain-specific hooks without deeper scrutiny. Cultural analyses in the 2020s have positioned "Fast Food Song" as emblematic of 2000s product tie-in pop, where music served as overt advertising for multinational brands like McDonald's and Pizza Hut, fueling discussions on consumerism's infiltration of entertainment. A 2024 Salon retrospective linked it to broader critiques of fast-food promotion in media, portraying the track as a "novelty tune-turned playground standard" that normalized corporate branding in youth culture, thereby influencing academic conversations on how such songs commodified everyday indulgences and contributed to societal health narratives around obesity and overconsumption.

DJ Ötzi version

Development and release

DJ Ötzi's version of the , titled "Burger Dance," was adapted from the ' original in 2003 to target the German-speaking market, retaining the humorous fast food themes while incorporating some German phrases alongside English lyrics that enumerate chains such as , , and Kentucky Fried Chicken. The songwriting credits are attributed to Eric Dikeb, Gerhard Friedle ('s real name), and Van Hoover. Production was handled by Martin Neumayer as , alongside N-Dee and Frank Lio, who crafted it as an upbeat dance track in line with DJ Ötzi's party-oriented style, featuring guest vocals from Eric Dikeb. "Burger Dance" was released on July 28, 2003, in by Polydor as a maxi-single including party and international remix versions, positioned as a lighthearted summer hit.

Commercial performance

DJ Ötzi's adaptation of the "Fast Food Song," released as "Burger Dance" in July 2003, achieved significant commercial success primarily in German-speaking European markets. In , the track topped the Media Control Singles Chart for one week, entering at number three and spending a total of 16 weeks on the chart during the summer and early autumn of 2003. It remained in the German top 10 for multiple weeks, contributing to its status as a seasonal party hit. The song also performed strongly in , peaking at number three on the for four weeks and charting for 23 weeks overall. In , it reached a high of number seven on the for one week, with a total chart run of 13 weeks. "Burger Dance" demonstrated robust sales in German-speaking countries, bolstering DJ Ötzi's reputation for upbeat party anthems, though specific unit figures are not publicly detailed. Compared to the original version, which failed to chart in , Ötzi's rendition outperformed it in its home market but saw limited penetration beyond .

Legacy

Cover versions and adaptations

One notable cover of "Fast Food Song" is the German adaptation titled "Burger Dance" by featuring Eric Dikeb, released in July 2003 as a novelty track with similar fast-food themed and . The of "Fast Food Song," derived from the traditional children's folk tune "," has led to various informal adaptations, including occasional playground chants and school songs popular among children in the through the , often incorporating local fast-food chains in the . Minor samples of the track appear in select eurodance productions, such as in the 2020 song "School Disco Dissociation" by , which incorporates elements of its upbeat rhythm for a nostalgic effect. There have been no major official covers of "Fast Food Song" released after , though the track has inspired in comedy sketches and online memes, including lyrical spoofs like "The Real Fast Food Song" that satirize its commercial themes. In August 2024, the original Fast Food Rockers reunited for a live performance of the song at Lincoln Pride in the UK, marking their first show in 21 years as part of the event's main stage lineup.

Cultural impact

The "Fast Food Song" by the Fast Food Rockers exemplifies the novelty pop genre of the early 2000s, where lighthearted, repetitive tracks often incorporated commercial branding to create infectious earworms targeted at young audiences. Released in 2003, the song's lyrics directly name fast-food chains such as McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Pizza Hut, turning product placement into a central hook that mirrored the era's aggressive marketing strategies by food corporations. This approach ignited debates on the commercialization of music, with critics arguing it blurred the lines between entertainment and advertising, particularly in appealing to children through playful, chant-like structures. The track faced significant criticism for promoting unhealthy eating habits and reinforcing corporate influence on . The British Dietetic Association labeled the song "unwelcome and irresponsible" for glamorizing at a time when rates were rising, viewing it as a cynical extension of ' efforts to embed their brands in everyday fun. In broader cultural analyses, it has been critiqued as emblematic of " music"—low-effort, disposable that prioritizes brand recall over artistic depth, potentially contributing to societal normalization of processed diets. Featured in the 2004 documentary , the song was performed by a children's to underscore how such media targeted the " generation," linking novelty pop to the epidemic through addictive, low-nutrition messaging. In the 2020s, the song has enjoyed a nostalgic revival, appearing in videos and retrospectives as a quintessential "cheesy" relic of millennial childhood, often paired with throwback challenges that highlight its enduring catchiness. This resurgence positions it as a cultural touchstone for early innocence amid critiques of , with users recreating its chants to evoke memories. The ' 2024 reunion performance at Lincoln Pride in the UK, their first in 21 years, underscored the song's lasting fanbase, drawing crowds to celebrate its upbeat legacy at the event. The song's global reach stems from its adaptation of a pre-existing children's , based on the Moroccan folk tune "," which it transformed into a branded that permeated cultures across and beyond. By reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart in 2003 and gaining airplay on , it amplified the chant's popularity, inspiring similar repetitive, commerce-infused novelty songs in European pop scenes and embedding fast-food references into informal youth rituals.

Track listings

Fast Food Rockers version

The ' version of "Fast Food Song" was first released in the on 16 June by the independent label Better The Devil Records, available in physical formats including an single and cassette single. The group, formed in , prioritized physical distribution for the initial rollout, with the featuring multiple mixes of the track.
No.TitleLength
1."Fast Food Song" ('Deep Pan' Radio Mix)3:10
2."Fast Food Song" (Extra Large 'Deep Pan' Radio Mix)4:16
3."Fast Food Song" ( 'Go Large' Club Mix)6:05
4."Fast Food Song" (Sing-A-Long Fast Food)3:08
An Australian release followed in 2003, also under Better The Devil Records as an single, marking the song's expansion to international markets beyond .
No.TitleLength
1."Fast Food Song" ('Deep Pan' Radio Mix)3:10
2."Fast Food Song" (Shanghai Surprise 'Go Large' Club Mix)5:12
3."Fast Food Song" (Sandy Ross Remix)5:35
4."Fast Food Song" (Sing-A-Long-A-Fast-Food)3:12
In other regions, limited promotional copies were issued across Europe in 2003, including versions on CD through local distributors such as ARS Productions in Belgium, Digidance in the Netherlands, and Blanco Y Negro in Spain. Digital formats, handled by MPG Ltd, became available later in 2003 as a four-track EP, providing a follow-up to the physical singles.

DJ Ötzi version

DJ Ötzi's adaptation of the song, titled "Burger Dance" and featuring Eric Dikeb, was released as a single in in July 2003 by Polydor, a division of . The release was inspired by the original "Fast Food Song" by earlier in 2003.
No.TitleLength
1."Burger Dance" (Party Version)3:24
2."Summer of '69"3:21
3."Burger Dance" (International Remix)3:17
4."Burger Dance" (Single Version) (featuring Eric Dikeb)3:42
5."Burger Dance" (Karaoke Version)3:24
The single saw a simultaneous rollout in Austria and Switzerland in August 2003, entering the Austrian Ö3 Austria Top 40 and Swiss Hitparade charts on 10 August. Primary formats included the CD maxi-single, which was copy-protected and contained multiple versions of the track, alongside a mini CD single and a club promotional vinyl for DJs. Internationally, "Burger Dance" experienced minor exports to other European markets, achieving chart success in where it peaked at number 7, but received no promotional push in regions such as the or .

Release history

Fast Food Rockers version

The ' version of "Fast Food Song" was first released in the on 16 June by the independent label Better The Devil Records, available in physical formats including an single and cassette single. The group, formed in , prioritized physical distribution for the initial rollout, with the featuring multiple mixes of the track. An Australian release followed in 2003, also under Better The Devil Records as an single, marking the song's expansion to international markets beyond . In other regions, limited promotional copies were issued across in 2003, including versions on CD through local distributors such as ARS Productions in , Digidance in the , and Blanco Y Negro in . Digital formats, handled by MPG Ltd, became available later in 2003 as a four-track EP, providing a follow-up to the physical singles.

DJ Ötzi version

DJ Ötzi's adaptation of the song, titled "Burger Dance" and featuring Eric Dikeb, was released as a single in Germany on 28 July 2003 by Polydor, a division of Universal Music Group. The release was inspired by the original "Fast Food Song" by Fast Food Rockers earlier in 2003. The single saw a simultaneous rollout in Austria and Switzerland in August 2003, entering the Austrian Ö3 Austria Top 40 and Swiss Hitparade charts on 10 August. Primary formats included the CD maxi-single, which was copy-protected and contained multiple versions of the track, alongside a mini CD single and a club promotional vinyl for DJs. Internationally, "Burger Dance" experienced minor exports to other European markets, achieving chart success in where it peaked at number 7, but received no promotional push in regions such as the or .

References

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