You know you already have it stuck in your head — might as well go with the earworm. Change the words or add lyrics to include your own family members.
Photo: iStockPhoto
There's a reason this children's song has more than 15 billion views on YouTube. Like it or not, it's *very* catchy! You can act out all the family members and make up your own. Here are the lyrics to "Baby Shark":
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Baby shark!
Mommy shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Mommy shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Mommy shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Mommy shark!
Daddy shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Daddy shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Daddy shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Daddy shark!
Grandma shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Grandma shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Grandma shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Grandma shark!
Grandpa shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Grandpa shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Grandpa shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Grandpa shark!
Let’s go hunt, doo doo doo doo doo doo Let’s go hunt, doo doo doo doo doo doo Let’s go hunt, doo doo doo doo doo doo Let’s go hunt!
“Baby Shark” is more than just a catchy tune—it’s a global phenomenon that has entertained children and parents alike for years. Though its modern iteration became famous thanks to the South Korean company Pinkfong in 2016, the song's history dates back decades. Many believe it originated as a campfire song, passed down through oral tradition among groups of children, scouts, and summer campers. The lyrics often varied, and the accompanying hand motions made it a fun, interactive activity for kids.
Pinkfong’s version, complete with its infectious beat and adorable animated video, catapulted “Baby Shark” into viral stardom. With over 13 billion views on YouTube as of 2024, it holds the title of the most-watched video on the platform. Its widespread appeal lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it easy for children to sing along and mimic the playful movements. The song has since inspired toys, books, live performances, and even a feature film.
Part of the charm of “Baby Shark” lies in its repetitive structure and cheerful melody. Repetition helps young children learn language, pattern recognition, and rhythm. The fun characters—Baby Shark, Mommy Shark, Daddy Shark, and more—spark kids’ imaginations and create a mini-narrative they can follow.
For parents, the song offers a playful way to bond with their little ones, whether by joining in the hand gestures or dancing along. While it might be an earworm for grown-ups, “Baby Shark” remains a beloved favourite that bridges generations and cultures.
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