Fat (song)

Weirdalfat

Fat is a song by "Weird Al" Yankovic, a parody of Michael Jackson's hit song "Bad". Released in 1988, it is one of Yankovic's most famous and acclaimed songs, appearing on his album Even Worse. The song not only mimics the musical style of the original but also takes a humorous look at the theme of obesity, with Yankovic donning a fat suit in the music video to exaggerate the effect.

Background[edit | edit source]

"Weird Al" Yankovic is known for his parodies of popular music hits, often transforming the original song's subject matter into humorous or satirical themes. Fat is a prime example of Yankovic's talent for parody, as it takes Michael Jackson's song about the pressures and accusations of being "bad" and turns it into a comedic exploration of overeating and obesity. Yankovic reportedly asked for Jackson's permission to parody the song, which Jackson granted, showing his support for Yankovic's work.

Music Video[edit | edit source]

The music video for Fat is a direct parody of Michael Jackson's Bad video, featuring Yankovic in a fat suit and makeup to appear significantly overweight. It replicates many scenes and dance sequences from the original video, but with added comedic elements that align with the song's theme of obesity. The video was well-received, winning a Grammy Award for Best Concept Music Video in 1989.

Reception[edit | edit source]

Fat was both a commercial and critical success. It helped to solidify "Weird Al" Yankovic's reputation as a leading figure in musical parody. The song is often cited as one of Yankovic's best works, showcasing his ability to blend humor with musical talent. The song's success contributed to the overall popularity of the Even Worse album, which is considered one of Yankovic's standout albums.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Over the years, Fat has maintained its popularity and continues to be a fan favorite at "Weird Al" Yankovic concerts. The song and its video are often highlighted in discussions of Yankovic's impact on pop culture and his skill in parodying music video tropes and themes. Fat exemplifies Yankovic's unique niche in the music industry, where he has carved out a successful career by humorously commenting on popular music and culture.