In 2005, a funky little dude who went by the name Crazy Frog took the world by storm with his hit single, “Axel F.” Almost 20 years later, his message rings truer than ever. But as our language has evolved, it’s important we revisit this slippery superstar’s legacy and recognize him with the integrity he deserves.
The word “crazy” has been used for decades to discredit women, seniors, mentally ill people and countless other marginalized groups. It’s a word loaded with so much stigma that it has lost all meaning. If you refer to an ex as “crazy” it means they were a bad partner, but in the context of glue it means the glue is extremely effective at its gluing duties. Even in subsets of specific demographics, such as rich Asians, the word “crazy” takes on new meaning. Numbers like sevens and nines are totally normal, but eights? Don’t get me started.
When the amphibious icon released “Axel F,” it peaked at #1 on the charts and went certified platinum. Frogs had found success in the music industry before, most notably with Kermit’s “Rainbow Connection,” but never had one received such global attention. Across Europe and beyond, this special semiaquatic artist had found an audience, because his music resonated with us all.
Take a look at the lyrics to “Axel F” below and ask yourself, Was the frog “crazy” or just ahead of his generation?
A ram me am brem da
Am da rem ram am da baabeeeaaaaaaa!
Ding, ding
Poignant, right? Haven’t we all asked ourselves questions like “Wh-wha-what’s going on-on?” A quick glance at his discography will show you that this “crazy” frog is no crazier than you or me.
Fortunately, some disabled and neurodivergent people are reclaiming the word and embracing what makes them different. One man explained to us how the word “crazy” had been used against him but how, in his mind, it’s not such a bad thing.
“I remember when … I remember … I remember when I lost my mind. There was something so pleasant about that place … Does that make me crazy?” asked Gnarls.