Who would’ve thought that the catchiest song of summer 2025 would come from 1987? Yet here we are, blasting “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley from phones, speakers, and even car stereos like it just dropped. What started as a long-running internet prank has now transformed into a genuine summer anthem, thanks to a viral remix, endless TikTok tributes, and a public that can’t stop smiling when it plays.
To understand how we arrived at this point, we must look back. Originally a global hit in the late ’80s, “Never Gonna Give You Up” resurfaced in the mid-2000s as the infamous “Rick Roll” meme. For years, it was a harmless internet prank where people tricked others into watching the music video unexpectedly. But this summer, the joke evolved into something more—a full-blown cultural revival.
The turning point came when Rick Astley made a surprise appearance at Glastonbury, performing a remixed version of the song alongside pop star Doja Cat. The moment went instantly viral. Not long after, TikTok exploded with the #RickRollChallenge, which has now gathered over 3 billion views. This time, people weren’t just laughing—they were singing along, dancing, and celebrating the song itself.
So why this song, and why now? First things first, it’s undeniably catchy. The chorus is simple, upbeat, and instantly recognizable. But more than that, it’s joyful. In a summer dominated by moody ballads and emotional slow jams, “Never Gonna Give You Up” brings something refreshing: pure, unapologetic fun. It’s also cross-generational, appealing to everyone from Gen Z to Gen X without skipping a beat.
As other songs compete for attention this summer, Rick Astley’s classic stands out by doing the unexpected. It brought us together. It made us laugh. And it gave us a reason to dance, even if just for a minute.
If you haven’t been Rick Rolled yet this summer, don’t worry—you will be. And when it happens, just sing along. Because after all, he never did give us up.