Say what you want about TikTok, but it cannot be denied that it has been a very effective marketing tool for music. Whether through those overly repetitive dance challenges, or when a user simply uses a song in their video; somewhere out there, someone will be interested and curious enough to find the full track for themselves. But the platform has also shown flashes of being an avenue for its own brand of organic discovery that is not reliant on trends. It has been known to breathe a second life into songs well past their shelf life and giving these another shot at the charts. And more often than not, these are rediscovered through “sped-up” remixes that not only make these suitable and up-beat enough for dance challenges, but also present these in a different light.

I’m not much of a TikTok user, instead considering myself a second-hand viewer through reposts on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. But with my sheer curiosity for music and with the help of my TikTok-savvy friends, I’ve prepared a look into the roots of five songs that were popularized on the platform.

Green Green Grass by George Ezra

@sansochan1転けそうになった♬ Green Green Grass (Sped-Up) – George Ezra

Almost a cross between pop-funk and country, the sped-up version of Green Green Grass by George Ezra has made rounds all over TikTok. But in contrast to its bubblier and highly caffeinated iteration, the original features a much more laidback vibe befitting of a calming drive on the highway. The spotlight also shines on its lyrics that gives it somewhat of a bittersweet taste—the song is a celebration of life and death, and finding the beauty in the limited time we have. 

Green, green grass

Blue, blue sky

You better throw a party on the day that I die

Apparently, Ezra found inspiration for the track during a trip to St. Lucia where he encountered a peculiar manner of mourning, or lack of. “We were in this beach bar, drinking homemade rum punch and Piton, the local lager, flip-flopping between the two, p*ssing about with three local guys who worked there. And this music started up, three streets back from the sea.” He adds, “After about half an hour, I had to go see what it was. And there was a street party going on, with three different sound systems, people cooking in the street. I asked a woman what was going on and she told me it was a funeral for three people. They were celebrating three lives.”

A celebration of life, maybe the sped-up remix is a faithful reimagination befitting of the song’s origins after all.

Cupid by FIFTY FIFTY

@we_fiftyfifty #FIFTYvod 🐯🦊도 도전한 큐피드 손댄스 챌린지✌️✌️🏹 #FIFTYFIFTY #TheBeginning #Cupid #피프티피프티 #큐피드 #KEENA #SIO #키나 #시오 #큐피드챌린지 #Cupidchallenge #큐피드손댄스 #Cupid손댄스 ♬ Cupid (Twin Ver.) – FIFTY FIFTY

To be honest, there’s not much of a difference between either listening to the original or the sped-up TikTok version—it’s adorable and heartwarming regardless. And that’s despite the subject matter, which is about the endless search for love in the face of a wavering belief in it. You should however have a listen at the original. Cupid (Twin Version) which blew up on TikTok, is an English-only version that mainly features the vocals of just two of the group’s members, Aran and Sio—you’re missing out on a lovely rap verse by Saena and Keena.

I look for his arrows every day

I guess he got lost or flew away

Waiting around is a waste (Waste)

Been counting the days since November

Is loving as good as they say?

Her Way by PARTYNEXTDOOR

@edjcontreras are tiktok dances still a thing? #dance #flipbook ♬ Her Way (Sped Up) – PARTYNEXTDOOR

Beneath the Alvin and the Chipmunks-esque vocals of the sped-up version, is a slow and sultry RnB track that you should definitely check out—it might be your next addition to your bedroom playlist.

(I’ll still say) This b**** looks like Lindsay Lohan

She gets down just like Lindsay Lohan

Round the block, she’s not showin’ nothin’

That b**** bad, watch her blow a whole band

And despite what arguably is a backhanded compliment, Her Way by PARTYNEXTDOOR can definitely be the theme song for the girl bosses out there.

She gets her way (Way, way, way)

It’s like every time

Like any time of day

In every single way

Collide by Justine Skye

@justineskye Replying to @noratoure and im ok with that 🥰 love yallll keep playing Collide 🤍 #CollideDance #fyp #foryou #HolidayOREOke ♬ Collide (feat. Tyga) – Justine Skye

Another addition to your date night playlist, Collide by Justine Skye is a prime example of what TikTok can do for older underrated songs. Initially released in 2014, the track recently obtained newfound fame after being featured on a number of videos. Nine years later, Skye included it on her latest album ‘Dark Side’ together with its Solo Version and Sped-Up Remix.

You can take your time, don’t have to rush

This might take us a while, yeah

I left all the doors unlocked and you said you’re on your way

When you get here don’t just say a word, got no time to play

Sure Thing by Miguel

@francinesaenz_ 😃 @imsethyboy #fyp ♬ Sure Thing (sped up) – Miguel

There isn’t much effort that goes into preparing a song’s sped-up version. As the name suggests, it’s tempo is simply adjusted, and on any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) out there, all it takes is a press of a button. That being said, it’s astounding how an-almost thoughtless act can drastically change a song for the better. Sure Thing by Miguel has done well for itself during the time of its release, so it has no dire need for a revival. But it’s definitely refreshing to rediscover it in a new light.

Even when the sky comes fallin’

Even when the sun don’t shine

I got faith in you and I

So put your pretty little hand in mine

—

Images taken from TikTok

Lyrics courtesy of Genius