If you’ve spent any time on social media, chances are you’ve heard the unmistakable sound of a Stylophone playing the opening riff from “Jerk It Out”, followed by an enthusiastic shout of “LET’S GO!”
The viral video features music producer Lewis John performing a cover of the track by Swedish indie rock band Caesars. With its instantly recognisable melody, the tiny instrument and Lewis’s infectious energy, the clip quickly became an unforgettable part of internet culture.
Before long, creators across YouTube, Instagram and other platforms were transforming the original clip into memes, edits and recreations. Even the “Let’s go!” became a meme in its own right, referenced far beyond the video’s original context and still regularly popping up online.
Years later, the original video continues to resurface online.
Meet the creator of the “Let’s Go” meme
We caught up with Lewis to find out how the video was created, when he realised it had gone viral and where his unexpected internet fame has taken him.
Lewis never intended to post the video himself. He and a friend recorded it and sent it to another friend, who shared it on X, formerly Twitter, with the caption:
“I don’t think enough people have seen this.”
They were right. Within days, the video had reached millions of people.
One of the strangest signs of its success came when Lewis heard people discussing the meme in front of him without realising they were speaking to its creator. He has also heard crowds shout “Let’s go!” whenever “Jerk It Out” plays, even though the phrase isn’t part of the original song.
Watch our full Q&A with Lewis John to hear the story from the man behind the meme and discover what happened next.
Where is Lewis John now?
Lewis has continued making music and now works as a music producer at Toolroom Records.
Going viral has also led to some unforgettable moments. He has seen the clip appear on the Champions League’s TikTok account, in Sidemen videos and on Ant & Dec’s television show.
A simple Stylophone performance became one of the internet’s most recognisable memes and played a part in inspiring Lewis to pursue a career in music.
A big thank you to Lewis for answering the questions everyone has been meaning to ask.
The song behind the meme
The melody Lewis performs comes from the introduction to “Jerk It Out”, one of the best-known songs by Swedish indie rock band Caesars.
Formed in Stockholm in 1995, the group was originally known as Caesars Palace. The name was later changed internationally to avoid confusion with the Las Vegas hotel.
Released in the early 2000s, “Jerk It Out” became known for its catchy riff and upbeat energy. The track reached audiences through commercials, video games and sports broadcasts before Lewis’s Stylophone performance introduced it to a new generation.
His now-famous “Let’s go!” became so closely associated with the melody that some listeners assumed it had always been part of the song. It’s a brilliant example of how internet culture can transform a familiar piece of music and give it an entirely new life.
Behind the scenes
Want to see the outtakes from the making of one of the internet’s most memorable memes?
Watch the behind-the-scenes video below.
