If you’re not on TikTok, chances are you’re completely unaware of why Kurt Hummel from Glee has been taking over everyone’s FYP singing “All that work and what did it get me? Why did I do it?” With Universal Music Group’s decision to remove its songs from TikTok, numerous popular sounds on the app heavily depended on UMG-copyrighted material.
In comes covers from the hit show Glee, which fortunately happens to be under Columbia Records, thus becoming a source of the newest viral sound.
But what is “All that work and what did it get me?” from? In the sound, Chris Colfer portrays Kurt Hummel, delivering a rendition of “Rose’s Turn” from the musical Gypsy during the first season of Glee. In the context of the show, the Gypsy closer was perfectly on the nose in airing out the character’s frustrations with the simmering rage in the first few lines, “All that work and what did it get me? Why did I do it?” And for the creative minds of TikTok, it seemed like this was just enough for them to run with the idea. After more than 121,000 videos, the sound has evolved into a channel for venting frustration, resonating deeply with users, and sparking widespread engagement.
Before gaining millions of views across thousands of TikTok videos, the original video had been circulating within the Glee fandom for about a week before it became the viral sensation it is today.
Next thing you know, it’s become the soundtrack for celebrities and TikTok influencers alike.
If there’s one thing that can unite people, it’s the experience of putting in hard work and not receiving adequate compensation.
If we’re in for a Glee renaissance, who do I have to go to for Mercedes Jones to get her flowers?