Bo Burnham: An Intelligent & Introspective Comedian | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Bo Burnham: An Intelligent & Introspective Comedian

Smart Comedy.

541
Bo Burnham: An Intelligent & Introspective Comedian
Northern Iowan

If you have anything in common with me, it's hard to find a comedian to be humorous that makes an earning off of being as crude as possible while making jokes that aren't very extraordinary or original. I find Bo Burnham to be exactly the opposite: a standout, original, reflective performer in a diluted comedic world.

Burnham got his start on YouTube in 2006, posting his comedy and satirical punchlines online. He creates his jokes and bits with purpose, making them even funnier because of how honest and genuine they are. Burnham goes from addressing race, others opinion of him after fame, discrimination, religion, mental illness, media/celebrities, and relationships to talking about how Pringles cans are way too small to fit your hands inside of them. Burnham mixes serious tones and points in with lighthearted humor and unpredictability, turning crisis into humor. Self-deprecation and vulgarity are used for an honest reason by Burnham: to make people laugh. Burnham accomplishes much of this through song, as he is a very talented and creative lyricist, piano player, and guitar player. Burnham makes use of lights, piano, sound, auto-tune, or even loop machines to accomplish comedic gold.

A 2013 routine, called "what." includes satirical songs composed and performed by Burnham, such as "Left Brain, Right Brain," where the two sides of himself (logical and analytical vs. creative) have a conversation, "Repeat Stuff," in which Burnham mocks the mainstream music industry with predictable lyrics and a chorus consisting only of the words "repeat stuff", and a closing song titled "We Think We Know You," where Burnham uses recorded bits of himself mocking people in his life (an old "friend" from high school, an agent, and a "jock") telling him what he should/shouldn't do. Burnham then uses gestures to control the recorded bits and creates a song.


Burnham's latest 2016 routine, titled "Make Happy," features a similar tone to "what." Satirical songs performed by Burnham within this routine include a song called "Lower Your Expectations," where he delves into the dating scene of young men and women, describing that the expectations that men and women have of one another are too high and that we are all only human. "Country Song (Pandering)" is a song making fun of today's mainstream country artists, with commentary on how they have never worked a day in their life. The song also demonstrates how easily mainstream country can be imitated, created, and performed. The show's finale "Can't Handle This" is a take on Kanye West's performance style, with Burnham stating that he attended a Yeezy tour show and that he wanted to try to mimic the ranting that West did at the end of his show. Complete with Kanye-esque lights, background tracks, and auto-tune, this creation is a hilarious and entertaining closing act.

Many concepts, bits, songs, points, jokes, and reflective and honest statements make up Bo Burnham's comedy in such an original and mind-bending way that it almost can't be called comedy; it is much more than that. Burnham's performances can make us question our perception of the world around us, all while making us happy and filling our lives with laughter.

"what." and "Make Happy" are now both available to watch on Netflix & YouTube. ***DISCLAIMER: Bo Burnham's jokes can be vulgar at times. Parental discretion is advised.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

146527
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

36180
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

32089
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments