Entertainment
11 Helpful Lessons From *NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" Vid
As of late, I've made a habit of re-watching *NSYNC's music video for "Bye Bye Bye" — the smash hit from the band's iconic No Strings Attached album. You probably remember the video catapulting to the top of both the Billboard charts and MTV's Total Request Live, back when that show — along with butterfly clips and tube tops — was still a thing. You also may remember the basic premise of the music video, and the fact that the members of *NSYNC turned into dancing marionette dolls who were controlled by a deranged puppet master/jilted lover. What you may not remember is the fact that this masterpiece was riddled with life lessons — and not just those of a romantic persuasion.
During my thorough research (i.e., my cueing up the video via YouTube), I gleaned several takeaways from "Bye Bye Bye" that I can now apply to my everyday life. The music video can teach you cost-effective DIY ideas, how to make the most of a claustrophobic situation, party tricks, and much, much more! I might as well just file this video under things that help me navigate being a grownup, which — at 30 years old — is still quite a feat.
I can't keep such a worthwhile resource to myself, which is why I have compiled a list of 11 tools the music video offers to help you trudge through this crazy thing called life. You. Are. Welcome.
1. Dressing As A Marionette For Halloween Is A Cheap & Easy Costume
Just tape a few strings to your arms and legs and you are good to go.
2. Dancing Is A Great Cure For Claustrophobia
Rather than panic over the four tiny walls encroaching upon them, the boys from *NSYNC made the best of a claustrophobic situation by simply dancing it out.
3. This Is A Fun Take On The "Come At Me Bro" Stance
Practice this move alone in your bedroom, and get ready to impress your friends when you show off your sweet skills at a party.
4. Running On Top Of A Moving Train Is Extremely Unsafe
Don't do it. Just don't.
5. Stretching Regularly Is Important
Stretching improves flexibility, and allows you to replicate this sweet stance.
6. Justin Timberlake's Smile Makes Everything Better
Even while being hunted down by a deranged ex, Timberlake remains the pinnacle of optimism with the display of his pearly whites.
7. Avoid Anyone Who Makes This Face
This takes crazy eyes to a whole new level.
8. Blowing On A CD Cures Skipping 99.9 Percent Of The Time
For those who like to kick it old school and listen to CDs, blowing on said CD will cure any pesky instances of skipping.
9. This Is Driving At Its Worst
Dreadful.
Just terrible. Avoid this type of swerving at all cost. The yellow Volkswagen Beetle knows what's up.
10. No One Can Compete With Lance Bass' Chill
Even during a high-speed chase, he looks only mildly concerned. I need to channel this type of zen the next time someone cuts me off in traffic.
11. Stand Your Ground
Above all else, stand your ground. If there's one theme threading every pulsing moment of this glorious music video together, it's the importance of staying true to yourself when getting out of a relationship. You broke up for a reason, and no amount of moving trains, reckless driving, crazy eyes, and giant puppet masters should coerce you into going back on your decision.
Ah, *NSYNC. If only I had spent less time attempting to master the "Bye Bye Bye" choreography back during its premiere, and spent more time studying all the life lessons peppered throughout this example of true artistry. I'm sure I would have avoided at least a few missteps.
