Behind "The 40,000 Calorie Piano" (Say Something)

The Music Video

"The 40,000 Calorie Piano" is a parody of the song "Say Something" by A Great Big World.

While "Say Something" is about ending a relationship, "The 40,000 Calorie Piano" is about not being able to end a relationship (with food).

The Junk Food Piano

Twenty hours to create. Real junk food on a real piano.

- White Bread (3 loaves)

- Tacos (6)
- Hamburgers (5)
- Pizza (8 slices)
- Candy Bars (2)
- Skittles (4 pounds)
- Oreo-type cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Ice Cream (2 gallons)
- Potato Chips (22 oz)
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
- Kit Kats (36 pieces)
- Doughnuts (17)
- Chocolate Ice Cream Pie (2 slices)
- Cupcakes (4)
- Chocolate Fruit Dip (8 oz)
- Cheese (16 slices)
- Other Cookies (8)
- Other Chips (24)

Other foods used in video:

- French Fries (60 oz)
- Hard Candies
- Bacon (10 oz)
- Fried Chicken Legs (2)

Almost all of the food was attached with a hot glue gun. For easy removal foam board was velcro-ed onto the top and sides of the piano. The food was then glued on the foam board or the piano itself. 

I try to have most of my songs revolve around issues that people can relate to. Being overwhelmed by delicious but consequently unhealthy food choices is something that is all too common. While this can be a very serious topic that delves into the realm of eating disorders, I decided to keep the mood light. Laughing at ourselves can be a good thing. Most of all I'm making fun of myself and my love of food. :)

The bacon diaper was especially difficult to make. My friend, Jake, who sings in the vocal version, helped me by holding the diaper on his fist while I sewed on the raw pieces of meat. The first go around we tried to microwave the diaper after we put the bacon on in order to cook it. It just left a greasy mess. Because of that we decided to sew the raw bacon on and then freeze it, which worked really well. The baby didn't seem too bothered by the temperature.

Parody Lyrics

Say something I can't give up on food 

But carrots and broccoli will not do 

Everywhere I see my favorite foods

Say something I can't give up on food. 

And I, like my chicken fried 

That doughnut looks good 

Give me some cheese fries. 

My gut will rumble and call 

The hunger is real

The craving I feel. 

Say something I can't give up on food 

But carrots and broccoli will not do 

Everywhere I see my favorite foods 

Say something I can't give up on food.

What's your favorite junk food? What food do you wish your piano were made of? Let me know in the comments. :)

For business inquires, press, or permission for use of photos and video, please contact chelseyjoymusic@gmail.com.
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Original Song: "Say Something" by A Great Big World
Written by Ian Axel, Chad King, Mike Campbell
From the album 'Is There Anybody Out There?' (2013)

Buy their music! https://www.agreatbigworld.com

Watch the original music video feat. Christian Aguilera:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2U0Ivkn2Ds
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A note about copyright: This song and video are constituted as a "parody" and are therefore legal under the Fair Use Policy.

No monetary gain has been sought after or been received from fans, sponsors, or other endorsements. This video has never been and will never be monetized. Credit has been given to the original writers.

The only version of this song to be sold is the instrumental version, which is ultimately a cover of the original song "Say Something" by A Great Big World, and of which the proper mechanical licenses have been acquired, therefore paying royalties and tribute to the original writers.

While "Say Something" is about ending a relationship, "The 40,000 Calorie Piano" is about not being able to end a relationship (with food), therefore mocking and commenting upon the original.