For our Community Building Exercises in 2008, we wrote 7 “secret” songs, songs which contained a clue that was part of our Quest for the Seven Keys. Many of these songs are very different than our typical stuff, so we’ve decided to make the album available for purchase on the music page for only $3.99. And, while we were at it, we got help from some of our Youtube friends and put together this music video for the Crayon Colors Song:
We want to thank Nicki (aka rhymingpanda)! Back in October, this was her Submit-A-Song Idea concept! (Thanks for reminding us, Nicki 
)
Comment below with your favorite crayon color, and your favorite picture from this video.
Don’t forget to check out the other songs from the Secret Songs album on the music page. This is one of the few ways we’re able to make a little dough off our music, so we’d appreciate it if you’d pick up the album if you like our music. Thanks!
I like the New Unique Colors towards the end… very nice video…
zomg. I swear…I suggested this song a few months ago! O_O Lol. It’s awesome.
I’d have to say that my favorite color was Purple Mountain’s Majesty (just for the name), and the best picture had to be the one for Magic Mint. I almost fell over laughing when you said the color Flaky White Toe Cheese! Where would you even buy that?
i noticed that all the girls liked pretty colours which depicted happiness and joy, whereas all the boys liked icky colours depicting painful experiences. thanks for the psychological insight, R&L!
My daughter (5) thought all the colors were pretty colors even Head wound red and yellow toe cheese, but I think she’s just trying to be nice. She liked the butterfly and the heart pictures best.
Come on guys. You are gifted. You can certainly do better than this. I’m sorry, but I see this vid as a new low. PLEASE bring back some quality vids.
Long Time Viewer, are you serious? This is a collaboration video…it’s not supposed to be a typical R&L vid. It’s a community video. Did you see the Guacamole Song? That we released like a week ago? You speak as if we haven’t released anything up to your “standard” in forever.
But, besides that, I’m trying to figure the motivation for a comment like yours. What’s the point of going out of your way to find a way to criticize us? What do you do for a living? Do you have any original works of art or projects that you would like to send to us for our raw analysis? Do you apply this same biting standard to your own work?
Don’t get me wrong, but don’t you have the comments section so people can leave their thoughts? Or do you only want positive comments? If so, you might want to say “Only accepting positive comments, thanks!”
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with constructive criticism. It’s hard to take it though, for sure. Anyway, I didn’t read Long Time Viewer’s comment as “biting.” I actually agreed that this video wasn’t my favorite. I think some people (me included) have our preferences. Don’t you want to know what your viewers like?
Long Time Viewer, are you serious? Yes.
Did you see the Guacamole Song? Yes. I didn’t love it but it was okay.
What’s the point of going out of your way to find a way to criticize us? I’m not criticizing you personally. I’m saying that I think this video wasn’t as good as others you’ve done. The content of the video is the issue here. If it helps, I love other songs you’ve done. Every artistic endeavor will receive positive and negative feedback. If all you want is positive feedback, you should make that clear.
I’m not sure why you are so defensive. I was giving commentary about my personal taste. I didn’t like the vid. Some people do. When I’ve commented before, you’ve appreciated my positive commentary. I think what you want is glowing reviews, not comments.
I want you guys to let us know when you don’t like something…that’s totally fine and welcomed. After all, we’re doing this for you. If you don’t like it, what’s the point? So, no, I don’t expect or want only positive comments. And you’re right, I probably shouldn’t be so defensive.
But, Long Time Viewer described this as “a new low” and said “come on guys”, as if to say this was a complete waste of time…so Kelly, I don’t think it was “constructive”. He didn’t explain what he didn’t like about it. We welcome constructive criticism, and every artist should…it’s the only way to improve. But, it wasn’t constructive. It was insulting. I’m a big boy, though…I’ll get over it.
We knew that some folks wouldn’t like this video because of it’s collaborative nature…but there are a lot of new audiences that we’ll reach through it because of all the other Youtubers involved…and we like the song. We stand by our work, and that’s one of the reasons I enter into a discussion like this…I’m not trying to be aloof and pretend like you guys don’t matter. It’s because I’m personally interested in your opinions that I write this…
I’m a new fan, and maybe my perspective can help. I LOVE Rhett and Link. You are extremely talented, and you put out videos that are better than anyone else on the internet, and you’ve done a lot of them (i’ve only watch like 30 or so). You guys try a lot of things, so your audience is going to have their favourites. I really like this video, because I really like Youtube culture and the stars on there, and I like when collab videos are done well. Plus, I think the song is different than your really popular tunes, and I like that.
I think that Long Time Viewer should have voiced some specifics about what he/she didn’t like and it probably would’ve been received better, and I think that Rhett is holding himself in front of his work like all great artists, and that means that he’s going to take any criticism personally.
Fair enough. First, what you were trying to do with the music style came across as you wanted it to. I just didn’t like the style. I will say that I appreciate the creativity. I also appreciate the idea behind the song. Crayon colors are a good topic for a novelty song, which is what you guys are good at. The minimalist style of the music itself was just not nice “listening” even though it fit the subject well enough.
Second, you’re right. I don’t like the collab vids as much, only because they aren’t appealing to me. But, to give you the benefit of the doubt, I thought the ShayCarl song was great – so I have liked one collab vid.
Finally, I was surprised that you allowed some of the art content that you did from users, only because I know your moral worldview. I wouldn’t let my kids see this vid. Call me what you will, but I was offended by some of the content, personally. I thought it could have been avoided by requesting your contributors to keep to a certain rating.
Hopefully this helps clarify.
This video is the #1 Featured video today on Youtube in the People and Vlogs category. I guess somebody likes it. Congrats Rhett and Link!
Thanks for clarifying, LTV. That is constructive. I appreciate your perspective. This type of criticism leads to thoughtful dialogue, not emotional diatribes. We welcome your criticism (and your glowing reviews
) in the future…we just ask that you verbalize your specific issues, just as you did in this last comment. The “moral standard” issue is something that is tough to navigate in collab videos, but we acknowledge that this one might not be for everyone, and we appreciate your discretion with what your kids watch.
that was awsome! creative and i really liked the music. Great job ya’ll:))
I too am a long time viewer and my levels of enjoyment have certainly varied from song to song and video to video but I have without a doubt enjoyed the songs overall.
I would say Rhett was justified in being frustrated by the initial comment but am glad the conversation continued to the point when all could be said.
I for one have been most pleased by the fact that I can watch every video of Rhett and Link’s and not worry about seeing something that would be offensive. Though some things may be questionable for EVERY age I have certainly found that most things are good fun.
Thanks guys and keep up the good work!
I love that you have a kind of english accent and i think the video is great, as are all your videos!
The middle schooler in me loves any song with “dookie brown” and “vomit green” in it!
Well done guys – my favourite colour is… blue (‘cos I liked that someone decided to draw the TARDIS).
Are you using an english accent to sing the song? Sounds like it occasionally… and for some reason the bloke at the end cracked me up
I actually liked this video. I appreciate the fact that you give us an opportunity to see exactly how the instrumental portion was created. I would have never guessed that there was a beat boxing portion to it. When I first heard it, I thought it was an underlying percussion beat. I guess that takes talent to get your beatboxing to sound like that. Go Link!
Perhaps some of the content of the artwork isn’t exactly ment for little children, but when your working with other Youtubers that are known for various things, You have to expect the variety.
Over all, I enjoyed this video.
The moral content is what puts me off on this video as well. Having said that, I know it’s nowhere near the level of vulgarity or lewdness of so much of the junk on YouTube.
I suppose it’s just that you two have set such a high standard for yourselves that it worries me just a little when you toe the line. When you invite others into your videos, it has the potential effect of lowering your standard.
But these are small potatoes! I still love you guys!
It’s tough in your business… you are basically putting yourself out there for judgement from all people… and you have to be ready for it. Personally, if he’s a long time viewer, I’d hope he’d be more interested in promoting positivity, than possibly opening up an area for negativity to be discussed. Rhett was right – but probably must realize that this will happen many many more times (which I’m sure he knows…) I undestands Rhett’s point… but all the world’s a stage………… and you guys put yourself out there to be judged. Pity your “fan” felt the need to to share that negativity instead of keeping it to himself and waiting to see what happened next. He seems learned enough to know what a negative comment can snowball into…
i havent watched the video yet,
but all this rhett-bashing has intrigued me
i think you guys should get thumbs up on everything, its like great bands
not everyone can be like AC/DC and churn out the same stuff over and over,
you have to evolve, but not like madonna……no…..never like madonna
i think this “train-of-thought” comment may have lost its point
i will now watch the video……..
mikus awesomus!!
Replying to Link (and in a way, Rhett)
I do believe Rhett was defensive, for, though it is your day jobs, people are entitled to interpret art as their own. For example, my music teacher loves country music, and I think it’s like nails on a chalkboard. However, if you don’t like collaborations, get over it. This song was just great, and I really enjoyed it. Also, seeing other familiar faces in the video made me smile. Who knows? Maybe this will you guys more fans/subscribers, and, later on down the road, more sponsorships, which is what I want to see. You guys deserve the best, especially since your work is great. But again, while people won’t like everything, LTV has to realize that artists work hard, and he/she must respect that. If he thinks he can build his career by making original music videos on the internet, then I’d like to see him try.
/rant. Great vid guys!
This video is NOT offensive…
The only things I can see that could potentially be offensive to sensitive viewers are:
1. Hotforwords bikini drawing
2. Brent’s peeing drawing
3. pop17′s golden rod (IF your mind’s in the gutter…I’m almost certain that wasn’t her intention).
BUT, the really cool thing is that hotforwords, who is usually showing MEGA-cleavage, is actually wearing a hoodie and covering herself in Rhett and Link’s video. I think that’s the point, but no one seemed to get it. When hotforwords shows up in a Rhett and Link video, she’s covering up! Classic! And totally consistent with the family-friendly standard that Rhett and Link have established.
And if you’re offended by Brent’s pee drawing, well, you should relocate to an Amish community.
Guys,
This is a great video. Way to take advantage of the medium! With regards to the criticism, you can’t make everyone happy… but you can make most people happy, and that is what you guys do daily! You put a lot of smiles on people’s faces, and all the hard work you’ve put into 200 videos in order to do so, definitely needs to be acknowledged.
Best,
RF
Rhett, I wouldn’t let anyone make you feel like you overstepped your bounds. Compared to your other videos, it’s a little different. But different doesn’t mean mediocre and Long Time Viewer’s comment came across as a snarky youtube comment and I totally get why that’s upsetting to see on your own blog. I don’t really watch much internetainment besides you guys so I have no idea who those people are, but I liked the song when it was still secret, and I still like it now.
Also, from a marketing standpoint the collab idea is genius, and I encourage you to keep doing them. just my two cents
The reason my first post was short was that I was trying to quickly let R&L know that someone didn’t like it, without getting all into the details. Little did I know what it would turn into! O_o
I didn’t think a comment board was a place to go into the details. I guess I was incorrect in my assessment. I was just trying to be the voice of the other side, briefly.
In the future, I’ll try to include my reasons for my views, now that I know it is the expected standard here. I don’t follow the comments here, so I didn’t know this was the expectation.
Like Flipperz, this is a response to Link and Rhett (Thru twitter)
well i’ve liked the song ever since i heard Rhett&Link working on it in the office, i think its a fantastic song that was never really made for the public it was made so that someone could WIN a FREE concert the fact the they released it is cool and another thing i don’t understand is what in this video is “morally offensive” ever word they say is the name of a crayon, ALSO Rhett didnt over react he was just mad someone insulted their work that they release FOR FREE to us, criticism is one thing, insults are another they read our comments so that they can enterain us better but we dont need to just bash what they do… i bet MOST of us cant be on par with what R&L do … esp since they release a video or new song at LEAST every two weeks if not sooner then that i enjoyed the video and i know how hard it is to get a colab going so you guys have my respect … thats just my rant tho
Interesting comments thus far. I too think it’s a scary thing when collab videos are made, never quite knowing what others consider morally right. Even a crayon song can be “sketchy”!
Although Rhett sounded defensive and LTV sounded a bit short/rude in the first few comments I am glad that they kept talking it out because in the end they now know what the first comment was meaning by a “new low”. So that’s my thoughts.
I kinda read the commentconversation, but I’m too lazy to read it all, so I’m just gonna say
I love the video !
I think you did a great job. It’s simple, fun and colorful. We all can see that you both put a lot of effort in this video and you did a great job at getting all of those youtubers make paintings for you !
(I’m not trying to offend any other person that has another opinion about this video ! I’m just giving mine
All those comments were fun to read. Haha.
FIRST, I’ll answer the original question. My favorite color in general is Chartreuse. But I don’t know what that color crayon is called. But I haven’t owned crayons since elementary school. And back then, my favorites were Macaroni and Cheese and Tickle Me Pink. Oh and Cerulean.
Now for my opinions:
- Everyone knows I LOVE Rhett and Link. Love love love them. They’re hilarious. So it’s not that I want to be mean.
- This song was pretty funny. Not my favorite by far [just because you guys have so many great videos], but it wasn’t terrible or a “new low”.
- I do agree that it was questionable. Probably the only video I wouldn’t show Gaby. BUT, I also understand that when a lot of people, with different “standards” I guess, are part of one song/video, it’s hard to be totally clean.
- I can’t say that I don’t like collabs, because I’ve been part of a couple, but I have to admit I enjoy Rhett and Link songs/videos that are….well Rhett and Link’s songs/videos. Songs/videos they and only they have written/scripted. They have the best ideas in my opinion, and they’re always completely clean. That’s just my preference. Not saying that this collab was bad at all.
- And Rhett WAS being defensive, in response to Link. He could have toned it down. But he’s human. Everyone gets defensive once in a while and I understand where he’s coming from. I’m not saying it’s not a bad thing, but I’ll forgive him. Besides, why should I make a big deal about the “speck in Rhett’s eye”, ignoring the plank in my own eye? [I love biblical references] I’m not perfect either.
End rant.
Guys, really enjoy the conversation here – the collab. in the video & people leaving their views on here too. There’s not much else to add on Link’s question of Rhett being over-the-top. Rhett was a little harsh, but fair, in my view!
Anyone find the demographic of the video participants interesting, or not really all that bothered?
As a R&L fan of the longer-term variety, I am in favor of all their productions. Not in the way that Cubs fans blindly follow their team, but in a way that I’m appreciative of their effort and creativity (and the manner they do it in regards to their fan base (e.g Office Hours, WWWWVWP, etc)).
When someone told me about the negative feedback from the video, it also upset me since I saw nothing wrong with the video. R&L are real stand-up guys and wouldn’t cross any lines they deemed immoral or iffy.
While I was surprised to see Rhett come out and virtually demand answers to LTV’s, I understand why he did. My ears perk up when I catch flak about my videos as well and I like to get to the bottom of why people feel how they do about my videos.
But I will always be a R&L booster – whether they talk about headwounds, pus or lacerated cheeks
you guys know we love your stuff. great job on this one integrating the other youtubers and we’re lovin the instrumental incorporating real sound FX. i could actually see a kids tv show producer throwing themselves at you to license this.
re: the convo below, can’t help but give a knowing smile. no one can understand what it’s like to put yourself and your work out there on the internet for all to judge until they’ve done it themselves. and, on that note, the same is true about video editing and the time and energy it takes.
big ups from the Pantless Knights – keep creating guys. and we hope u guys get a chance to check out new music vid dropping later this week! peace
yeah i just read through all the comments here and again id like to know what’s offensive in this song. Honestly, You turn on the television or listen to the radio and chances are you’ll see/hear something that’s at least 20 times worse than anything i heard in this song.
I loved it, there were a few times i was laughing hysterically. I happen to enjoy everything that you guys have put out. I only wish my video camera was working so i could have participated in the Supernote thing a while ago, but i digress. Awesome work guys.
And about the convo that was going on, Maybe Rhett was a little too defensive, but just as a viewer when i see anybody say something that is just an insult without anything else, i get aggrivated. I mean I’m sure he could have said the exact same thing and given insight as to what and he wouldn’t have been as defensive but the past is the past. As Disney said, Hakuna Matatah.
btw, LTV. I read everything you wrote too and its kewl that you’re able to see what happened and are willing to change. I’ve seen a lot of people on YouTube that when things like this happen they get defensive and it turns out to be an online brawl that the vid owner ends up marking as spam anyways. So good for you.
I’ll try to keep it short this time.
In response to “fan #”‘s comment, I understand that there are things 20 times worse than this video EVERYWHERE. But in my opinion, “cleanliness” is not relative. 1/20 is a small fraction, but it’s not a 0. I could handle it, I just wouldn’t show it to children.
My favourite crayon color used to be the silvery brassy coloured one with the bluish green centre. And my favourite picture was Wild Cherry. (Awesome)
I read through the comments and after extensive thought. I belive that Rhett has a point.It is hard when someone judges your work with such harshness. You should make sure you say what you really mean in a comment, verbally or written. I will say that this wasn’t the greatest song but it was very enjoyable. I obtained this song by submitting a supernote and have listened to it multiple times before the video came out. It’s all right Rhett, some people think me strange, let alone, you guys when I show them your guys’ work. Keep up the good work. And I’m still waiting to see more of the live web recordings to become available for download. I’d even pay for e’m. (frogs, seven things, etc.)
Alrighty…first my favorite color is def. Electric Lime…that just sounds cool…and my favorite pic is Magic Mint…great job!
And to answer Link’s question….no I don’t think Rhett was too defensive. He simply responded like any artist would when his work is attacked.
I am new-ish to R&L, but I def wouldn’t say that this is any type of low…I rather enjoyed it. I had to watch it a few times, so I could see all the pics and Rhett and Link’s faces. lol
I like collabs because it gets a lot of people involved and, overall, makes more people happy than upset.
GREAT JOB GUYS!!!!! Keep it up! I will def be buying the album!
Musically, I found this song right on par with your usual originality and listenability. I’m a “girl,” so I’m blaming my dislike of the lyric content in the second half on that alone. I had a “why didja hafta go there?” kind of reaction. So, I’m genuinely curious about the choice to “go gross.” Was the idea that grosser would equal funnier? If so, then it naturally follows that some will connect with you on that philosophy and some won’t.
I wasn’t “offended,” but I will honestly say I likely won’t go out of my way to show this one to my circle of friends as further evidence of my excellent taste in internetainment. And, that’s not meant to bash R&L as much as protect them. I hope that point makes sense.
I really loved this video! Morally offensive? ??????????? I 100% disagree with the poster who says cleanliness is not relative. What someone finds offensive in America in early February 2009 is not some kind of set in stone absolute. Here in the 1960s people found it morally outrageous when a black man and a white woman entertainer (Harry Belafonte and Petula Clark 1968) sang a song on together on TV and held hands. In parts of the middle east a woman showing her hair is morally offensive (as it also is according to Paul in the Bible) But this video??? What in the world could anyone from any generation from anywhere on earth find offensive about this and not want to show children? For goodness sake I let my son watch South Park since he was 8 years old, and he’s the most loving, caring and moral 20 year old I know today. So really. Come … on. People. I mean, really!
After being an ultra-fan for around a year and watching every Rhett and Link video at least 4-5 times, I don’t see why there is so much discussion of this video! Some people don’t like it.. okay, that’s their opinion. Some people loved it, again, that’s their opinion. It wasn’t exactly my favorite R&L video (I don’t think anything can top the Dead iPod Song), but it was definitely far from terrible! It is MUCH better than most of the stuff on YouTube. I like the collaborative-ness, the boys vs. girls thing, and the drawings were funny, too! This was probably my favorite Secret Song as well.
No need for the bashing on the video, though..
Just thought I’d share :]
Old Time Viewer,
First of all, I loved this video!!
Second of all, you shouldn’t blast people for finding it morally offensive, or you will welcome them to blast you for NOT finding it morally offensive. Does that make sense? Opinions are opinions. That being said, I actually agree with you, and I would be comfortable showing this to my 10 year old brother.
Third of all… Which I think is last of all… “In parts of the middle east a woman showing her hair is morally offensive (as it also is according to Paul in the Bible)”
The above statement is only partly true. True, the issue Paul was addressing was, on the surface, about women having bear heads in church. HOWEVER, back then hair was (culturally) one of the most sensual and sexual parts of a female, and the women of the Church to which Paul was writing were coming to worship and taking the focus off of God, flaunting their sexuality and assuming a “look-at-me” attitude, which was the real issue. It could just have easily been that they were wearing the newest fashions and over-spritzing their perfumes. Anyways, my point in telling you this is so you more deeply understand it, and don’t espouse arguments that weaken, rather than strengthen, your overall point.
I’m a mother of two kids under 12 and a long time R&L viewer… this vid is NOT offensive!! ~seriously~ My kids could see waaay worse just by watching 5 min. of tv!!
Anyway, my favorite color is Whitehead White… Favorite pic is Mango Tango pic.
Great job guys. I luv the collab vids.
They are interesting and fun!
I got a chuckle or two out of it so my opinion… it works for me. I have no actual criticism – either positive or negative.
Seems opinion was being misconstrued as critical observation but is being resolved in subsequent posts.
Alright, final comment!
I understand where Old Time Viewer is coming from. And unlike Hollywood said [although I thank you for understanding], I’m not going to bash you for it. I understand that “offensive-ness” or whatever is relative, depending on culture, beliefs, whatever. And you may think that “cleanliness” is also relative…what I’m trying to say is that in my mind there is a definite line and it doesn’t matter how far away something is from the line– if it’s crossed, it’s crossed. But I will restate/elaborate on why I find it questionable, I never said morally offensive. The whole drawing of the half naked woman is something I don’t think a 7 year old should see [and I'm not bashing Rhett and Link, they didn't draw that]. I personally don’t like it but am not offended by it at all. The song is funny! But when it comes to young kids, I don’t care what’s on TV. The less she sees the better. I don’t want my sister to grow up thinking “just a little bit” is still okay at her age. About all the other stuff, I agree with Lynn/JardinPrayer, it was a great explanation. Some parts were just really gross and I also had the “Why’d you have to go there” reaction. That’s the only part I didn’t find too hilarious. But it’s a great video, overall (:
Hollywood8K, you’re totally right! I say that morals are relative then blast people who have different morals than I do. Oh we humans are just a bundle of contradictions.
And as far as Paul goes, you may be right. I’m not anything close to a cultural anthropologist specializing in the first century AD Middle East, so I’ll just take your word for it!
First of all, I want to say that when I read Rhett’s response to LTV, I was shocked. In my opinion, he seemed way out of line & overly defensive. I felt bad for LTV who was simply sharing their view… AND a compliment, might I add. Isn’t the point of comments here to get people’s real feedback? You can’t bash someone for not giving you 100% positive feedback. I didn’t understand (or like) Rhett asking LTV what they do for a living either. That is of absolutely no relevance. LTV isn’t the one putting videos out on youtube for the world to watch. Honestly, had Rhett’s comment been directed towards me, I doubt I would continue supporting R&L.
Generally, I enjoy R&L vids. I think I have seen most of them. My personal opinion of this one though (and that is all this is – MY opinion) is that the humor was immature. I had no major moral issue with it… as some have mentioned in previous posts. I just found the humor to be in poor taste & not entertaining. As an adult, I don’t find ‘poop’ or ‘puke’ humor amusing.
If you are looking for honest opinions, there is mine.
Gee, wow.
Out of all of the videos I would expect to stir up controversy, this definitely wasn’t the one I would have pinned.
I was thoroughly amused, and hotforwords’s picture made me lol. Good stuff, I say.
This is GREAT!
really!
I was really interested in the strange backwards part. I’m not sure what it means and I have no idea how to play a video backwards to find out but it sounded really good nonetheless. I watched it a few different times to figure it out but couldn’t….
At about 9 seconds into it I saw a girl using a colored pencil and said “cheater! that’s not a crayon!”
Great picture on mango tango!
Soiled hospital gown and eye corner crust were not colors I was familiar with but they made me laugh a lot. Maybe I will use them as the wall colors in my new room!….Maybe not….
The sound of the crayons on cardboard was a nice touch and it sounded good.
Great job Rhett and Link!!