American Alligator
A hip-hop-infused electronic anthem about facing life's chaos head-on.
"Alligator Sky" is a song by American electronica project Owl City from his third studio album All Things Bright and Beautiful. It was released as the lead single from the album on March 22, 2011. The song was written and produced by Adam Young. The song reached number five on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100. It also debuted at the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Electronic Track chart.
- Scientific Name:
- Alligator mississippiensis
- Primary Habitat:
- Freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, and lakes in the southeastern US
- Diet Type:
- Carnivore (opportunistic feeder)
- Conservation Status:
- Least Concern (Recovered from endangered status)
- Maximum Length:
- Up to 14-15 feet for large males
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Adam Young stated in an interview with AOL that he experimented with different sounds on the album All Things Bright and Beautiful and that "Alligator Sky" is where he 'pulled the hip-hop vibe,' stating: "... I am a big fan of the way hip-hop music is put together and everything that goes into it—being so beat-heavy and just focusing on the rhythm side of it, sometimes more than melody. But I wanted to marry those two ideas and just focus on the rhythm side of it then have this rapper do verses just as a new look to it." According to Young, the song was inspired by the 2008 animated science fiction film, WALL-E. Explaining the concept of the title of the song, he stated, "It's about how there are so many weird things coming at you every day. Why not just meet them head on and take charge even though you have no say over what's going to happen? You and those around you are what matter most."
In Their Own Story
Four versions of the song were released: The first features Californian rapper Shawn Chrystopher, the second version omits Chrystopher's vocals, a third version featuring Atlanta rapper B.o.B leaked online, and a fourth version featuring vocals by Big Boi of Atlanta hip-hop duo OutKast also leaked online. Speaking about his decision on making a rap and non-rap version of "Alligator Sky," Young wanted to "experiment with something new." Since he created the track based around a hip hop sound, he wanted to find a rapper to fill in the verses. Shawn Chrystopher was recommended to Young, a friend one of his publishers knew, and after Chrystopher sent a demo to Young, they began passing files to each other over the internet. This version was serviced to radio as the album's lead single and because the label wanted a version that can be serviced to alternative radio, a non-rap version was recorded. The version of "Alligator Sky" featuring Shawn Chrystopher runs at 92 BPM and is in the key of D major. The vocal range in the song spans from the notes B3 to B5.
Reader's Guide
"Alligator Sky" was met with positive reviews from music critics. Billboard magazine stated, "it's pretty much an exact rewrite of Young's original smash, from the bubbly electronics to the Ben Gibbard-approved melodic choices to the overblown optimism." Robbie Daw of Idolator praised the Long Lost Sun remix version of the song for its, "dreamy keyboard riffs, insistent hand claps and upbeat production" that brings out Owl City's "wall of sound." The music video for "Alligator Sky" premiered on VEVO on April 29, 2011. It was released elsewhere such as MTV and iTunes on May 6, and was directed by Steve Hoover and produced by Endeavor Media. Young uploaded 'Behind the Scenes' footage of the video a few days prior to the release on April 22, which explained the concept for the video; saying that it's about two men (Young and Chrystopher) leaving earth, but unlike many videos with a similar theme, they aren't leaving a post-apocalyptic earth, instead, there is a big celebration about leaving a very polluted earth. In the video the earth is shown as a planet that has terrible living conditions. The celebration is because they are leaving earth to find a better planet in outer space. As shown in the music video the duo are taking samples of earth with them to outer space to archive them. Young's "Alligator Sky" self makes an appearance at the end of the music video for "Deer in the Headlights" where he is nearly run over by himself driving the DeLorean (from Back to the Future) after coming to the year 2015.
Did You Know?
- The song was inspired by the 2008 animated science fiction film, WALL-E.
- Four versions of the song were released, including one featuring Shawn Chrystopher and a non-rap version.
- The version featuring Shawn Chrystopher runs at 92 BPM and is in the key of D major.
- The music video shows Young and Chrystopher leaving a polluted Earth to find a better planet in outer space.
- Young's 'Alligator Sky' self appears at the end of the music video for 'Deer in the Headlights,' nearly run over by himself driving a DeLorean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the American Alligator?
This massive crocodilian, scientifically known as Alligator mississippiensis, inhabits freshwater swamps across the southeastern United States. It is distinguished by its broad U-shaped snout and thick, dark armored hide.
What role does the American Alligator play in nature?
Acting as an apex predator, it controls prey populations to maintain ecological balance within its wetland home. Additionally, it creates essential habitats known as alligator holes that sustain wildlife during dry periods.
Are American Alligators dangerous to humans?
While powerful, they are typically shy and avoid people unless they feel threatened or have been fed by humans. They function more as guardians of the swamp than unprovoked threats to visitors.
How has the American Alligator's population changed over time?
Once listed as endangered, this species has successfully recovered to a Least Concern conservation status through dedicated protection efforts. This recovery marks a major victory for wildlife management in its native range.
Why is the American Alligator considered important?
It serves as an armored sentinel that ensures the health of ancient waters and surrounding ecosystems. Its presence supports biodiversity by providing critical resources like water holes for other animals during droughts.
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