Context

This line was sung by Ace of Base in the song "The Sign," written by Jenny Berggren, Jonas Berggren, Linn Berggren, and Ulf Ekberg, from the album The Sign (1993).

With its slightly spooky keyboard intro and uplifting lyrics, "The Sign" by Swedish electro-pop band Ace of Base is one of the all-time great earworms. But what is the sign that these incredibly attractive people are singing about?

Well, the music video has the answer. The sign is the Egyptian ankh, which symbolizes life. So this song is all about living life and being happy. Its connection to general happiness has made it a popular song for advertisers, like Uncle Ben's Rice.

"The Sign" was Ace of Base's only real hit in the United States, but they have had a huge influence on other artists, like Lady Gaga, Robyn, Tegan and Sara, and even Beck, who almost covered one of their songs, but backed out at the last minute.

Where you've heard it

Even if you weren't around for "The Sign's" initial popularity in the early '90s, you've probably happened upon it while flipping channels. It has popped up on adult cartoons like South Park and American Dad, as an a capella song on the hit 2012 movie Pitch Perfect, and on the family sitcom Full House.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Please elaborate on how a random symbol and a one-hit wonder changed your life. We'll be over on the other side of the room dancing.