“Barbie Girl” is a playful and satirical Eurodance track by Danish-Norwegian group Aqua, released in May 1997 as the third single from their debut album, Aquarium. Written by Aqua members Lene Nystrøm, René Dif, Claus Norreen, and Søren Rasted, the song became an instant global hit and one of the most iconic tracks of the late 1990s.

Aqua - Barbie Girl - Single Cover

The song’s lyrics and tone parody the materialistic and idealized image of the iconic Barbie doll, portraying it as a metaphor for superficiality and artificial lifestyles. Musically, “Barbie Girl” is a high-energy Eurodance track characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melodies, and campy production. The song’s quirky synth hooks, bouncy bassline, and theatrical vocal delivery contributed to its fun, over-the-top style that dominated late 1990s pop music.

Aqua - Barbie Girl - Official Music Video

The music video, directed by Peder Pedersen, amplified the song’s campy charm, featuring Aqua members in a colorful, surreal world resembling a life-sized Barbie playset. Lene Nystrøm dressed as Barbie and René Dif as Ken humorously enacted exaggerated scenarios, emphasizing the parody of the doll’s lifestyle.

“Barbie Girl” achieved massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 in over 15 countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany. In the United States, it peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Aqua one of the most recognizable acts of the Eurodance era. The track was certified multi-platinum in several regions and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Aqua – Barbie Girl – Lyrics