The song 'DotA' by Swedish artist Basshunter, whose real name is Jonas Erik Altberg, is a tribute to video game culture and, in particular, the online game 'Defense of the Ancients' (DotA)
The lyrics, although repetitive, capture the essence of the experience of playing DotA, a real-time strategy game that gained enormous popularity in the online gaming circuits in the mid-2000s.
The song's lyrics, sung in Swedish, describe a group of friends sitting in 'venven', which could be interpreted as a waiting room or meeting place, playing DotA. The phrases 'pushar på å smeker' and 'springer runt å creepar' make direct reference to the tactics of the game: 'pushear' is advancing on the map and 'smeker' could be interpreted as the act of attacking or playing skillfully, while ' 'creepar' refers to killing neutral creatures for gold and experience. The song reflects the camaraderie and friendly competition that develops between players during games.
Musically, 'DotA' is an example of the Eurodance style that Basshunter is known for, with catchy electronic beats and a simple but addictive melody. The song not only became a hit on the music charts, but also resonated with the gaming community, becoming an unofficial anthem for DotA fans. The inclusion of English phrases such as 'I hear you, man' and 'Don't worry, be happy' adds a touch of universality and good humour, underlining the playful and relaxed nature of playing video games with friends.