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What's This?

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About this sound

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A short clip of Jack Skellington singing What's This from The Nightmare Before Christmas, used for moments of curious discovery and wide-eyed surprise.

This is a brief, bright moment from Jack Skellington's song as he wanders into Christmas Town and marvels at everything around him. The vocal line rises with genuine curiosity, carried by Danny Elfman's playful orchestration, with bells and a lively, almost childlike bounce underneath. It feels like a gasp turned into music, full of wonder rather than fear, and it instantly signals that something strange and delightful has just been found. Even in just over a second, the clip captures the feeling of stumbling on something unexpected, which is why it lands so well when a video suddenly reveals a surprise, a new place, or an idea that changes everything.

The song comes from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, the 1993 stop-motion film in which Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, stumbles into Christmas Town. What's This is the musical number where he explores the unfamiliar holiday world, touching snow, lights and presents with childlike fascination. Because the moment is so recognisable and instantly readable, the short clip has become a favourite online reaction sound for discovery, surprise and curiosity, especially in seasonal videos and edits that contrast Halloween and Christmas.

Pro Tip for Usage

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Drop it right on the reveal, as the camera lands on the surprising object, and let Jack's rising vocal carry the reaction. Pair it with a quick zoom, but do not loop it, as the wonder fades if the moment drags.

Use Cases

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  • A creator reveals an unexpected gift on camera.
  • Someone walks into a surprisingly decorated room.
  • A vlogger discovers a hidden room in a house.
  • A gamer finds a rare item in a chest.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the What's This sound?
It is a brief musical clip from What's This, the song in which Jack Skellington explores Christmas Town for the first time in The Nightmare Before Christmas, singing with wonder at the snow, lights and presents around him.
Who sings What's This in The Nightmare Before Christmas?
Danny Elfman sings the part of Jack Skellington in the film's musical numbers, including What's This, while Chris Sarandon provides Jack's speaking voice in dialogue scenes outside the songs.
How do creators use the What's This sound?
Creators place it over a reveal or first encounter, such as opening a gift, entering a decorated room or finding something unexpected, because Jack's curious, rising vocal instantly tells viewers that something delightful and surprising has just been discovered.

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