The 'Castaways' meme originates from the 2005 episode of the children's animated series The Backyardigans, titled 'Castaways.' The song features a catchy Bossa Nova rhythm and lyrics about being stuck on a deserted island. While popular during its initial run, the track saw a massive resurgence on TikTok in 2021, where users paired the upbeat yet melancholic tune with videos of themselves feeling socially isolated, lost, or simply enjoying the nostalgia. The meme captures a specific blend of 'no thoughts, head empty' energy and the irony of a cheerful song describing a dire survival situation, making it a staple for relatable comedy and ironic storytelling across social media.