Nothing shapes our childhoods more than our favorite cartoon theme songs. Whether it’s pretending to be our favorite characters or performing in our favorite episodes, watching cartoons is something that everyone can relate to. In addition to the fun-filled moments of tuning in every week, we also looked forward to gleefully singing along to each theme song. Since we each have our own opinions of which ones are the best, the list is never-ending. As a result, no one can choose only one. Therefore, here are three of the most memorable cartoon theme songs in history.
“Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?”(1969)
**Video of Scooby-Doo Theme Song, Courtesy of Aaron Henry**
“Scooby Dooby, Doo where are you?
We got some work to do now
Scooby Dooby Doo, where are you?
We need some help from you now”
Extracted from its animated series of the same name, the lyrics to “Scooby-Dooby-Doo, Where Are You?” were written by Brooklyn, New York native David Mook, while the music was written by Ben Raleigh. Although George A. Robertson Jr. performed the song in season 2, the iconic tune was initially performed by musician/producer Larry Marks and featured throughout season 1. Although there was an earlier instrumental version of the song composed by Ted Nichols, the vocal theme was used from the third episode onward and continues to be established as one of the most recognizable and memorable cartoon theme songs in history.
The Hanna-Barbera-produced show chronicles the adventures of teenage friends Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, Fred Jones, Shaggy Rogers, and their lovable dog Scooby-Doo. While traveling in their blue van called the Mystery Machine, they discover mysteries and endure multiple hilarious obstacles while trying to solve them. Once the mysteries are solved, the disguised perpetrators are always revealed at the end. The results usually shock not only the group, but the viewers as well, creating lots of laughter.
“Meet the Flintstones”(1960)
**Video of Flinstones Theme Song, Courtesy of Woody558**
“Flintstones, meet the Flintstones,
They’re the modern Stone Age family
From the town of Bedrock
They’re a page right out of history”
Taking place during the Stone Age, and in the fictional town of Bedrock, the show follows the daily lives of two families: The Flintstones and their next-door neighbors, the Rubbles. Each day, the four friends, along with their children, Pebbles and Ban-Bam, navigate the ups and downs of life in realistic, yet fun and lighthearted ways. Also produced by Hanna-Barbera, the Flintstones originally broadcasted on ABC from September 30, 1960, to April 1, 1966, becoming the first animated series to secure a prime-time slot on television.
In 1961, before becoming the theme for the famed animated series, “Meet the Flintstones” was released as a children’s song on the New York-based record label Golden Records. Composed in 1961 by Hoyt Curtin, Joseph Barbera, and William Hanna, “Meet the Flintstones” remains one of the best-known sing-along cartoon theme songs of all time. Yabba-dabba-doo!
“DuckTales”(1987)
**Video of DuckTales Theme Song, Courtesy of Disney Plus**
“Life is like a hurricane,
here in Duckburg;
Race cars, lasers, aeroplanes,
it’s a duck-blur!”
“Might solve a mystery,
or rewrite history!
DuckTales! Woo-hoo!”.
Produced by Walt Disney Television, DuckTales originally premiered on September 18, 1987, and continued for four seasons, with its final episode airing on November 28, 1990. Based upon comic books created by cartoonist Carl Barks, the show chronicles the adventures of Scrooge McDuck and his three grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie. Along with their friends, the McDucks embark on numerous adventures that involve finding treasure or preventing criminals from stealing Scrooge’s wealth or his Number One Dime.
Written by Emmy-nominated songwriter Mark Mueller and performed by Baltimore, Maryland-born musician Jeff Pescetto, the DuckTales theme song has been used in both the original 1987 series and the 2017 reboot. The latter features Felicia Barton as the vocalist. The catchy song’s popularity has led to numerous covers and has been featured in a multitude of promotions, such as Disney XD and Disney Afternoon. Airing in over 100 countries and 25 different languages during its original run, DuckTales quickly became and remains a cultural phenomenon.
These songs are prime examples that no matter how old we get, our favorite cartoon theme songs will remain in our hearts forever.
