I picked out four of the greatest for us to take a look at.
1. The “Andy Griffith Show” theme: This is as upbeat a tune as any whistled track in history. It’s probably the very first song anyone would whistle if they were asked to whistle.
2. The “I Love Lucy” theme: A fine example of a great theme song. It is short but very memorable.
3. “The Musters” theme: Who doesn’t love this song! It is one of the coolest TV theme songs imaginable and it has become a Halloween staple.
4. The “M*A*S*H” theme: A somber tune that set the tone of this dramatic comedy.
These are all great songs WITHOUT lyrics, but did you know that they all HAD lyrics? Yup all four of these themes had lyrics at some point! Let’s take a look:
The “Andy Griffith Show” theme: Actually called “The Fishin’ Hole” this tune was composed by Herbert W. Spencer and Earle H. Hagen. Hagen is also the one that does the whistling on the track. The tune is simple and its reference to ‘the fishin’ hole’ is appropriate. In the opening sequence Andy and Opie are walking to the pond with their fishing rods in hand.
It’s funny to look back at little Ron Howard playing Opie. Who would have guessed that a few decades later he would be wearing a baseball cap constantly to conceal his bald head?
The Andy Griffith Show Theme Song Lyrics
Well, now, take down your fishin' pole and meet me at The Fishin' Hole.
We may not get a bite all day, but don't you rush away.
What a great place to rest your bones and mighty fine for skippin' stones,
You'll feel fresh as a lemonade, a-settin' in the shade.
Whether it's hot,
Whether it's cool,
Oh what a spot,
for whistlin' like a fool.
What a fine day to take a stroll and wander by The Fishin' Hole.
I can't think of a better way to pass the time o' day.
We'll have no need to call the roll when we get to The Fishin' Hole.
There'll be you, me, and Old Dog Trey, to doodle time away.
If we don't hook a perch or bass, we'll cool our toes in dewy grass,
Or else pull up a weed to chaw, and maybe set and jaw.
Hangin' around,
takin' our ease,
watchin' that hound,
a-scratchin' at his fleas.
Come on, take down your fishin' pole and meet me at The Fishin' Hole.
I can't think of a better way to pass the time o' day.
Isn’t that a sweet tune? I do feel bad for Old Dog Trey, however, with his flea infestation. Other than that it’s a great song and I am glad I know the lyrics. Now I can sing them whenever someone starts whistling and maybe a third person could join in playing the mouth harp. Then we could become a smash hit all around the nation until the mouth harpist chokes on a ham sandwich. That would break our spirit and spell the end of the band.
The “I Love Lucy” theme: The lyrical version is actually featured in a famous episode of the show. Ricky sings it to Lucy and then they hug, kiss and go home to sleep in separate twin beds. The first verse is not in the instrumental version we hear in most syndicated airings of the show.
I Love Lucy Theme Song Lyrics
There's a certain couple that I know.
They're strictly lovebirds,
A pair of turtle dove birds.
He's a guy who wants the world to know.
So ev'ry day
You'll hear him say
I Love Lucy and she loves me,
We're as happy as two can be,
sometimes we quarrel but then,
How we love making up again.
Lucy kisses like no one can,
She's my missus and I'm her man,
And life is heaven you see,
Cause I Love Lucy,
Yes I Love Lucy,
and Lucy loves me.
Wonderful tune, I bet you will never hear the instrumental version again without subconsciously sticking these words into it.
“The Musters” theme: Robert Mosher, the producer of the show, originally penned the song with lyrics. It was deemed, however, that the tune was catchier WITHOUT the words. The vocal version was later released on a children's album.
The Munsters Theme Song Lyrics
When you are walking down the street at night
And behind you there’s no one in view.
But you hear mysterious feet at night,
then the Munsters are following you.
If you should meet this strange family
just forget what some people have said,
the Munsters may shake your hand clammily
but they’re not necessarily dead.
Behind their house you mustn’t be afraid
to see a figure digging with a spade.
Perhaps someone didn't quite make the grade
with the Munsters, with the Munsters.
If when you're sleeping you dream a lot,
ghoulish nightmares parade through your head,
and then you wake up and scream a lot,
oh the Munsters are under your bed.
At midnight if creatures should prowl about,
and if vampires and vultures swoop down.
And werewolves and fiends shriek and howl about,
oh The Munsters are out on the town.
One night I dared peak through their window screen,
my hair turned white at such a crazy scene.
Because every evening it’s Halloween
at the Munsters, at the Munsters.
Jeez! I understand why they didn’t use these! My favorite part is when there is a guy digging a grave for someone who dared to cross The Musters. Butch Patrick who was one of the child stars of the show later recorded a version of the song on a solo album he recorded.
The “M*A*S*H” theme: Many people are familiar with this one. It was featured in the film that preceded the series and received a good amount of radio play. Still, it is surprisingly grim for a show that was so funny. The song was called “Suicide is Painless”.
M*A*S*H Theme Song Lyrics
Through early morning fog I see
visions of the things to be
the pains that are withheld for me
I realize and I can see...
That suicide is painless
It brings on many changes
and I can take or leave it if I please.
I try to find a way to make
all our little joys relate
without that ever-present hate
but now I know that it's too late, and...
Suicide is painless
It brings on many changes
and I can take or leave it if I please.
The game of life is hard to play
I'm gonna lose it anyway
The losing card I'll someday lay
so this is all I have to say.
Suicide is painless
It brings on many changes
and I can take or leave it if I please.
The only way to win is cheat
And lay it down before I'm beat
and to another give my seat
for that's the only painless feat.
Suicide is painless
It brings on many changes
and I can take or leave it if I please.
The sword of time will pierce our skins
It doesn't hurt when it begins
But as it works its way on in
The pain grows stronger...watch it grin, but...
Suicide is painless
It brings on many changes
and I can take or leave it if I please.
A brave man once requested me
to answer questions that are key
'is it to be or not to be'
and I replied 'oh why ask me?'
'Cause suicide is painless
it brings on many changes
and I can take or leave it if I please.
...and you can do the same thing if you choose
So, what did we learn today:
1. Never judge a song by it’s instrumental
2. Never dismiss Butch Patrick
3. Never trust a man with a mouth harp
See ya at the fishin’ hole!
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