In the annals of television history, few theme songs have achieved the same level of recognition and cultural impact as “The Flintstones.” With its catchy tune and memorable lyrics, this iconic theme song instantly transports viewers to the prehistoric world of Bedrock. In this article, we will explore the origins, popularity, and enduring legacy of this beloved tune.
The Birth of a Classic
The story of “The Flintstones” theme song begins with its commercial release on an album before its use on television. The song’s melody, however, had already been heard as background music prior to its adoption as the show’s theme. In the third season of the original series, the opening version of the theme song featured Fred Flintstone coming home from work at the Slate Rock and Gravel Company, exclaiming his famous catchphrase, “Yabba-Dabba-Doo!” He then embarks on a lively journey, picking up various members of his family and enjoying a visit to the Bedrock Drive-In Theater.
The Lyrics: A Snapshot of Bedrock Life
The lyrics of “The Flintstones” theme song perfectly encapsulate the essence of the show. They introduce us to the modern Stone Age family, the Flintstones, who reside in the town of Bedrock. The song invites us to ride along with the family down the street, courtesy of Fred’s two feet.
It promises a yabba-dabba-doo time, a dabba-doo time, and a gay old time. These catchy lyrics, with their playful rhymes and vibrant imagery, have embedded themselves into the hearts and minds of generations of viewers.
Lyrics:
♪ Yabba-dabba-doo! ♪
♪ Flintstones, meet the Flintstones ♪
♪ They're the modern stone-age family ♪
♪ From the town of Bedrock ♪
♪ They're a page right out of history ♪
♪ Let's ride with the family down the street ♪
♪ Through the courtesy of Fred's two feet ♪
♪ When you're with the Flintstones ♪
♪ Have a yabba-dabba-doo time ♪
♪ A dabba-doo time ♪
♪ We'll have a gay old time ♪
♪ Flintstones, meet the Flintstones ♪
♪ They're the modern Stone Age Family ♪
♪ From the town of Bedrock ♪
♪ They're a page right out of history ♪
♪ Someday, maybe Fred will win the fight ♪
♪ Then the cat will stay out for the night ♪
♪ When you're with the Flintstones ♪
♪ Have a yabba-dabba-doo time ♪
♪ A dabba-doo time ♪
♪ We'll have a gay old time ♪
♪ (Wilma!) ♪Alternate Covers: Putting a Twist on a Classic
Over the years, various bands have recorded their own officially-licensed versions of “The Flintstones” theme song, each bringing their unique style and interpretation to the table. One notable cover was performed by The B-52’s, who took on the stone age personas of “The B.C. 52’s” for the 1994 live-action film adaptation of “The Flintstones.” Their version of the song, with an additional verse, reached number 33 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Another noteworthy cover came from Jacob Collier, who released a multitrack jazz vocal rendition of the song in 2016. His unique arrangement earned him the Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.
Dive into the delightful world of Bedrock by exploring the charming characters of “The Flintstones.” From Fred’s iconic catchphrase to the lovable antics of Dino, each character adds a unique stone-age charm. Whether animated or live-action, their stories bring a timeless and entertaining experience to fans of all ages.
The Cultural Impact of “The Flintstones” Theme Song
Since its debut in the 1960s, “The Flintstones” theme song has become an enduring cultural touchstone. In a 2010 survey conducted by PRS for Music in the UK, the theme tune was found to be the most recognized children’s TV theme, surpassing even the likes of “Top Cat” and “Postman Pat.” Its popularity has also led to numerous official and fan-made remixes, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
“The Flintstones” theme song has even transcended the realm of television and found its way into the jazz world. Its catchy melody and playful lyrics have made it a popular choice for jazz medleys, often combined with other well-known jazz standards. The song’s campy and cheeky nature makes it a perfect fit for the genre.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- In the lyrics of “The Flintstones” theme song, the word “gay” was replaced with “groovy” during the 70s in certain adaptations. However, the original line was reinstated in later productions.
- Syndicated prints of early episodes replaced the original opening and closing credits sequence and theme song with “Meet the Flintstones,” leading to some confusion in closing credits.
- The song was performed by The Brian Setzer Orchestra with Christmas-themed lyrics titled “Yabba-Dabba-Yuletide” for a Christmas album.
Conclusion
“The Flintstones” theme song remains a timeless and beloved piece of television history. Its catchy melody, playful lyrics, and iconic characters have made it a cultural phenomenon. From its humble beginnings as a commercial release to its status as a jazz standard, this theme song continues to bring joy and nostalgia to fans of all ages.
So next time you find yourself humming “The Flintstones” tune, remember to have a yabba-dabba-doo time and embrace the delightful charm of Bedrock’s modern stone-age family.
