Jack TV Theme Song

This is for the Philippine cable network, Jack TV; this is the one played almost every commercial and in between shows.

Man, this is just a fun theme song. Actually, I don’t know if its that good or they just play the crap out of it everyday, but, it’s catchy for sure. I’ve been contemplating on writing about this for sometime now, with all the crap that has been happening to this site, plus I didn’t think someone would actually upload it on YouTube.

But lo and behold, the composer has an online presence.

Let’s get to it. The theme, or for this matter, the “station ID” for Jack TV, was written by Filipino musician and producer Reev Robledo. He has a YouTube channel and an official site.

To tell you the truth, this is the first time I’ve heard of him—even though I consider myself quite learned in the local music industry (so I guess I’m really not). As it turns out, he has written a number of local television scores, including, among others, the themes for ABS-CBN’s Krusada, GMA’s Mel & Jay and i-Witness, and TV5’s Balitaang Tapat. Quite impressive.

Well, what else? Oh, here’s what he looks like for those interested.

So, without further ado, here’s the very catchy Jack TV theme.

The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Theme Song

If you must know, I am from the Philippines, so here’s a little tribute to the motherland. Also, Theme Songs is back!

I rarely watch local shows but this one is an exception. I’ve always loved The Biggest Loser franchise so when I found out the Philippines (there was already an Asian version) was coming up with one—and in a time slot that is quite convenient for me—I could not help but watch. At the time of posting this, the show is about to enter the top 10.

The theme for the show is very catchy. Its actual title is “Sabay Tayo“, and not “Magpapayat” as I (and I’m sure some of you did) originally thought. The song is by the band Mayonnaise; quite funny actually as I’m sure there’s an inside joke there somewhere (lead singer Monty Macalino can be a contestant—no offense and I actually do know Monty personally). I’m pretty sure he also is responsible for the writing.

The song is not (yet?) part of any commercial release.

In addition, knowing Monty, I’m sure it’s no coincidence the riff sounds exactly like Rivermaya’s “Elesi” (see video below).

Below is the official video of “Sabay Tayo”.

Below is Riveramaya’s “Elesi”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3blGo5b9dw

The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition theme song lyrics

Kamusta ka, aking kaibigan?
O pwede mo ba akong samahan na?

Tumalon (nang mataas)
Sumigaw (nang malakas)
Yumugyog (sumayaw)
Tumakbo (at gumalaw)
Tara na (sumama ka)
Wag kanang (mag-alala)
Eto na, sabay tayo magpapayat

Wag kanang mag dahilan
Kasi lalo lang lumalaki ang ating tiyan

Tumalon (nang mataas)
Sumigaw (nang malakas)
Yumugyog (sumayaw)
Tumakbo (at gumalaw)
Tara na (sumama ka)
Wag kanang (mag-alala)
Eto na, sabay tayo magpapayat

O di ba kayang kaya
Basta’t dapat lang laging masaya ka

Tumalon (nang mataas)
Sumigaw (nang malakas)
Yumugyog (sumayaw)
Tumakbo (at gumalaw)
Tara na (sumama ka)
Sa mundo (na kay ganda)
Wag kanang (mag-alala)
Di kita iiwan

Tumalon (nang mataas)
Sumigaw (nang malakas)
Yumugyog (sumayaw)
Tumakbo (at gumalaw)
Tara na (sumama ka)
Wag kanang (mag-alala)
Heto na, sabay tayo magpapayat
Magpapayat

The Terrible Thunderlizards Theme Song

Way too cool theme tune.

And you know why? Because it is by one of the top metal vocalists of all time—Dee Snider from the band Twisted Sister. That’s right. How many shows—some don’t even consider this a show really, as it was just a segment of Eek! The Cat—can brag about such a thing?

Free to catch the two humans
They’re gonna make your day
Here comes Doc Squat and Cutter
You best get out of their way

The Terrible Thunderlizards
The Terrible Thunderlizards

However, as cool a theme as this is, I don’t think Mr. Snider put much thought into it. The guitar riff sounds awfully like Alice in Chain’s “Man in the Box”.

Grunge f-in’ rules!

Pole Position Theme Song

If you ask me, this theme is definitely in the top five for cartoons. Pole Position!

So, remember in my Rainbow Brite post I said I don’t remember the last time I searched for an animated series without the names Shuki Levy and Haim Saban? So now guess who composed this theme? That’s right.

However, like most great cartoons of old, information regarding performers—vocalists, instrumentalists—is very hard to find. I hope someday this blog will be a medium for discussion regarding those “unsung” heroes.

So, let’s just enjoy the lyrics for now.

Pole Position theme song lyrics

[*spoken]

[From now on, like your parents were,
you are the secret force of Pole Position!]

They’re movin’ real fast
They’re the only ones who can get there on time
[Let’s go Dan. Okay sis’]

They’re never too far behind, they’re always fighting crime
[It’s stunt time Dan]
[Ready when you are Rhodie]

On the curve or a face in adventure in the danger zone
Pretty soon they’ll be off on a mission, come and watch them go!

[Hydrofoil mode, Rhodie]
[Hydrofoil engaged, Dan]

Pole Position! What’s behind this stunt show
[Wheels—hovercraft, quick]
[Anything you say, Tess]
Pole Position! What’s behind this stunt show
Pole Position! Only they’re on the road
Pole Position!

Sit back and watch them go
Hey-o, Hey-o, Hey-o, Hey-o, Hey-o

And of course, the theme song and opening.

ProStars Theme Song

Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky and Bo Jackson as cartoon characters. What a concept.

Let’s start with the opening sequence and theme—what else?

Sorry for the long and irritating intro.

Here are the lyrics.

ProStars theme song lyrics

Michael’s prime is slam time
ProStars, show stars
Wayne’s hot slam shot
Bo knows where to go
ProStars, ProStars, all stars, ProStars

Jordan jams in your face, gonna put them in their place
ProStars, go stars
ProStars
Blue line crunch time, Wayne will score just in time

ProStars, all stars
Show stop
Big swing Bo’s the man, gonna hit a grand slam

Spoken: ProStars, it’s all about helping kids

Of course, if you’d remember, this wasn’t always the theme. It started out as a ripoff of Queen’s “We Will Rock You”, replaced with the words “We are, we are ProStars.” Unfortunately, no video of that yet is available.

Performers of the theme are still unknown, but original music writing is credited to a certain Eric Allaman.

So that’s it, only the performer of the tune is lacking. Hopefully we’ll sort that out in the future.

Bonus video

Closing credits.

The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers Theme Song

Here we go. The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers was a 65-episode animated series that was first shown in 1986. First, let’s relive the theme and the classic opening sequence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3EoBl5uBfU

Here’s the narration:

In 2086, two peaceful aliens journey to Earth seeking our help. In return, they gave us the plans for our first hyperdrive, allowing mankind to open the doors to the stars. We have assembled a team of unique individuals to protect Earth and our allies. Courageous pioneers committed to the highest ideals of justice and dedicated to preserving law and order across the new frontier. These are the adventures of the Galaxy Rangers.

Narrator is still unknown, sorry, so hit the comments if you have information.

But, here’s the good part—the theme song has a full version. The song is actually entitled “No Guts No Glory”. It was included in The Collection Volume 1 DVD. Someone extracted it and uploaded the video.

Unfortunately, I do not own the DVD so I don’t know who the performers were (nor if it were stated in the DVD). But, I know for a fact that all original music for the series is credited to Peter Wetzler. There’s a good chance he wrote this song.

Finally, the lyrics.

The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers theme song lyrics

Somewhere in the future
Far away from here
Trouble is waiting
On the last frontier

Into these worlds of unknown danger they ride
They’re the galaxy rangers
Heroes in the sky

No guts, no glory
No pain, no gain
One for all, all for one
Riders on the range

No guts no glory
We’re taking a stand
Ready to prove it again

There you go.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Theme Song

This is for the original animated series, what else?

There has been a long-time, ongoing mystery behind this theme, and the question remains unanswered: Who were the performers? Besides the chants from the turtles, of course. In fact, there is an ongoing open thread at IMDb regarding this one. (Damn, I lost the link.)

Composers are no mystery though, Dennis C. Brown and Chuck Lorre. Yes, Chuck Lorre, as in the creator of Dharma & Greg, Two and a Half Men, and The Big Bang Theory. On the other hand, Dennis C. Brown or D.C. Brown, is a known composer who also composed for the former two.

Below is the theme with the original and unedited intro.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rr7aIqCE74

Yeah, sorry for the “Hero” (Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles), it’s the Brit version. There’s a high-def version here, but uploader chose not to embed.

And the lyrics.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme song lyrics

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Heroes in a half-shell
Turtle power!

They’re the world’s most fearsome fighting team (We’re really hip!)
They’re heroes in a half-shell and they’re green (Hey – get a grip!)
When the evil Shredder attacks
These Turtle boys don’t cut him no slack!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Splinter taught them to be ninja teens (He’s a radical rat!)
Leonardo leads, Donatello does machines (That’s a fact, Jack!)
Raphael is cool but crude (Gimme a break!)
Michaelangelo is a party dude (Party!)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Heroes in a half shell
Turtle power!

Research tells me that there was no commercial release of this song. (Even though there were a bunch of soundtracks for the not-so-useful movies.)

That’s it. Hey, did you know that there was a TMNT concert tour back in 1990? The in-costume turtles played:

  • Donatello: keyboards
  • Leonardo: bass guitar
  • Raphael: drums & sax
  • Michelangelo: guitar

It was also sponsored by Pizza Hut and was very commercial-y.

Rainbow Brite Theme Song

Very, very popular franchise that has a cult following to this day.

So, guess what? There are some very familiar names in this theme tune once again—possibly the biggest names in animation music. Shuki Levy and Haim Saban ring a bell? Yes, once again, they are the composers of this theme—and all music for the thirteen-episode series. Frankly, I don’t even remember the last time I posted something for a cartoon show wherein I didn’t encounter their names (seriously). And, listing what they’ve done so far is getting tiring, so, as with the previous posts, simply click on their names beside “Tags” at the end of this post to see a list of their work.

The short intro was able to squeeze in some lyrics, but actually, the longer version of the theme can be heard on the original closing credits (below we have videos of both). But first, let’s look at the complete and correct lyrics.

Rainbow Brite theme song lyrics

Rainbow Brite
See the shining light
Yes, I’m gonna take you to Rainbow Brite

[opening sequence edit here]

Starlite flies
Right before your eyes
And rainbow colors will cheer you up

Magic light
Come, I’ll take you for a ride

Rainbow Brite
See the shining light
Yes, I’m gonna take you to Rainbow Brite

It sounds to me like the singer is the same as the one voicing the character, isn’t it? (Please correct me on this one.) But if it were true, then the singer would be voice actress Bettina Bush.

Update: According to Bettina Bush’s Wikipedia entry, she is also a singer by profession. Chances are, she’s really the one behind the voice.

Anyway, here are the videos.

And the longer end credits featuring the full theme.

On a related not, it is said that in home releases of the series (VHS), the end credits were changed to the “Rainbow Brite and Me” song. Same song was used in the Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer movie. Below is the song.

That’s it for this one. Hit the comments for additional information and/or corrections.

The Legend of Prince Valiant Theme Song

This animated series is so music-oriented that not only does the theme have a full version, they released a soundtrack as well—rare in retro cartoons.

With that said, the official title of the theme song is “Where the Truth Lies”. Deep, right? It was performed by a band who called themselves Exchange. I said “called,” past tense, because it feels like they were one of those bands who formed just for the sake of scoring the series. However, full accreditation for the theme is actually Exchange featuring Steve Sexton and Gerald O’Brien. I know Sexton is a composer and a keyboardist, but I’m not sure about O’Brien.

As for the soundtrack, it was released in 1991, and like I said, contains the full version of the theme—where it lasts around 4 minutes. Let’s listen to the full version of “Where the Truth Lies” first.

Let’s learn the deep and powerful lyrics (full version).

The Legend of Prince Valiant Theme Song lyrics

A whisper in my ear
A voice so strong and clear
Upon this beach I see
A million grains of sand

And I believe we are destiny (?)
Bound to survive against all odds

Out where the truth lies, I will follow
Out beyond this barren surround
I cry without a sound

Out where the truth lies,
I will follow my eyes into the sun

[opening sequence version ends here]

Sometimes I lie awake
I dream of everyone
Who walk the path I take around (?) beneath the sun

And I believe it’s my destiny
Bound to survive against all odds

Out where the truth lies, I will follow
Out beyond this barren surround
I cry without a sound

Out where the truth lies, I will follow my life into the sun

And I believe we are destiny
Bound to survive against all odds

Out where the truth lies, I will follow
Out beyond this barren surround
I cry without a sound

Out where the truth lies, I will follow my eyes into the sun

Out where the truth lies, I will follow
Out beyond this barren surround
I cry without a sound

Out where the truth lies, I will follow my eyes into the sun

Out where the truth lies, I will follow my eyes into the sun

Pardon me, I took a shot starting from the second verse, which is why you’ll see “(?)” beside some words. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Now, that’s the first song in the soundtrack but the last is a song titled “Where The Truth Lies (Reprise)”. To make this as informative as possible, below is the reprise version.

And now finally, the legendary intro.

The Legend of Prince Valiant had a total of 65 episodes—September 3, 1991 to January 23, 1994 and was originally shown on The Family Channel (ABC).

March 11, 2013 update

Epic comment below by Mr. Steve Sexton himself! According to him, the lyrics and vocals were done by Marc Jordan, and that Gerald O’Brien is enjoying the perks of being a successful composer in Nashville.

King Arthur and the Knights of Justice Theme Song

One of the better theme songs for cartoons of the past. Love that guitar work.

Unfortunately for this one, additional information for the tune is limited. In fact, the only written, or credited, name for music is that of the company Saban Entertainment. I, for one, have become familiar with Saban because of its founders Haim Saban and Shuki Levy, who I have encountered many times as composers of popular animated series themes—see “Tags” below and click on their names to find out what they have done.

Anyway, let’s just relive the sequence. As most of you might remember, it starts with a short (but powerful) narration (by Merlin):

And then, from the field of the future a new king will come to save to world of the past.

And then, the complete and correct lyrics.

King Arthur and the Knights of Justice theme song lyrics

Ride through the storm, see the knights fighting evil and crime
A modern day team of heroes in medieval times
Arthur and the Knights of Justice, putting evil down
Ride through the storm with the knights of the table ’round
Come on, come on
King Arthur ride

Would have loved to know who’s behind that voice (and the band).

Anyway, below is the classic sequence.