However, there appears to be one explanation of the attraction of a cartoon that has not yet been explored: the theme tune. This is the very first part, usually, of every cartoon, and it is this that will draw a child towards or away from it. Just as a song or piece of music makes people feel all kinds of emotions, the opening sequence of a programme also repels or attracts. Indeed, a theme tune should have almost the same formula as a good song, but it would not be enough that it has insightful lyrics or corresponds with the topic of the show. It must also be a great song, or it won’t catch attention.
After a child has started watching a cartoon, and has become a fan, the tune then
becomes something that triggers the whole concept of the show. In effect, the sound of
that particular song makes the listener think of all the things he or she loves about the
show. Therefore, the theme tune should also give the effect that the cartoon is a great
epic, or classic film, no matter how small or insignificant the programme really is.
There are so many examples of theme tunes that help ‘make’ a show that it’s
impossible to list them all, so below are just two from my personal experiences.
The Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles were extremely popular in the eighties and early
nineties, and though they began in a black and white comic book, it was their cartoon
that brought them into the mainstream.
The opening song conveyed a feel for exactly what the programme was about, yet on
paper, the lyrics seem oversimplified and ordinary. It is the music that makes the song
good, music which would not be out of place in the top ten charts, and music that
brings a feeling of timelessness, and anticipation of an stimulating adventure.
Another example is of the Disney serial, Darkwing duck, which had a theme tune as dark and mysterious as the programme itself, managing somehow to sound like a forgotten Bond song. Again, it could have been placed in the charts with changed lyrics, which, though not as simple as the TMHT ones, were not exactly Shakespeare set to music. Most importantly, it gave the feeling that a wonderful show was to follow.
So, this is perhaps the key factor in a great theme tune: the foretelling of a favourite show for fans or the promise of a fun and exciting cartoon for potential viewers, and finally, the bringing forth of an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia for those who grew up, and sadly, forgot.
Lyrics
Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles
Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles
They’re the world’s most fearsome fighting teens,
They’re heroes in a half shell,
And they’re green.
When the evil Shredder attacks,
These turtles boys cut him no slack.
Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles,
Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles.
Splinter taught them to be fighting teens.
Leonardo leads,
Donatello does machines.
Raphael is cool but crude,
Michaelangelo is a party dude.
Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles,
Teenage Mutant Hero Turtle.
Heroes in a half shell,
Turtle power!
Listen to more Theme tunes here
NB: The Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles are called The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles except in England, where the 'Ninja' is censored.