Cartoons exist for many reasons, but it could be argued that one of their most important purposes is to make us laugh (although some Hawaiian shirt-wearing computer geek would probably tell me cartoon boobies serve another purpose).
During a week where we remember some horrific events that took place just two years ago, all of us could use a good laugh. Thus, I present the top ten cartoon songs of all time.
You know the drill - this is all my opinion, no crack scientific research, just the best of the best.
Top Ten Cartoon Songs
10. "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle:" This cartoon, which did not get the respect it deserved until it went off the air, has a classic theme, albeit a simple instrumental theme. When you heard it, you knew what show was on.
9. "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:" Back in the summer of love - 1987 - long before network executives bastardized the show, there was a snappy song with large, teenage turtles chowing down on pizza in a sewer. No '80s kids could forget "Heroes in a half shell, turtle power!"
8. "Mighty Mouse:" To be honest, I hate this song. Not only did Andy Kaufman sing it, which was a travesty for cartoon-land, but it is boring. However, one cannot ignore the popularity and mass-appeal of the phrase "Here I come to save the day!," hence, its position on the countdown.
7. "Captain Planet:" Many people would not admit to liking this show. I mean, you have a bunch of kids saving the earth from polluters. And what's up with the "heart" kid? I guess he pulled the short straw (but he did get a monkey). Anyway, the song is catchy, and you know "With your powers combined, I am Captain Planet!"
6. "Looney Tunes:" An absolute classic. The theme played to the show's goofy style and is one of the most recognizable cartoon themes - ever.
5. "Tiny Toons Adventures:" They're tiny and tooney, not to mention a little bit looney. Still, there was nothing crazy about this song. The show's opening animation and song were loved by kids everywhere. I remember when I was little - like 19 - I used to try and sing the theme song in all the different characters' voices. Stop making fun of me!
4. "G.I. Joe:" A good, patriotic song is the perfect tune for this week. The song had a sweet chorus, it was dramatic and it made you feel proud to be an American - proud to know that the only thing between you and an army of Cobra agents was a bunch of animated army guys and a woman.
3. "Pink Panther:" This song is different from many of the others on the list, because it plays on a smooth jazz song for its opening. No words, no loud instruments, just smoothness - like our favorite pink feline.
2. "Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers:" It's no "Lizzie McGuire" (insert sarcasm here), but Disney has always had a knack for developing the recipe for kickin' theme songs. Take some chipmunks, add a pinch of hilarity, top it off with a fun song and you have the recipe for success.
1. "Ducktales:" Woo-ooo! With many shows, people tend to skip the opening to get some food before the real show starts, but not with this one. You absolutely had to be in your chair for the opening so you could jam to this classic show's theme song. I swear, Uncle Scrooge didn't bribe me.
