The latest Muppet movie (Muppets Most Wanted) is out now, so I thought it would be a good chance to look at some of m favorite Muppet songs that have been performed by the Muppet over the years. I have limited this list to just songs by the Muppets, and not included Fraggle Rock or Sesame Street songs etc….. as the list would end up going on forever. So in absolutely no order, it’s time to get things started……….
Pictures in My Head
First Appearance: The Muppets (2011)
One of the most recent Muppet songs to feature in this list. This song is heart wrenching like so many other great Muppet tunes, and really is a brief history lesson on the Muppet Show. Kermit wants to get the band back together but all he has is pictures and memories. Everyone has memories of the good stuff from the past, and this song really is a chance to humanise the Muppets, and shows how it although you might feel alone in the world there is still the good times that you have had.
Movin’ Right Along
First Appearance: The Muppet Movie (1979)
A Frog and a Bear seeing America! This is what I think all road trips should be like. It’s fun, it’s an adventure. How can you not want to tap along, and after a few verses just join in the fun. The song is featured in the Muppet Movie, and also features a cameo from a Big Bird. “Getting there is half the fun come share it with me”
Wishing Song
First Appearance: The Muppet Show (1974)
It is maddening how many of the Muppets songs are so downbeat. One would assume that on the face of it they would have cheery songs, but no. We’ve all been in a bad place at one time or another, and the same is true if you are a Muppet too. In this song Gonzo goes through all the things he wishes he was, or wishes he could be. But the most important thing to take away from it is the end of the song, just be happy that you are yourself….How can that not make you smile!
Time in a Bottle
First Appearance: The Muppet Show (1972)
A cover, like so many of the great songs from the Muppet Show. Originally performed by Jim Corce. This version of Time in a Bottle is sung by a scientist in varying stages of his life. The visuals on this number is what makes it. Although the Muppets can’t be credited for writing the song, they can be majorly credited for the way the piece is is put together as a performance. Henson so brilliantly moves his vocals to differentiate between the aging scientist and it really does turn into a very beautiful spectacle as well, despite how low key the set itself is.
Sad Song
First Appearance: The Muppet Show (1974)
OK again technically not a song by the Muppets, but it feels important to include this song in this list, not just because it is great. Originally a song by Paul Williams from his 1974 album A Little Bit of Love. This song was performed on The Muppet show by the man himself and a handful of Muppets including Rowlf on keys. Paul Williams is a huge part of Muppet history and is responsible writing some of the most well known Muppet songs including Rainbow Connection. This song is beautifully moving, yet despite its name is actually quite “happy” and inspiring, rather than being just a sad song.
One More Sleep til Christmas
First Appearance: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1974)
Maybe one of the best Christmas songs ever written? Written by Paul Williams for the The Muppets Christmas Carol. The song is not just about the holiday and the joy and anticipation that surrounds the days that lead up to it. The scene in the movie is also super important to the song as well, like all Muppets songs its a visual masterpiece as well.
Just One Person
First Appearance: The Muppet Show (1977)
One of the most moving and also inspirational songs the Muppets have done. The song (sung various times throughout Muppet history) is most poignant when performed at the Jim Henson Tribute Show. Setting the scene the Muppets are about to put on a production to tribute Jim Henson. During the prep they find out that Jim has passed away, Fozzy wants to cancel the tribute, but Robin insists the show must go on. This version, isn’t just a tribute to Jim Henson but classic Muppets way of looking at things, if in doubt and down and out just sing and make a joke at the end.
Bohemian Rhapsody
First Appearance: Viral Video (2009)
This didn’t feature in any show or TV episode, just went straight to the interwebs to go viral and to bring the Muppets back into daily conversation. There will always be neigh-sayers out there when it comes to this one. But this encapsulates everything brilliant about what a lot of the cover songs in the Muppet Show were all about. Satire. Spoofs and most important Honour. This is it. It pays such great homage to the original song and also adds humour in only a way that The Muppets can. It also unlike a lot of other songs on this list, gives some nice equal screen time to some of the smaller characters.
I’m Gonna Always Love You
First Appearance: The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984)
The scene starts off super mushy with Miss Piggy and Kermit taking a horse drawn cart in Muppets Manhattan. The song however, is far from mushy, cheesy yes….but not your average love song. Also what is important about this tune, is it sees the introduction of the Muppet Babies, who later had their own TV show inspired by this scene. Oh and how can I forget, Baby Rowlf is seriously rocking those keys….
I Hope that Somethin’ Better Comes Along
First Appearance: The Muppets Movie (1979)
One of the best things about this song for me is it is a true celebration of Jim Henson’s singing prowess, as he voices not just one Muppet but two. The song is featured in the motion picture The Muppet Movie, and is all about the problems living with and without a women in your life, after Kermit is left by Miss Piggy. OK the song now in the year 2014 comes across incredibly sexists, but the songs great so…..
Halfway Down the Stairs
First Appearance: The Muppets Show (1977)
Oh Robin the Frog! Kermit’s nephew. Originally a poem by A.A. Milne of Whinne the Pooh fame. Amazingly this song reached the top 10 in the UK charts, and was also one of the first major appearances of Robin. Sung by Jerry Nelson, as Robin.
Rainbow Connection
First Appearance: The Muppet Movie (1979)
No Muppets song list would be complete without the inclusion of Rainbow Connection, again written by Paul Williams. Originally appearing in The Muppets Movie in 1979 and multiple times since. This is one of Kermit’s signature tunes and was also nominated for an Academy Award. There are so many good versions of this track, but my personal favorite is the duet with Debbie Harry in the Muppet Show. The song itself has taken a life of its owne, being covered by numerous artists across the years including Weezer through to Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies. Really goes to show what impact a simple song can have on the world.
That’s is it from me, I am sure everyone will have songs that they think should be on this that aren’t but that’s what the comment section is for
