120 Awesome Muppet Songs, Part 8

Ryan Dosier - Can you believe it? The final installment of our 120 Awesome Muppet Songs series is finally here! It's been eight weeks since Part 1 was posted and we've come full circle with the 15 final songs on the list. I hope you've been able to keep up by creating a playlist of all these great songs, Muppet fans. It makes for some fantastic listening. Before we jump in to the final installment, don't miss out on Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, and Part 7! Let's rock.

106.   “Saying Goodbye” from The Muppets Take Manhattan 
I'd bet if you asked 50 Muppet fans their opinion on the saddest Muppet moment ever, 45 of them would say this tear-inducing number in The Muppets Take Manhattan (and the other five would be reduced to blubbering messes thinking of this song). Each and every character sings with more deep sadness and longing than ever. It's truly heart breaking and a beautiful, beautiful song that echos feelings of old friends gone away. Favorite lyrics: "Saying goodbye, why is it sad/Makes us remember the good times we've had?/Much more to say, foolish to try/It's time for saying goodbye."

107.   “You and I and George” from The Muppet Show 
From the sad to the silly, we bring you now that timeless classic, "You and I and George." I honestly think Rowlf's introduction to this song might be funnier than the song itself. But then the song happens and it builds up sweetly and innocently... and then George falls in and drowns himself and it becomes pure hilarity. No Muppet could sing this the way Rowlf does. It's like it was tailor-made for him. "My own mother turns down her hearing aid when I sing this song!" is one of the greatest lines of all-time. Favorite lyrics: "Then we passed a brook/And George fell in and drowned himself/And floated out to sea/Leaving you alone with me!"

108.   “We’re Not Gonna Stop” from The Muppets at Walt Disney World 
This gem from the shockingly under-appreciated and relatively unknown 1990 special The Muppets at Walt Disney World is an amazing group number. Not only do we get Kermit and Piggy and the usuals, but Link Hogthrob, Beauregard, Robin, Fozzie's Ma, Bean Bunny, and more fantastic secondary characters. It's the perfect cap to the special and is a fantastic anthem for the entire Muppet oeuvre. Favorite lyrics: "When the curtain goes up/And we hear the applause/It's the moment we live for/And you were the cause/We're gonna keep on singin'/If you keep bringin'/Your laughter and mayhem/Wahoos and guffaws."

109.   “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie
How much can I really say about this classic, timeless, unbeatable song that hasn't already been said before? I can hear Kermit's banjo plunks in my head just after reading the name of the song. This song is forever tied to Jim Henson, Kermit, and the Muppets. It's a goal, it's a way of life, it's everything the Muppets represent. There is no song that more fully highlights the dreamy, wistful, beautiful ways of the Muppets than "Rainbow Connection." Favorite lyrics: "Who said that every wish/Would be heard and answered/When wished on the morning star/Somebody thought of that/And someone believed it/Look what it's done so far."
 
110.   “I Love Trash” from Sesame Street 
Ah, going from the sacred to the trashy. Oscar's anthem is, in my opinion, one of the great love songs ever written. There aren't many people who love something as much as Oscar loves trash! Caroll Spinney's purposeful poor singing as Oscar is fantastic here. You can tell he's having a tun of fun. This delightful song is another gem from Jeff Moss and truly one of the best. Favorite lyrics: "I have here some newspaper thirteen months old/I've wrapped fish inside and it's smelly and cold/But I wouldn't trade it for a big pot of gold/I love it because it's TRASH!"

111.   “Get Goin’” from Fraggle Rock 
Another brilliant Jerry Nelson song is this short, insanely catchy and fun little ditty from "Gobo's School for Explorers." Gobo sings the song to recruit Fraggles for his new-found school of exploring. Wembley helps (sort of), but it's this song that really ropes them in. If you've heard it, you'll understand why. It's so catchy and bouncy and fun. You can't really say no! Favorite lyrics: "There's a story goin' 'round 'bout a hero of history/Well I guess I better tell you that the hero of the story is me/And if you wanna understand all the hullabaloo/Then it's time that'cha heard what I'm sayin' to you."

112.   “ABC-DEF-GHI” from Sesame Street 
No one wrote nonsense songs like Joe Raposo, and this Big Bird standard is no exception to nonsense. Yet it is so in-character for Big Bird to think the alphabet is just one really long, hard to pronounce word. Early recordings still retain that "dumb" Big Bird voice that Caroll Spinney used in Season 1 of the show. But it's still so goofy and Big Bird-ish that it's hard to resist this one. Favorite lyrics: "It might be kind of an elephant/Or a funny kind of a kazoo/Or a strange, exotic turtle you never see in a zoo/Or maybe a kind of doggy/Or particular shade of blue/Or maybe a pretty flower!/Nah... not with a name like that."

113.   “The Kermambo” from Muppets.com 
Here's another strange choice for this list. "The Kermambo" is a rollicking dance number performed by a computer-generated Kermit for MuppetWorld.com back in 2000. Oddly enough, it was written by Michael Giacchino, now best known for his scores for films like The Incredibles, Up, and Mission: Impossible. Bet you didn't realize he wrote a lot of music for the Muppets too! (And quite frankly I didn't either.) Anyway... this song is delightful and Kermit is having a fantastic time, which is always fun to hear. Favorite lyrics: "I can no longer feel my lower thighs/And I've gone mad--look at my eyes!/The dance floor is completely mine/The bad news is I've wrenched my spine!"

114.   “Life’s a Happy Song” from The Muppets 
Yes, this is my favorite Muppet song from the post-Jim Henson era. I could not believe that this one wasn't nominated for the Academy Award last year. Yeah, the voting system was wonky, but I think this one is superior even to "Man or Muppet." But that's just me. The finale version with all of the Muppets is the better version, in my opinion. The opening is longer, yes, but it needs more Muppets. But really, both versions are completely perfect. The lyrics are fun and funny and uplifting, the music is equally uplifting, and it just screams Muppet. Favorite lyrics: "Everything is great, everything is grand/We've got the whole wide world in the palm of our hand/Everything is perfect, it's falling into place/I can't seem to wipe this smile off my face!"

115.   “Is It True?” from Fraggle Rock 
Never heard this incredible Richard Hunt-led song from "The Wizard of Fraggle Rock"? Stop reading and listen to it right now! It really is an amazing song and yet another example of Fraggle Rock's keen ability to tap into something deeper and more adult than its premise suggests. The lyrics ask truly hard questions and poses some interesting ideas--which any great song does. Favorite lyrics: "Is it true there is magic that we have never known?/Is it true there are powers that we can call our own?/Is it true there is someone whose wonders stand alone?/Is it true what they say, is it true?"

116.   “The Christmas Wish” from John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together 
Kermit and John Denver did a duet of this song in their 1979 Christmas TV special, but I much prefer the album version which is just Kermit solo. There are only a handful of Kermit songs that are as poignant, beautiful, and meaningful as this song. This is not only one of my favorite Kermit songs, but one of my favorite Christmas songs as well. I can honestly listen to it all year round. It is hopeful and deep and all-around wonderful. Favorite lyrics: "For the truth that binds us all together/I would like to say a simple prayer/That at this special time/You will have true peace of mind/And love to last throughout the coming year."


117.   “Six String Orchestra” from The Muppet Show 
Scooter doesn't have nearly enough great songs under his belt, but thank goodness he does have "Six String Orchestra." Scooter, alone in his room, practices guitar and imagines what it would be like to be a real rock star and his imaginations come to life with Floyd, Janice, Zoot, and Animal. In the end they're all wearing sparkly, colorful, overtly-70s outfits. It's charming and a side of Scooter I love to see. Favorite lyrics: "I'm taking guitar lessons/But my teacher just took leave/It was something about a breakdown/Or needing a reprieve/I know I'll find my future/So I will persevere/And hold on to my dream of making music to their ear."

118.   “Count it Higher” from Sesame Street 
I'm sure even Little Chrissy and his Alphabeats would be impressed by how high we've counted on this list. I'm sure he'd be even more impressed that his song was this high up. This rockin' number is one of those fun Sesame songs that is both educational and entertaining to sing. It's rock and roll, it's arithmetic, it's brilliant! The terrific Christopher Cerf is responsible for this great song. Favorite lyrics: "You went and counted higher, huh!/You really went and counted all the way to ten/You went and counted higher, huh/Now go back to one and start to count again!"

119.   “One Little Star” from Follow That Bird 
Boy, there sure are a lot of truly beautiful songs present on this list this week. This song sung between Big Bird, Mr. Snuffleupagus, and Olivia is one of many emotional highlights of Follow That Bird. The song communicates the plights of all three singers. Big Bird is lonely, Snuffy misses his best friend, Olivia is worried, and all of these emotions come through in one simple song about one little star. The song shines as brightly as that star. Favorite lyrics: "One little star in the darkening blue/Do you long for another/Just the way that I do?"

120.   “Hey a Movie!” from The Great Muppet Caper
Well, here we are, the final song on the list, the finale if you will. Funny that the last song is the first song in The Great Muppet Caper. This number might just be my favorite opening of any Muppet movie. It does an incredible amount plot-wise, introducing Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo as newspaper employees, stealing Lady Holiday's jewels, and showing off Nicky Holiday. Plus, Sweetums falls in a manhole, Richard Hunt drives a cab, and Gonzo takes a picture of a chicken. What more could you want?! Favorite lyrics: "There'll be spectacle, there'll be fantasy/There'll be daring-do and stuff like you would never see/Hey a movie!/Yeah, we're gonna be in a movie/Starring everybody--and me!"

And that's that! 120 Awesome Muppet Songs complete and ready for you to listen to forever and ever. For curious minds, I've run the numbers, and Jerry Nelson led or dueted in the most songs on the list (as I predicted last week), Jim Henson came in second, Steve Whitmire in third, and Frank Oz in fourth. Surprising? You tell me! Sound off in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter to tell us which awesome Muppet songs you're upset that we might have missed! Because with so many fantastic Muppet songs to choose from, I guarantee you we had to exclude at least one. Thanks for joining us in the fun, Muppet fans!





The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com 

120 Awesome Muppet Songs, Part 7

Ryan Dosier - Can you believe there's only 30 songs left on our list of 120 Awesome Muppet Songs to get through? For the past six weeks we've been spotlighting songs, so it seems crazy that next week will be the end. But enough about that, let's dive right in to Part 7 of our countdown! But don't miss out on Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, and Part 6 for all of the Awesome Muppet Songs!

91.   “Rubber Duckie” from Sesame Street
I can't think of a better way to start the list this week. A true, undeniable classic and the first true big-time Muppet hit song, "Rubber Duckie" was and is huge for Sesame Street. Most of us obviously know this song by heart and have been singing it since we were kids. It's joyful and fun as Ernie sings about how much he loves his Duckie. I really don't know what more I can say about this one... other than, "You're the one!" Favorite lyrics: "Rubber Duckie, joy of joys/When I squeeze you, you make noise/Rubber Duckie, you're my very best friend it's true!"
92.   “Cabin Fever” from Muppet Treasure Island
Another fantastic song from Muppet Treasure Island and one of the craziest numbers the Muppets have ever done. The amount of wacky things going on here is great. The lyrics are equally manic and goofy. My favorite part about this song is how many different voices Jerry Nelson does. So many different, one-off characters sing in the song and Jerry sings for most of them in different voices. It's amazing. Favorite lyrics: "Grab your partner by the ear/Latch him to the wheel/Do-si-do, step on his toe/Listen to him squeal!"
93.   “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” from The Muppet Show
This list has been chock full of great Floyd Pepper songs, which is no surprise since Floyd was Jerry Nelson's most musically talented character. This marks the second time on this list that we've picked a Beatles cover of Floyd's. Again, I think Floyd's version is superior to the original, but that's just me. I love how soulful and purposeful Floyd is while he performs. It's true magic watching this character play his guitar, so the song about how much he loves it is perfect for him. Favorite lyrics: "I look at you all, see the love there that's sleeping/While my guitar gently weeps/I look at the floor, and I see it needs sweeping/While my guitar gently weeps."
94.   “The Batty Bat” from Sesame Street
I'll have to add it all up when the list is done, but I think Jerry Nelson sings the most songs on this list. It wouldn't surprise me in the least, given the wide array of characters and songs he sung. "The Batty Bat" is my favorite Count von Count song, one whose music and lyrics make for a true, under-appreciated Sesame Street classic. The Count and Jerry are having a great time singing this and it shows. Favorite lyrics: "One, two, three spread out the cape/One, two, three twirl round the floor/One, two, three left foot you swing/One, two, three then start to sing/One, two, three loud as you please/One, two, three counting with ease!"
95.   “Yes, We Can” from Fraggle Rock
Well what do you know, another Jerry Nelson song! (This will happen four more times before the end of today's list.) This is a fantastic Doozer song led by Architect Doozer with harmonies by Cotterpin and two other young Doozers. The lyrics spell out the entire Doozer way of life in one convenient, catchy song. It's a spectacular display of Doozer greatness. Favorite lyrics: "Do you know the Doozer lord/Love it as your own?/Do you dream of Doozer chores/Sleeping in your home?/Yes we do, yes we do/Yes we really, really do/Yes we do, yes we do/Yes we really do."
96.   “Feelings” from The Muppet Show
Yup. Beaker sings lead in two songs on this list. He really is talented, you know. Or... I guess you don't know, since none of us know what he's saying. Anyway, this classic from The Muppet Show is the first example of Beaker's desire to be a performer. The audience hates him, of course, but Animal is on Beaker's side and controls the situation. It's a hilarious number that makes great use of a great character. Favorite lyrics: "Meeeee me! Me me mee me meeeeee me!"
97.   “I Seen Troubles” from Fraggle Rock
Ah, my favorite Marjory the Trash Heap song. Who knew that a heap of garbage would be the most soulful, enticing singer on Fraggle Rock? Obviously the producers did when the cast Jerry Nelson in the part. Marjory performed some fantastic numbers throughout the course of the show, but none of them quite reach the heights of this soaring, introductory song for the character. It's fun, lively, and 100% Marjory. Favorite lyrics: "Everybody that I meet/Just seems to make my life complete/Bring me troubles/Bring me pain/They bring me woe!"
98.   “Brothers in Our World” from Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas
Ooh, it's my favorite mash-up! The revelation at the end of the special when Ma Otter's "Our World" and Emmet and the Jug-Band's "Brothers" mix to make the perfect song is fantastic. The song really is perfect. In fact, I don't even think of it as two songs coming together, I usually only think of it as one song. The lyrics weave together so brilliantly that it's hard to separate them. Favorite lyrics: "Our world says welcome stranger/Everybody's a friend/(We could always use a friend)/Favorite stories don't end/In our world."
99.   “Halfway Down the Stairs” from The Muppet Show
The only song from The Muppet Show to reach top 10 (in the UK) is performed by the wonderfully sweet Robin the Frog. His only real appearance in Season 1 is this magnificent number. Jerry Nelson always brought such wonder to Robin's songs when he performed and "Halfway Down the Stairs" is Robin's greatest. It's because of this song that I count stairs when I walk up them, just in case I need to know where halfway is. Favorite lyrics: "Halfway up the stairs isn't up and isn't down/It isn't in the nursery, it isn't in the town/And all sorts of funny thoughts run 'round my head/It isn't really anywhere, it's somewhere else instead."
100. “Just One Person” from The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson
It honestly came as a shock to me when I first found out that the Muppets didn't originate this song. It just fits everything they stand for so perfectly. Yes, the Muppets first sang it on The Muppet Show, but it wasn't until 1990 when it took real, deep meaning after Jim Henson passed away. The choice to perform it in the special that honored him was a perfect one. Robin leads the song and the other Muppets (loads of them) join in when appropriate. It's one of the greatest Muppet moments of all-time. Favorite lyrics: "If just one person believes in you/Deep enough, and strong enough believes in you/Hard enough, and long enough, before you knew it/Someone else would think... if he can do it, I can do it."
101. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” from Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
I had an impossible time choosing which Muppet version of this song to choose for this list. There's John Denver and Rowlf's amazing version from A Christmas Together, or Kermit and Miss Piggy's duet in A Muppet Family Christmas, and Kermit's perfect rendition from Green and Red Christmas, but I finally decided that Bert and Ernie's performance in Christmas Eve on Sesame Street is the greatest one. The duet between Jim Henson and Frank Oz was impossible to resist and it's one of the best moments that Bert and Ernie have shared. Favorite lyrics: "Have yourself a merry little Christmas/Let your heart be light/From now on, our troubles will be out of sight."
102. “This Frog” from Sesame Street
I love this Kermit song way too much. Not only is it some of Kermit's finest vocal work, but it speaks volumes to his character and his plight as a character. He sings about how he chooses his own path and makes his own choices. He sings about how he knows that he's worthwhile and important even though he's just a frog. It's powerful and inspiring. Favorite lyrics: "This frog has a song to be sung/This frog isn't gonna spend his life in a swamp/Catching flies with his tongue/This frog may slip and stumble/But this frog has to try/This frog is gonna make it/Or know the reasons why!"

103. “Right Where I Belong” from The Muppets Take Manhattan
Another magnificent Kermit song and another that speaks volumes about him. This song also leads into the medley that both opens and (apparently) closes "Manhattan Melodies." But it works as so much more than that. What I love about this song is that it works out of context from the movie as well. It's just an uplifting, heartfelt song from our favorite frog. Favorite lyrics: "Look at me, here I am/Right where I belong/I see that face comin' back to me/Like an old familiar song/What better place could anyone be?/'Cause you're here with me."

104. “Gone Fishin’” from Rocky Mountain Holiday
One of the very few moments from Rocky Mountain Holiday that I legitimately enjoy is this amazing duet between John Denver and Floyd. Zoot accompanies on saxophone, but the stars are Mr. John and Mr. Floyd. A real friendship is hinted at between these two in this song. Did you know that Floyd and John also performed this song at the Grammy Awards? They did! Favorite lyrics: "Gone fishin' by a shady wady pool/Gone fishin', man you really play it cool/We don't wish to be annoyed/Mr. John and Mr. Floyd/We're fishin' instead of just a'wishin'."
105. “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady” from The Muppet Show
Ah yes, Lydia the Tattooed Lady. Not only is the puppet wonderful, with tattoos drawn by Jim Henson, but the song was one of Jim's favorites. Kevin Clash sang the song as Elmo at Jim's memorial service and it's hilarious and wonderful. But Kermit's rendition remains the consummate classic. It's just a fun, bouncy song with a fun, bouncy tattooed pig. Favorite lyrics: "She can give you a view/Of the world in tattoo/If you step up and tell her where/For a dime you can see/Kankakee or Paris/Or Washington crossing the Delaware."

Mother always said never try to follow a dancing tattooed pig. So... with that, we bring this week's list to a close! Check back with us next week for the final installment of 120 Awesome Muppet Songs!





The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

120 Awesome Muppet Songs, Part 6

Ryan Dosier - Wow. I really can't believe we've been showcasing this list of Awesome Muppet Songs for six weeks. We've already gone through so many classics it's hard to believe there's still 45 songs left! Well, believe it, and check out the 15 songs that make up this week's list. And don't miss out on Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5 for all of the Muppet song goodness!

76.   “Twelve Days of Christmas” from John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together
Okay, if any of you reading out there can tell me that this isn't the greatest performance of this song ever recorded... well, you're wrong. There is nothing more satisfying than the Muppets and John Denver rattling off the 12 Days of Christmas is beautiful harmony. It's fun, it's charming, and it's darn funny when Miss Piggy starts off on her "ba dum bum bum." Everyone is in beautiful voice here--yes, even Lew Zealand--and it's the perfect Christmas carol. Special shout-out to the version the Muppets performed with Jimmy Fallon a few yeas ago as well. Favorite lyrics: "Fiiiiiive goooooold riiiiiiings... Ba dum bum bum!"
77.   “Fuzzy and Blue (and Orange)” from Sesame Street
It's hard to top Grover, Herry, and Cookie Monster with canes and top hats performing this soft-shoe delight. The trio is just so proud of being fuzzy and blue that they simply had to perform this cute little song about it. But then, of course, Frazzle comes in and confuses everything by being orange. It's okay though, because Grover is accepting of the ravenous Frazzle (mostly because he's ravenous) and adjusts the lyrics accordingly. I love this song for the fact that it's Frank Oz and Jerry Nelson harmonizing with each other and themselves. Favorite lyrics: "Fuzzy and blue/Me said me fuzzy and blue/From head to bottom of shoe/That right me fuzzy and blue!"
78.   “C is for Cookie” from Sesame Street
When you think about it, it's both hysterical and amazing that Cookie Monster sings as many wonderful songs as he does. He doesn't have proper grammar, but he sings with the best of them. Take his anthem, theme song, and greatest number for example. "C is for Cookie" is such a simple idea that Cookie Monster (with help from Joe Raposo) spun into this joyful song. It spells out Cookie's love for cookies, his understanding of the third letter of the alphabet, and his desire to eat the moon. It's simple elegance. Favorite lyrics: "C is for cookie/That's good enough for me/C is for cookie/That's good enough for me/Oh! Cookie cookie cookie starts with C!"
79.   “Things That I Remember” from Sesame Street
This is one of my very favorite modern Sesame Street songs. If you've never heard it, stop reading and take a few minutes to listen and watch this beautiful song from Bert and Ernie. The timeless duo reminisce their wonderful adventures and goofy happenings. This song works on so many levels. First, it's a beautiful tribute to Jim Henson and Frank Oz since all the clips shown were performed by them. Second, it's one of the final songs Sesame master songwriter Jeff Moss wrote for the show. Finally, it's just a beautiful and perfect Bert and Ernie moment. Favorite lyrics: "Each day has its memories/And when the day is through/Things that I remember/Are the things I did with you."
80.   “Follow Me” from Fraggle Rock
The best song from Fraggle Rock was in the first episode of the show. By no means does that mean the rest of the songs used throughout the course of the show weren't brilliant... but "Follow Me" is just the best. It is such a perfect duet between Traveling Matt and Gobo. The lyrics and music are pure magic and pure Fraggle. The innocent, beautiful acoustic guitar used in the entire song is awesome. It doesn't get better than this. Major shout-out to the special extended version written for Jerry Juhl and available on the bonus features for Fraggle Rock Season 2 on DVD. Favorite lyrics: "While the sun goes round I'll still be found/Followin' the sound/Somethin's callin' me/When the world goes driftin' back to bed/Memories in my head/Wonders follow me."
81.   “To Morrow” from The Muppet Show
The silliness of this song is amazing. And yes, if you're wondering, Morrow is an actual place in numerous states in the US. Jim Henson and Jerry Nelson sing so wonderfully in this song it almost distracts from how incredibly goofy the lyrics are. The County Trio is such a brilliant idea and this is undoubtedly their best performance. The song is a great duet for Jim and Jerry but it is Frank who gets the biggest laugh croaking out "I don't get it" at the end. Favorite lyrics: "If you had gone to Morrow yesterday now don't you see/You could've gone to Morrow and returned today at 3/For the train today to Morrow, if the schedule is right/Today it gets to Morrow and returns tomorrow night."
82.   “One More Sleep ‘til Christmas” from The Muppet Christmas Carol
Another perfect Christmas song, this one sung beautifully by Kermit. Looking back on this song, it's truly amazing that it is the first song Steve Whitmire performed as Kermit, because Kermit is in prime voice here. Yes, in a few spots he sounds slightly off, but 20 years later there is no doubt that this is Kermit. Another Paul Williams masterpiece, this is yet another song that deserves radio time every holiday season. It's beautiful and charming and perfectly Kemity. Favorite lyrics: "There's somethin' in the wind today/That's good for everyone/Yes faith is in our hearts today/We're shinin' like the sun/Yes everyone can feel it/The feelin's runnin' deep/After all there's only one more sleep 'til Christmas."
83.   “Blackbird” from The Muppet Show
This is my favorite Floyd Pepper song, and I will always assert that it is better than the original Beatles version. I told Jerry Nelson that once, and being the wonderfully humble man he is, he thanked me but disagreed. Still, Floyd has never been more soulful or impressive than he is in this beautiful song. He croons with such heartfelt wonder that you can't help but love it. Favorite lyrics: "Blackbird singin' in the dead of night/Take these broken wings and learn to fly/All your life/You were only waiting for this moment to arise."
84.   “My Best Christmas Yet” from A Muppet Christmas: Letters to Santa
Boy, that Paul Williams sure does write a lot of Christmas songs for the Muppets! And thank goodness he does, because they're gems. Even the songs from the not-too-beloved Letters to Santa are wonderful. "My Best Christmas Yet" is the stand-out, simply because it features so many Muppets and duets between Kermit and Gonzo, Kermit and Robin, Kermit and Fozzie, and Kermit and Piggy. You can't beat that. Plus, Rowlf, Zoot lighting a menorah, Lew Zealand hanging a fish on the tree, tacky sweaters, and more. Favorite lyrics: "The skies are filled with wishes tonight/The skies are filled with prayers/The night is full of hope/And of promises kept/Because somebody cares."
85.   “Put Down the Duckie” from Sesame Street
Hoots the Owl was so prominent in the late 80s on Sesame Street that he even got to sing a song with Ernie! And boy, what a song it is. I guess Ernie doesn't really get to do much singing, and it really is Hoots' song, but it's still amazing. That saxophone mixed with the Rubber Dukie squeaks is awesome and surprisingly fitting. Hoots is so great when he sings and this is the best example of him rocking a song hard. Favorite lyrics: "Ya didn't hear a word I said!/Ya gotta get it through your head/Don't be a stubborn cluck/Ernie lay aside the duck!"
86.   “Pass it On” from Fraggle Rock
Casual Muppet fans probably best know this song from A Muppet Family Christmas, but it was first used in the Fraggle Rock episode "The Perfect Blue Rollie." It features some of Wembley's best harmonizing noises and lyrics sung by Gobo, Mokey, and Red. But really, it's Wembley that steals this song. With his goofy grunts and excited shouts of "Pass it on!" Nobody does it like Wembley. Favorite lyrics: "When I give a gift to you/I know you're gonna give it too/That's why givin's what we do/When we... Pass it on!"
87.   “One Fine Face” from Sesame Street
A semi-obscure choice, perhaps, but I adore this song. A rare duet between Ernie and Elmo, this silly-but-educational song is adorable. Ernie sings about the part of his face while Elmo helps by repeating them. Of course, Elmo doesn't have ears, but it doesn't really matter. Elmo steals the show here and Ernie gets the rare opportunity to play the straight man. Favorite lyrics: "You've got a chin/But what a chin does/You just can't tell/(Just cannot tell!)"
88.   “Fraggle Rock Theme” from Fraggle Rock
Is there a song with more perfectly placed claps? I can't think of one right now, but I doubt there is. Another perfect theme song for a Henson show, and one that perfectly describes the series, its characters, and its world. We see Fraggles dancing their cares away, Doozers working their cares away, encounter Gorgs, Doc in his workshop, and more. It's truly an amazing feat of both song writing and storytelling in a very short song. Favorite lyrics: "Dance your cares away!/Worries for another day!/Let the music play!/Down at Fraggle Rock!"

89.   “Happy Tappin’ with Elmo” from Sesame Street
Ahh, my favorite Elmo song! Not only is this little number 100% adorable, it's also insanely catchy and well-written. The lyrics and rhyme scheme are fantastic and perfect for Elmo. Also note the few times that Elmo actually says "me" in this song--that's how you know this is vintage Elmo goodness! I absolutely love this song and it never fails to make me want to dance. Favorite lyrics: "Happy's such a neat emotion/It'll give your feet that happy notion/If your toes get tired rub in some lotion/And they'll feel swell so come join Elmo!"
90.   “Man Or Muppet” from The Muppets
How perfect that we end today's list with the most recent Awesome Muppet Song and the only Muppet song to win an Academy Award! And what a deserved win it was. Bret McKenzie's fantastic power ballad duet between Walter and Gary (Jason Segel) is magnificent. Plus, this song got the biggest laugh in the movie when Jim Parsons walked out as human Walter. This song would give Muppet fans a new identity crisis... and an amazing new song to never get out of their heads. Favorite lyrics: "I look into these eyes/And I don't recognize/The one I see inside/It's time for me to decide/Am I a man?/Or am I a Muppet?"

Well that's it for today! Don't miss next week's continuation of the list. Only two more installments left of 120 Awesome Muppet Songs!





The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

120 Awesome Muppet Songs, Part 5

Ryan Dosier - 60 songs in, and I'm still loving doing these installments every Tuesday. I hope you're still loving it too, Muppet fans. If you need to play catch up, don't miss out on Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 of our 120 Awesome Muppet Songs series. Tune up the instruments and get ready to jam!

61.   "When the River Meets the Sea" from Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas 
How have we never noticed that Paul Williams writes the most beautiful, profound, and perfect Muppet songs? What's that? We have? Oh, good. Well anyway... the greatest song from Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas is one of the greatest Muppet songs ever. It is poignant, it is powerful, and it is the perfect song for Jerry Nelson. Jerry performed the song as Emmet Otter, Robin the Frog, and himself with Louise Gold at Jim Henson's Memorial Service, adding to the beauty of the song. Thank you Jerry, and thank you Paul Williams, for this perfect piece of music. Favorite lyrics: "Though our minds be filled with questions/In our hearts, we'll understand/When the river meets the sea."
62.   "Steppin' Out With a Star" from The Great Muppet Caper 
One of the few songs to feature the awesome trio of Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo, "Steppin' Out With a Star" is the most fun anyone ever had getting ready for a date with a pig. I love the interplay between the three guys in this song. I adore Kermit when he is peppy and fun and dancing in a tuxedo (okay, sure, I love Kermit all the time, but still). It's such a great moment in The Great Muppet Caper that lets us escape from the caper plot with a bouncy number. It's fantastic. Favorite lyrics: "Have I got style?/Have I got taste?/On someone else/I swear, this savoir faire/Would be such a waste!"
63.   "Couldn't We Ride" from The Great Muppet Caper 
Another song from The Great Muppet Caper! Gotta love that iTunes shuffle. Thank goodness it's another brilliant, beautiful number. (Aren't they all?) One of the most technically amazing feats in Muppet history... I honestly still have no idea how some of the bike stunts were done--and I don't want to know. It is a true example of pure Muppet magic. Kermit standing on one leg on his bike is a moment I'll always see as perfectly Jim Henson. The song features some wonderful imagery and beautiful music. It never fails to make me want to go ride a bike. Favorite lyrics: "It all seems so right/It all feels so rare/Summer soft, sudden breeze/Watch the wind play tag in the trees/The world is so bright/So perfectly fair."
64.   "Easy is the Only Way to Go" from Fraggle Rock 
Perhaps an obscure choice, but I adore this song. This is one of the few songs on this list that is performed by a one-off character, Phil Fraggle, who was voiced by Fraggle Rock songwriter Phil Balsam. In the show, the song comes after the Fraggles make Mokey their new oracle so they don't have to risk visiting the Trash Heap. The song features a magnificent guitar instrumental that pairs perfectly with Balsam's vocals. It's rollicking and joyful and makes for a great anthem anytime good things happen. It may be repetitive, but it's repeating great lyrics. Favorite lyrics: "We found a way/To live on easy street/No more troubles/No more cares and woe/Oh happy day/It's made our lives complete/'Cause easy is the only way to go."
65.   "It Feels Like Christmas" from The Muppet Christmas Carol 
How can you not positively adore this song? Jerry Nelson and the Ghost of Christmas Present make this a truly show-stopping, major production number for The Muppet Christmas Carol when it definitely needed one. This song is a stand-out in an otherwise somber film, that celebrates the joy of the Christmas season with amazing music and lyrics. I have no idea why this isn't a timeless classic on the radio every Christmas season... it's a crying shame. Thank goodness we Muppet fans know it and love it all year round. Favorite lyrics: "It is the season of the heart/A special time of caring/The ways of love made clear/And it is, this season of the spirit/The message if we hear it/Is make it last all year!"
66.   "Doin' the Pigeon" from Sesame Street 
Oh, Bert. The nerdiest of the nerds, the dweebiest of the dweebs. Bert so weird but so reserved and delightfully boring. Who else would develop an entire song and dance around the way pigeons move? Thank goodness he did, though, because "Doin' the Pigeon" is the defining song for Bert--his "Rubber Duckie," if you will. I believe this song says everything you need to know about Bert as a character: he's passionate about odd things and he's one "coo" cat. (Get it?!) Favorite lyrics: "Every time I feel alone and slightly blue/That's when I begin to think it's what I'd like to start to do/So though it may not be the kind of thing that's quite your cup of tea/I recommend you pay attention to the little dance you're gonna see."
67.   "Eye to Eye" from Fraggle Rock 
So far this is the only song on the list that wasn't available in some fashion on YouTube. So if you have Fraggle Rock Season 3 on DVD, pop in "The Cavern of Lost Dreams" to hear this great song. Led by Cotterpin Doozer with back up from ancient Doozers Yeaster and Crusty, it's one of my favorite Doozer songs. The trio sing about how coming together and connecting makes things so much better. It is a great message that should be adopted all over. Favorite lyrics: "I felt so helpless, yes, I felt so blue/I never dreamed that I'd see eye to eye with you/But hallelujah, we've made the whole thing new/I'm gonna see eye to eye to eye with you."
68.   "Happy Feet" from The Muppet Show 
Besides "Rainbow Connection," this is probably my favorite Kermit song. He is just so happy when he's singing "Happy Feet" (fitting, I know). The idea behind this sketch on The Muppet Show, that we never see Kermit's feet, is brilliant, but it's Jim Henson's vocal performance that really stands out here. I love seeing Kermit cut loose and have fun performing--which he was born to do. "Happy Feet" is one of the best examples of that. Favorite lyrics: "Weary blues can't get into my shoes/Because my shoes refuse/To ever grow weary/I keep cheerful on an earful of music sweet/'Cause I've got hap-hap-happy feet!"
69.   "Bless Us All" from The Muppet Christmas Carol 
Boy, Paul Williams is all over this week's list. Thank goodness, because he rocks, of course. "Bless Us All" might just be Paul's most beautiful song. Coming at a time when the world had just lost Jim Henson and Richard Hunt, this beautiful and thankful song is really powerful. This song is another great vehicle for Robin, who never sounded better. Jerry Nelson gets to harmonize here with Steve Whitmire and Frank Oz, and it's truly wonderful. It's touching, it's uplifting, and it's magic. Favorite lyrics: "Life is full of sweet surprises/Everyday's a gift/The sun comes up/And I can feel it lift my spirit/Fills me up with laughter/Fills me up with song/I look into the eyes of love/And know that I belong."
70.   "Bohemian Rhapsody" from YouTube 
One of my favorite Muppet moments ever is this truly amazing 2009 video parodying the Queen classic starring... everyone. Opening with Gonzo and the chickens, then Animal, the song spotlights nearly every single major, secondary, and minor Muppet character. There are so many moments that make this song so great, but my favorite is when the Electric Mayhem comes in and brings down the house. It was a triumphant return for my favorite band. Also of note: silhouetted Pepe, Big Mean Carl eating Rizzo, Mahna Mahna, Lew Zealand, and literally every moment of this video. Favorite lyrics: "So they told us this video was going to fly/All I know is we're not getting paid tonight/Oh, baby, can't do this to me baby/Just gotta get out/Just gotta get right outta here!"

71.   "Love Led Us Here" from Muppet Treasure Island 
You know what's amazing? How few Kermit and Miss Piggy duets there are. Yes, there's "The First Time It Happens," but there really aren't many others. Thankfully, there's "Love Led Us Here," the beautiful romantic duet from Muppet Treasure Island. It's crazy that Kermit and Piggy performed this song entirely upside down. But really... Steve Whitmire very much hit his stride as Kermit by this point and the blending of Kermit and Piggy's voices is perfect here. Thank goodness they have this great duet that spells out their love since there are so few out there. Favorite lyrics: "Was I dumb?/Or was I blind?/Or did my heart just lose its mind?/Why'd I go and throw/Our perfect dream away?"
72.   "Friendship Song" from Fraggle Rock 
It seems like every time someone talks about Fraggle Rock and notable episodes of the show, "Marooned" always comes up. It absolutely should, because "Marooned" is the pinnacle of the show's power to connect emotionally to the viewers. By pitting Red and Boober in such a dire situation, we also got the beautiful "Friendship Song." This wonderful duet between the two polar-opposite Fraggles warms the heart completely. It's soft and lilting and completely beautiful. The definition of a tear jerker should be this song. Favorite lyrics: "You work all night/You work all day/You still can't keep/Those worried blues away/Try a little longer/For your friends/Try a little stronger/For your friends."
73.   "Pukka, Pukka, Pukka Sqeetily Boink" from Fraggle Rock 
Yay! More Fraggles! And it's a song by my favorite Fraggle! Wembley can do no wrong in my eyes, and his nonsense song is no exception. It's so delightfully goofy and abstract. The song also showcases Steve Whitmire's weird, wonderful noises he squeaks and squawks as Wembley. Steve is such a great singer on deep, powerful songs, but I just love moments like this when he gets to be goofy and wacky. Favorite lyrics: "I believe in magic words/I believe in love/I believe in buried treasure falling from above/One more time the world goes round/One more magic day/Now I've learned the magic sounds/That speed it on its way!"
74.   "I'm Going to Go Back There Someday" from The Muppet Movie 
I'm going to be honest right up front here... this is my favorite song of all time. Not just Muppet song... song, period. The hauntingly beautiful lyrics, the emotionally gripping music, Gonzo's soul-searching movements and emotions... every single thing about this song is perfect. Paul Williams has scribed so many masterpieces for the Muppets (four of them in this week's list alone), but I don't think I could ever love a song more. Gonzo's words speak to me, and I'm sure they speak to all Muppet fans. Favorite lyrics: "There's not a word yet/For old friends who've just met/Part heaven, part space/Or have I found my place?/You can just visit, but I plan to stay/I'm going to go back there someday."
75.   "Turn the World Around" from The Muppet Show
The perfect closing number for The Muppet Show becomes the perfect closing number for the list this week. Harry Belafonte was one of the Muppets' great collaborators and a good friend of Jim Henson, and this song he scribed specifically for the show is truly amazing. Harry sings so powerfully and the African mask puppets built for the song are incredible. I love the message of this song, showing how the world is all connected. Favorite lyrics: "Do you know who I am?/Do I know who you are?/See we one another clearly/Do we know who we are?"






The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com