10 of the Best Muppets Songs
I didn’t grow up with The Muppets proper (can’t help when I was born). But, you better believe I’ve made up for lost time. Plus I was definitely into Jim Henson’s creations in general. Word to BIG BIRD! I also dig The Flight of the Conchords something fierce. So you already know what this is!
Don’t get me wrong. I love the manic appeal of The Muppets from the TV show but I think what sticks with me about the Muppets is their songs more than their antics. So let’s revisit 10 times The Muppets dropped a banger!
Song/Rank:
#10- “Marley and Marley” ft. Statler & Waldorf
Where You’ve Heard It:
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Why Though:
This is actually the first song (other than the theme song to the actual show) that I remember from the Muppets. Like most Muppet songs it comes down to the chorus of this song. “We’re Marley and Marley!” I was singing that for days after I first saw the movie. I especially love the ghostly outburst they let out during one of the choruses. My memory is that it happened every time… but what’re you gonna do.
Song/Rank:
#9- “Together Again” ft. Kermit, Fozzie, & Miss Piggy
Where You’ve Heard It:
The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984)
Why Though:
I like that this song builds. I’m all about the sped up pace and overall sense of fun that the song hits once the song is finishing up. There’s also something about this song that feels welcoming and comforting. I can’t put my finger on it. I think it’s just the quality of Kermit’s voice.
Song/Rank:
#8- “Something So Right” ft. Miss Piggy & Celine Dion
Where You’ve Heard It:
Muppets Most Wanted (2014)
Why Though:
I didn’t think I’d end up loving this song as much as I do. But this song really stuck with me after this only ok film. There was something about being able to get into the true feelings of Miss Piggy. She wasn’t yelling or putting on a front because Kermit hurt her. We got to hear her deep thoughts. Not for nothing, I’m not even into Celine like that, but she is such a great addition to the proceedings on this.
Song/Rank:
#7- “Man or Muppet” ft. Walter & Gary (Jason Segal)
Where You’ve Heard It:
The Muppets (2011)
Why Though:
Unlike the previous entry, I knew I’d love this song from the moment it started. Deep down, I feel like Jason Segal and I are a lot alike. I really connected with his Forgetting Sarah Marshall character and I feel like I ended up connecting to his manchild that needs to grow up in this film to. And that’s what this song is all about. Also about whether or not a muppet knows if it’s a muppet or not.
Song/Rank:
#6- “Rainbow Connection” ft. Kermit
Where You’ve Heard It:
The Muppet Movie (1979)
Why Though:
A lot of my love for this song has to do with how it opens up The Muppet Movie. I don’t know why I love that opening so much (including the first joke made after the song is done), but it drew me in right away and really set the tone for the rest of the movie. Plus it’s got that comforting, welcoming, Kermit voice. Which, I gotta say, is weird, since he’s really mean to Miss Piggy and kinda mean in general on the show.
Song/Rank:
#5- “Pictures In My Head” ft. Kermit
Where You’ve Heard It:
The Muppets (2011)
Why Though:
If you know this site you know I have a thing for sad songs. I also like that this song shows that Kermit pushed away his friends… probably because he’s mean… but more importantly, you get some insight into how Kermit feels about all the main Muppets!
Song/Rank:
#4- “Life’s A Happy Song” ft. Walter & Gary (Jason Segal)
Where You’ve Heard It:
The Muppets (2011)
Why Though:
I’m clearly all in for the Jason Segal songs! This song just makes me happy within the first couple of lyrics. There’s an X factor to this song. That or I’m just really easy to impress once Jason Segal is involved. You decide!
Song/Rank:
#3- “The Muppet Show Theme Song”
Where You’ve Heard It:
The Muppet Show (1976)
Why Though:
I don’t get how someone couldn’t find joy in this song. It’s like an invitation to enjoy life for the duration of the song. Yes it reminds me of the actual episodes and how I grew to love all the different characters, but I bet if no one ever saw the show they’d still enjoy this piece of music.
Song/Rank:
#2- “We’re Doing A Sequel” ft. ALL THE MUPPETS & Then Some
Where You’ve Heard It:
Muppets Most Wanted (2014)
Why Though:
I didn’t love this movie, but I LOVE this song. There’s something about the phrasing of “I thought it was the end but no my friend, this is when we get to do it all again!” that gets me hype! The song really sets up a great movie, but even at the end of the movie when you’re not as happy about the whole thing as you hoped to be, at least you have this song to hum on the way home.
Song/Rank:
#1- “Movin’ Right Along”
Where You’ve Heard it:
The Muppet Movie (1979)
Why Though:
When this song came up in the movie I was blown away. I don’t know why. The triumphant feeling of hearing Fozzie and Kermit sing “movin’ right along!” hits me the same now as it did when I first heard it. It’s my number one go to song in the shower if I’m feeling cheerful. This is just another example of the Muppets daring you not to have fun while you listen to their music.
-YG