The Adventures of Robin Hood Theme Song Lyrics
Behind the Music: Meaning & Story
The theme song for The Adventures of Robin Hood is a foundational piece of television history, synonymous with the 1950s historical adventure series starring Richard Greene. Composed and written by Carl Sigman and performed by Dick James, the song’s galloping rhythm and triumphant lyrics—”Feared by the bad, loved by the good”—perfectly captured the chivalrous spirit of the legendary outlaw of Sherwood Forest.
Premiering in 1955, the show was a major success on both sides of the Atlantic, airing on ITV in Britain and CBS in the United States. The series was produced by Sapphire Films and was notable for its high production values and its use of blacklisted American writers who worked under pseudonyms. The theme song’s lyrics celebrate the camaraderie of the Merry Men, mentioning how they “vowed to help the people of the King” and famously “found plenty of time to sing.”
Spanning 143 episodes over four seasons, the series remains one of the most fondly remembered versions of the Robin Hood legend. Dick James, the vocalist, later went on to become a major music publisher for the Beatles and Elton John, but for many, he will always be the voice of the man “riding through the glen.” The song’s legacy persists as a “cherished classic,” still widely recognized as the definitive Robin Hood anthem in pop culture.