Tra la la, la la la la
Tra la la, la la la la
Tra la la, la la la la
Tra la la, la la la la
One banana, two banana, three banana, four
Four bananas make a bunch and so do many more
Over hill and highway the banana buggies go
Coming on to bring you The Banana Splits Show
Makin’ up a mess of fun
Makin’ up a mess of fun
Lots of fun for everyone
Tra la la, la la la la
Tra la la, la la la la
Tra la la, la la la la
Tra la la, la la la la
Four banana, three banana, two banana, one
All bananas playing in the bright warm sun
Flippin’ like a pancake, poppin’ like a cork
Fleagle, Bingo, Drooper and Snork
Tra la la, la la la la
Tra la la, la la la la
Tra la la, la la la la
Tra la la, la la la la
Behind the Lyrics: Meaning & Story
The theme song for The Banana Splits Adventure Hour, widely known as “The Tra La La Song (One Banana, Two Banana),” is a definitive piece of 1960s bubblegum pop. Released on Decca Records in 1968, the song was a commercial hit, capturing the psychedelic and playful energy of the era. It was composed by Nelson Riddle and Richie Adams to introduce the world to Fleagle, Bingo, Drooper, and Snork.
Produced by the legendary Hanna-Barbera, the show was a live-action variety hour featuring costumed animal characters who hosted segments, performed music, and drove their famous “banana buggies.” The lyrics perfectly mirror the show’s fast-paced and eccentric nature, emphasizing the “mess of fun” that the quartet brought to television screens.
Though the show originally screened in the late 1960s, its theme song has achieved a long-lasting legacy, being covered by various artists and remaining a nostalgic touchstone for fans of classic variety television. The catchy “Tra la la” refrain remains one of the most recognizable earworms in TV history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the four characters mentioned in the song?
The four Banana Splits are Fleagle (a beagle), Bingo (a gorilla), Drooper (a lion), and Snork (an elephant).
Who produced The Banana Splits Adventure Hour?
The show was produced by Hanna-Barbera, the same studio behind classics like The Flintstones and Scooby-Doo.
What record label released the theme song?
The song was released as a single on Decca Records in 1968.
