Emmy wished on a dragon scale
And that’s what started Dragon Tales
Around the room the dragons flew
But Emmy and Max knew what to do
They climbed on the backs of their dragon friends
Now the adventures never end!
Dragon Tales, Dragon Tales
It’s almost time for Dragon Tales
Come along, take my hand
Let’s all go to Dragon Land
There’s Ord, he’s the biggest, not so brave of heart
There’s Cassie, so shy, also very smart
There’s Zak and Wheezie and their tales of fun
‘Cause you know two heads are better than one!
Dragon Tales, Dragon Tales
It’s almost time for Dragon Tales
Come along, take my hand
Let’s all go to Dragon Land
Behind the Music: Meaning & Story
The Dragon Tales theme song is an iconic piece of children’s television history that perfectly explains the show’s magical premise. Composed by a collaborative team including Jim Latham and Mary Wood, the song acts as a narrative prologue, telling the story of how siblings Emmy and Max discovered a magical dragon scale in their new home, leading them to the enchanted Dragon Land.
Aired on PBS Kids starting in 1999, the series was created by Jim Coane and Ron Rodecker. The theme song is particularly loved for how it introduces the main dragon characters: the big, lovable (but easily scared) Ord; the sweet and intelligent Cassie; and the bickering but inseparable conjoined twins Zak and Wheezie. The lyric “two heads are better than one” became a famous tagline for the show, teaching children about cooperation and sibling bonds.
Over its 93 episodes, Dragon Tales focused on social-emotional learning, helping children face their fears and solve problems alongside their dragon friends. The theme’s invitation to “take my hand” fostered a sense of community and participation that made the show a staple of early 2000s morning television. Even years after its 2005 conclusion, the melody remains an instant trigger for nostalgia for a generation of viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ‘Dragon Scale’ chant?
To travel to Dragon Land, Emmy and Max held the scale and chanted: “I wish, I wish, with all my heart, to fly with dragons in a land apart.” To return home, they said: “I wish, I wish, to mean it so, to go back home with all my friends I know.”
Who are Zak and Wheezie?
Zak and Wheezie are conjoined dragon twins who share a body but have very different personalities. Zak is cautious and neat, while Wheezie is loud, messy, and loves music.
Where did the idea for Dragon Tales come from?
The show was based on characters created by artist Ron Rodecker, who began sketching the dragons while recovering from heart surgery. He imagined them as friendly creatures who could help children navigate emotional challenges.
