Flintstones, meet the Flintstones
They’re the modern Stone Age Family
From the town of Bedrock
They’re a page right out of history
Let’s ride with the family down the street
Through the courtesy of Fred’s two feet
When you’re with the Flintstones
Have a yabba-dabba-doo time
A dabba-doo time
We’ll have a gay old time!
Flintstones, meet the Flintstones
They’re the modern Stone Age Family
From the town of Bedrock
They’re a page right out of history
Someday maybe Fred will win the fight
Then the cat will stay out for the night
When you’re with the Flintstones
Have a yabba-dabba-doo time
A dabba-doo time
We’ll have a gay old time!
We’ll have a gay old time!
Yeah!
Behind the Tune: Meaning & Story
The Flintstones theme song, famously titled “Meet the Flintstones,” is an infectious big-band jazz tune that has become one of the most recognizable pieces of music in television history. Interestingly, the song wasn’t the show’s original theme; during the first two seasons, the series used an instrumental track called “Rise and Shine.” It wasn’t until Season 3 in 1962 that this iconic version was introduced, performed by a 22-piece jazz orchestra and the Randy Van Horne Singers.
Composed by Hoyt Curtin alongside show creators William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, the lyrics perfectly summarize the show’s prehistoric-meets-suburban premise. From the famous “yabba-dabba-doo” catchphrase to the visual of Fred powering his car with his own two feet, the song sets a playful stage for the mishaps of Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty in the town of Bedrock.
The show enjoyed a remarkable run of six seasons and 166 episodes. Behind the scenes, a meticulous team of editors like Kenneth Spears and Joseph Ruby worked to blend the music with the animation. The enduring popularity of the song is a testament to the creative genius of the Hanna-Barbera era, solidifying The Flintstones as a timeless classic that continues to delight fans of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was “Meet the Flintstones” always the theme song?
No. For the first two seasons, the opening theme was an instrumental called “Rise and Shine.” “Meet the Flintstones” was introduced in Season 3 and was so popular it was later retroactively added to earlier episodes in syndication.
Who composed the music?
The music was composed by Hoyt Curtin, the primary musical director for Hanna-Barbera, with lyrics by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera.
What is the significance of the “gay old time” lyric?
In the context of the early 1960s, “gay” was commonly used to mean “happy,” “carefree,” or “joyous,” perfectly reflecting the upbeat nature of the show.
