ghost busters
Film

Ghostbusters Theme Song And Lyrics

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Song TitleGhostbusters
Performer/SongwriterRay Parker Jr.
Original ReleaseJune 8, 1984
Film DirectorsIvan Reitman, Jason Reitman, Paul Feig, Gil Kenan
Chart Peak#1 (Billboard Hot 100)
LanguageEnglish

Theme Song Lyrics

If there’s somethin’ strange in your neighborhood Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters! If it’s somethin’ weird and it won’t look good Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters! I ain’t afraid of no ghost I ain’t afraid of no ghost If you’re seein’ things runnin’ through your head Who can you call? Ghostbusters! An invisible man sleepin’ in your bed Oh, who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters! I ain’t afraid of no ghost I ain’t afraid of no ghost Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters! If you’re all alone, pick up the phone And call Ghostbusters! Bustin’ makes me feel good!

Behind the Tune: Meaning & Story

The Ghostbusters theme song is more than just a soundtrack—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Written and performed by Ray Parker Jr. for the 1984 original film, the song was a massive commercial success, holding the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks. Parker famously created the song’s “commercial jingle” style after seeing a trailer for the movie that made the Ghostbusters look like a local service business.

The track received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and won a BAFTA for Best Original Song. Its catchphrase, “Who ya gonna call?”, has become one of the most famous lines in cinematic history. The song has been a constant thread through the entire franchise, from Ivan Reitman’s original classics to the modern visions of Jason Reitman, Paul Feig, and Gil Kenan.

With its infectious synth-pop beat and funky bassline, the song perfectly embodies the film’s unique blend of supernatural horror and deadpan comedy. Parker’s creative decision to include the “call-and-response” shouts made the audience active participants in the Ghostbusters world, a legacy that continues to resonate with fans of all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote and sang the Ghostbusters theme?
The song was written and performed by Ray Parker Jr. He was approached to write the song with only a few days to complete it!
Did the song win any major awards?
While it was nominated for an Oscar, it won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance (for the instrumental version) and the BAFTA for Best Original Song.
What is the famous catchphrase from the song?
The most famous line is “Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!”, followed closely by “I ain’t afraid of no ghost.”
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Editorial Note: Music credits and award history for the Ghostbusters franchise have been verified by the ThemeSong.info Editorial Team. We ensure chart data and songwriter accuracy are correctly cited.