Animation Theme Song Archive

GO GO Gophers Theme Song And Lyrics

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Song TitleGo Go Gophers
Performed ByTotal Television Ensemble
Original NetworkCBS
Premiere DateSeptember 14, 1968 (Standalone)
Final Episode DateSeptember 6, 1969
Total Episodes48 Segments
Production CompanyTotal Television
GenreAnimated Comedy / Western Parody

Go Go Gophers Theme Song Lyrics

Two little Indians, all others gone Two little Indians, left all alone No buffalo to run, no tribe to lead What can they do for fun? Go go gophers, watch them go go go Go go gophers, watch them go go go Here comes the Colonel with his Sergeant Both are a-roarin’ and a-chargin’ Go go gophers, watch them go go go Go go gophers, watch them go go go!

Behind the Music: Meaning & Story

The Go Go Gophers theme song is a classic example of the upbeat, rhythmic title tracks produced by Total Television during the 1960s. The song introduces the show’s two protagonists, Running Board and Ruffled Feathers, the last remaining members of the Gopher Indian tribe. The lyrics highlight the comedic conflict of the series: the two “Indians” outsmarting the bumbling Colonel Kit Coyote and Sergeant Ozzies S. Appaloosa of the local US Cavalry fort.

Originally appearing as a segment on the Underdog show starting in 1966, the Gophers were popular enough to earn their own standalone time slot on CBS in 1968. The show was a broad parody of the Western genre, which was incredibly popular on television at the time. Unlike many Westerns of the era, the Gophers were depicted as the highly intelligent heroes who constantly used their wits to protect their land, Gopher Gulch, from the Colonel’s unnecessary “charges.”

The music, much like other Total Television hits (such as Tennessee Tuxedo), features a brassy, marching-band style that complements the military themes of the show. While a product of its time in terms of animation style and humor, the catchy “Go go gophers” refrain remains a nostalgic memory for many who grew up with Saturday morning cartoons in the late 60s and early 70s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the main characters?
The heroes were Running Board (the smart leader) and Ruffled Feathers (who spoke in fast, garbled gibberish that Running Board translated). They were opposed by Colonel Kit Coyote and his assistant, Sergeant Appaloosa.
Is this show related to Underdog?
Yes. It was produced by the same company, Total Television, and the segments originally aired as back-up features within the Underdog half-hour before moving to their own program.
Who voiced the characters?
The voices were provided by the talented George S. Irving (the narrator and the Colonel) and Sandy Becker. Becker provided the voices for both Ruffled Feathers and Sergeant Appaloosa.
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Editorial Note: Content for Go Go Gophers has been verified by the ThemeSong.info Editorial Team. The production history via Total Television and the show’s transition from Underdog to its own CBS slot have been cross-referenced with Saturday Morning TV archives and animation history records.