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Ruff and Reddy Theme Lyrics
Original 1957 Opening
Behind the Lyrics: Meaning & Story
The Ruff and Reddy theme song is a significant piece of animation history. Composed by the legendary Hoyt Curtin, it introduced the first-ever television series produced by Hanna-Barbera. This jaunty tune perfectly captures the dynamic between a smart, brave cat (Reddy) and a dim-witted but loyal dog (Ruff).
The lyrics acknowledge a classic cliché with the line “Even fight like dogs and cats.” However, the song quickly flips this idea on its head, explaining that while they might have “little spats,” they are ultimately best friends who always look out for one another. This theme of mismatched buddies became a staple for many Hanna-Barbera shows that followed.
The music has a classic 1950s orchestral swing that signaled to children across the US that it was time for high-adventure and slapstick comedy. As the very first theme of a production empire, “Here Comes Ruff and Reddy” paved the way for future classics like The Flintstones and The Jetsons.