Underdog Theme Song Lyrics
Behind the Music: Meaning & Story
The Underdog theme song is a definitive masterpiece of the 1960s animation era. Composed by the collaborative team of W. Watts Biggers, Chet Stover, Joe Harris, and Treadwell Covington, the song successfully parodies the dramatic flair of 1940s radio serials while remaining an earnest, uplifting anthem of heroism. First airing on October 3, 1964, the march-style tempo and brass-heavy instrumentation immediately signaled the arrival of television’s most unlikely caped crusader.
The lyrics introduce the show’s core premise: the humble Shoeshine Boy’s transformation into a powerhouse protector. Famous for speaking exclusively in rhyme, Underdog’s signature catchphrase—”There’s no need to fear, Underdog is here!”—became a cultural staple. The song’s description of “speed of lightning, roar of thunder” perfectly captured the high-stakes action of his battles against villains like Simon Bar Sinister and Riff Raff.
Produced by Total Television, the series ran for 124 episodes across three seasons. The theme song’s enduring appeal lies in its infectious energy and its message that even an “underdog” can overcome greed and crime with enough courage. Though the original run ended on March 4, 1967, the theme song remains a nostalgic touchstone, famously covered by various artists and referenced in countless films and television shows today.