"Meet the Flintstones" is the archetype for every universally recognized and beloved sing-along cartoon theme ever recorded. © & ™ 2002 Cartoon Network.

"Meet the Flintstones" is the archetype for every universally recognized and beloved sing-along cartoon theme ever recorded. Can anyone forget that great moment in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles where John Candy cheers a busload of despondent riders by leading them into a spirited rendition of this great carton theme? Memorable line: "Let's ride with the family down the street/Through the courtesy of Fred's two feet." Notable cover versions: The B-52s (as the BC-52s).

The Jetsons Theme Song (1963) (Hoyt Curtin, William Hanna, Joseph Barbera) Curtin went jazzy for this one, showcasing his songwriting versatility. The lyrics are minimal (11 words) but the instrumentals are wonderful, including a free-form turn by noted trumpeter Bud Brisbois. Curtin originally wrote the piece for a small combo, but Hanna and Barbera wanted a more symphonic sound. Curtin gave the pair their money's worth, with a hint of "Chopsticks" thrown in for good measure. Sorry, Astro... you weren't in the song. Memorable line: "Meet George Jetson."

Spiderman Theme Song (1967) (Bob Harris, Paul Francis Webster). The animation was cheesy. The story lines were simple. The opening boogie and its hip lyrics were absolutely irresistible. Webber, who had penned lyrics to numbers such as "The Shadow of Your Smile" and "Love is a Many-Splendored Thing" added this gem to his legacy. Webster's words combine with Harris' savvy, jumpy bass line to make this one of the most popular cartoon theme songs to emerge from Saturday morning. Memorable line: "Is he strong? Listen, bud/He's got radioactive blood". Notable covers: The Ramones, Aerosmith.

Hoyt Curtin originally wrote "The Jetsons" for a small combo, but Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera wanted a more symphonic sound. Curtin gave the pair their money's worth. © & ™ 2002 Cartoon Network.

Josie and The Pussycats (1970) (Hoyt Curtin, William Hanna, Joseph Barbera) Hoyt Curtin strikes again! When Josie, Melody, and Valerie needed a theme song, the venerable songster came up with a true treasure. The mod music for this groovy show was produced by Danny Janssen and sung by Cathy Dougher, Cherie Moor (later known as Cheryl Ladd), and Patrice Holloway.

"Josie and the Pussycats" featured Dan DeCarlo's character designs and some of the silliest Saturday morning storylines (and chases) ever to be coupled with music. The theme was reprised with different lyrics for the follow-up series Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space. Memorable line: "Josie and the Pussycats/Long tails and ears for hats." Notable cover version: Liana Hatfield and Tonya Donelly.

George of the Jungle (1967) (Sheldon Allman, Stan Worth) Seldom has any one man written so many silly themes that will live forever. Allman (no relation to Duane or Greg) also crafted the unforgettable theme song for Mr. Ed, but you knew that of course, of course. With its bouncy tom-tom beat, Tarzan bellow, and immortal tag line -- "Watch out for that tree!" -- the George of the Jungle theme is known to several generations of cartoon fans and recognizable to millions of others who may have never seen the cartoon. Allman, along with collaborator Stan Worth, wrote the music for the show's other two components, Tom Slick and Super Chicken. Notable Cover versions: Weird Al, The Presidents of the United States.

Sugar, Sugar (1969) (Jeff Barry, Andy Kim) OK, this is not a theme song, but the fact is this #1 hit and RIAA Record of the Year for 1969 was launched from a Saturday morning toon. The Archie Show contributed this bubbly gem to American culture, if not much else. "Sugar, Sugar" did not launch the genre known as "bubblegum rock," but it was perhaps the finest example of same. Jeff Barry is the man who discovered Neil Diamond; Andy Kim went on to record another number one hit with "Rock Me Gently" in 1974. The Archie characters starred in a total of 10 animated TV series, but never achieved musical fame again. Memorable line: "You are my candy girl/And you've got me wanting you." Notable cover version: Mary Lou Lord and Semisonic.

Underdog (1964)( W. Watts Biggers) This thrumming, humming theme song is inseparable from sugary bowls of cereal and happy Saturday mornings. Composer Biggers wanted a stirring, heroic anthem to accompany the adventures of the wonder pooch, and the result was a classic theme song that ranks among the best.

From the opening triadic bass line and manly vocalizations to the final sweeping chorus of "Un-der-dog!" this ditty is as potent as one of Underdog's Super Energy Vitamin Pills. Take that, Riff Raff! Memorable line: "Speed of lightning, roar of thunder/Fighting all who rob or plunder/Underdog! Un-der-dog!" Notable covers: Butthole Surfers, The Blanks (performed on NBC's Scrubs), Tom Hanks (on the Rosie O'Donnell Show).

Feel like singing yet? If you do, you belong to a huge fraternity of cartoon fans who can never visualize their favorite toon without the theme song winding incessantly through their minds. A great cartoon theme song is a friend to you and me. It's just how sweet a kiss can be, does whatever a spider can, and, of course, is a page right out of history.

Martin "Dr. Toon" Goodman is a longtime student and fan of animation. He lives in Anderson, Indiana.