Top 10 Sesame Street Songs
Who doesn't love a fun, educational, and at times absurd puppet sing-a-along? Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Sesame Street Songs. For this list we'll be excluding any celebrity appearances, and will be focusing instead on the songs written—and performed—exclusively for the TV show.
Special thanks to our user CuriousUserX90 for submitting the idea using our interactive suggestion tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
#10: “One of These Things (is Not Like the Other)” (1969)
Sung by the Sesame Street Cast
Used in Sesame Street since the show’s first season, this sketch displays a group of four items to the audience, and asks them to identify the one which doesn’t belong. Composed by Joe Raposo, the catchy song looks at everything from shapes, to animals and food, to everyday items like shoes and hats - serving as a fun “brain game,” for kids (and adults) everywhere. Much like many other Sesame Street songs, the sketch has been referenced through pop culture time and time again, demonstrating just how popular—and ubiquitous—the song actually is.
#9: “Bein’ Green” (1970)
Sung by Kermit the Frog
Few shows are able to tackle complex issues like this in such a simple way. Sung by the beloved Kermit the Frog, “Bein’ Green” Sesame StreetNews reporter contemplating the colour of his skin . Ripe with melancholy from the start, but gradually adopting a more hopeful tone towards the end, Kermit’s song becomes an ode to not only being comfortable, but being happy in your own skin, regardless of it’s colour or texture. Hailed by critics as being one of the most poignant songs in children’s television, “Bein’ Green” shows that frogs can have it rough too.
#8: “The Batty Bat” (1985)
Sung by Count von Count
Sung by the infamous vampire Count Von Count and the troupe of melodic bats that live in his castle, “The Batty Bat” is a waltz not only about counting, but about dancing away your troubles with a little “1, 2, 3”. While the Count is, of course, obsessed with the act of counting in general, the catchy song sung by the purple, Transylvanian puppet shows that light can always shine into even the dustiest, darkest of places.
#7: “Sing” (1971)
Sung by the Sesame Street Cast
Written by Joe Raposo, “Sing ” has been recorded and sung by countless artists since the show’s inception. While the Spanish version of track is arguably just as popular as the original, the English version has become a standard—sung by everyone from The Carpenters to Barbra Streisand. Simple and extremely easy to follow along with, this song about friendship and togetherness has transcended the generations thanks to its ability to get the whole room “la, la, la”-ing along with the tune. Sung by almost every Muppet and human on the show, “Sing” is not only a fan favourite, but a Sesame Street staple.
#6: “Elmo’s Song” (1989)
Sung by Elmo
Few monsters on Sesame Street are cuter than the furry, orange-nosed Elmo. Characteristically referring to himself in the third person, Elmo’s song is about, well, Elmo, and what he likes to do. Playing the song to Big Bird and Mr. Snuffleupagus, Elmo eventually encourages the pair to create their own version of the song, replacing the name “Elmo” with their own. Fun, easy to follow along with, and extremely cute in its own right, “Elmo’s Song” encourages kids to create their own versions of the ditty—making it adorable and unforgettable.
#5: “Monster in the Mirror” (1989)
Sung by Grover
Written by Christopher Cerf, and sung by the beloved blue Grover, “Monster in the Mirror” is about Grover discovering his own terrifying reflection, and then becoming its friend. Re-edited in later years to incorporate cameos by famous celebrities like Candice Bergen, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robin Williams (to name a few), the song is about singing away the fear…even when you’re the one scaring yourself. Famous in part for incorporating some great visual effects along with just being a catchy song, “Monster in the Mirror” encourages you to overcome your anxieties in a fun, dance-y way.
#4: “I Love Trash” (1970)
Sung by Oscar the Grouch
Almost as popular as the character of Oscar the Grouch himself, “I Love Trash” is a song about individuality, and of celebrating the things you love most; even when that thing is garbage. Part spoken word, part sing-a-long, the song has seen many versions since it first appeared in 1970, but always incorporates wonderful, thrown out items like an old telephone, a trombone, and a broken umbrella, to name a few. With a furrowed brow and his trademark, grouchy tone, Oscar invites us into his world, and we’re more than happy to join him.
#3: “Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?” (1969)
Sung by the Sesame Street Cast
Alternatively titled “Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?”, this opening number walks the audience through the Sesame Street universe, and introduces us to its various human and monster characters. Usually sung by the kids featured in the show, the catchy track serves as an inviting, big band introduction to each episode. Used since the shows inception, the song is an undeniable part of the Sesame Street blueprint: it’s popularity almost serving a happy reminder of how ubiquitous the show actually is.
#2: “C is for Cookie” (1971)
Sung by Cookie Monster
Featuring the vocal stylings of the crazed, googly-eyed Cookie Monster, “C is for Cookie” masquerades itself as an educational number about spelling, when, in reality, it’s about the monster talking about his favourite thing in the entire world, and nothing but. Thanks to the monster’s unapologetic and outrageous way of being, the song soared to popularity since first airing in 1971, and has since become one of the most instantly recognizable songs in the Sesame Street repertoire. So remember, C is for cookie.
Before we count down to our number one, here are some honourable mentions:
-“I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon” (1978)
Sung by Ernie
-“What’s the Name of That Song?” (1974)
Sung by the Sesame Street Cast
-“Imagine That” (1985)
Sung by Ernie
-“La, La, La” (1971)
Sung by Bert & Ernie
#1: “Rubber Duckie” (1970)
Sung by Ernie
Helpful in part for educating young kids on the value (and fun) in keeping up personal hygiene, “Rubber Ducky” serves as Ernie’s ode to his favourite, squeaky yellow pal. Adored by children and adults alike, Rubber Ducky is not only a Sesame Street classic, but a perfect example of how happiness can be drawn from the most unlikely of things. So popular that the song even charted at #16 on the Billboard 100 in 1970, “Rubber Ducky” might be one of the most unlikely songs to go down in music history.
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