Changes: VeggieTales Theme Song

Revision as of 13:19, 17 July 2021

The VeggieTales Theme Song is the song used as the opening introduction for the VeggieTales series.

The VeggieTales Theme Song has had many different versions and been performed many times over the years, but has generally remained the same over time.

Openings

1993

The first opening begins with the opening credits appearing over a “white void” background with the following text:

Big Idea Productions Presents
VeggieTales (the show logo)
Created by Phil Vischer and Michael Nawrocki

Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber talk offscreen while the credits fade in and out on the screen. The conversation consists of Bob and Larry figuring out how to play the theme song. Bob suggests playing it on a guitar, but Larry reminds him he doesn't have any hands. Bob then ambiguously suggests another instrument, but Larry refuses because he thinks it will make him look silly. But once Bob reminds him that they’re doing this for the kids watching, Larry agrees to perform the song. Larry then pops his head into the left side of the frame with a sousaphone in tow, smiling at the viewers. He then hops to the center of the white void, and then begins to play the opening baseline of the theme song.

Now Bob begins hopping into the frame, singing and bobbing along with his cucumber friend. After Bob reaches the end of his verse, he leans in to the camera with a big, toothy grin letting the viewers know the show’s about to begin with the iconic line, “Have we got a show for you”. Larry leans into view from behind Bob, nodding his head in agreement.

It then transitions to the up-tempo chorus of male and females voices (Lisa Vischer, Phil Vischer and Kurt Heinecke) singing the show’s title, featuring a montage of clips from the show being played over it. This is followed by three short refrains of the chorus. At the end of each refrain, it cuts from the clip montage to a shot of Mom, Dad and Junior Asparagus joining Bob and Larry in the white void. The tempo and music becomes faster and more frantic with each refrain.

After the third and final refrain, they transition to the next verse, “There’s never-ever-ever-ever-ever been a show like VeggieTales!”, which is repeated twice. This leads into the final verse, where we again, cut back to the veggies singing altogether in the white void exclaiming, “It’s time for VeggieTales!”. This is followed by confetti flowers falling over the characters as they sing.

The song finally ends with Larry running out of breath while playing his sousaphone, collapsing onto his back from exhaustion. He plays the final bum note, which blows some of the confetti flowers out of the bell of the sousaphone. All the veggies smile and look at the camera as we hear children laugh offscreen.

This version was only used on the original 1993 VHS release of Where’s God When I’m S-Scared? and has never been released on DVD.

1994-1997

The second version is very much the same opening as the first version, but has the following significant differences:

The shot where Bob says “Have we got a show for you”, is cut short; removing the part where Larry nods from behind him.
The various shots in the clip montage have been re-edited, with portions of certain clips cut out or replaced by others.
Some new clips have been added from the second episode starting with the original release of said episode.
The song has been given new lyrics and solos sung by Bob, Junior and Larry, respectively. The new verses are now sung over the refrains from before, turning them into backup vocals.

This audio from this version was featured on the original 1995 release of VeggieTunes.

1998-2000

The opening is now re-mastered with improved animation, enhanced picture quality, as well as re-recorded music and vocals. These specific updates include:

The opening credits now showcase updated Big Idea and VeggieTales logos, as well as the “Michael Nawrocki” being shortened to “Mike Nawrocki” during the “created by” section.
When Bob says “Have we gotta show for you!”, the shot of Larry nodding his head behind him has been restored but with Bob's teeth absent and Larry's mouth closed.
Another updated clip montage featuring more recent clips from the latest episodes. It’s also the first time to exclude any clips from the first two shows. This would become a staple of future clip montages.

Even with all the updated audio and visuals, the song retains the same structure and white void segments as before.

This version of the montage include clips from the following episodes:

The audio from this version is featured on the albums VeggieTunes 2, A Queen, a King, and a Very Blue Berry, and most re-releases of the original VeggieTunes.

2001-2009

The opening does not change drastically in any way during this time, but different clip montages were used throughout these years. Each update of the clip montage included more recent clips than the last. The song and the white void segments remain the same, although some portions of it are removed depending on the edit of the clip montage.

It‘s also worth noting that the song was re-recorded again in 2003.

The 2001 version of the montage includes clips from the following episodes:

The 2004-2006 montage includes clips from the following episodes:

The 2007-2009 montage includes clips from the following episodes:

This audio from this version is featured on VeggieTunes 4.

2010-2014

The opening has now been entirely reanimated and re-orchestrated, marking the biggest and most drastic change to the opening since 1998 (and arguably since 1993). The length of the song has also been shortened significantly, due to an increased tempo and removing the solo verses of Junior and Larry.

The opening begins with updated versions of the opening credits and VeggieTales logo being blown out of the bell of a sousaphone as the familiar baseline is played on it. The camera then zooms out to reveal Larry playing the instrument, as Bob hops into the frame. Bob begins singing as he does in previous versions, but as each lyric is sung, he is now joined by the rest of the main cast of VeggieTales characters, including Junior, Jimmy and Jerry, Mr. Lunt, Laura Carrot, Pa Grape, Petunia Rhubarb, Madame Blueberry, Archibald Asparagus, The French Peas, and Mr. Nezzer. They all hop into the frame as they sing, moving and bumping into one another as they try to make space for each other on screen.

As they all finish singing, it is revealed Bob has been pushed to the back of the group by accident. He excuses his way to the front and says his iconic opening line, before Larry pops into frame with a smile to start playing the lead in to the chorus.

The song features a brand new clip montage, only featuring clips of episodes created after Josh and the Big Wall!. Brian Roberts stated in The Princess and the Popstar commentary that this was done because the older clips would “stick out like a sore thumb”, compared to the newer clips with more modern and refined animation and graphics.

This time, the refrain is only sung once, giving Bob the only solo in this version. Like the old opening, at the end of the refrain we cut back to the white void with all the veggies jumping with excitement as they sing. Larry continues to play the sousaphone, straining to keep up with the frantic pace and energy of the song.

The rest of the song continues as it usually does, with colorful confetti falling this time instead of flowers while they sing. But this time, as Larry collapses from exhaustion, he accidentally startles The French Peas. Because they are precariously sitting atop Mr. Lunt’s hat, Phillipe loses his balance and fall into the bell of the sousaphone. However, once Larry plays the final bum note, Phillipe is blown out of the bell and lands safely back on top of Jean-Claude. All the veggies laugh together with the kids from offscreen.

In 2014, this version of the opening got another new clip montage, including a much wider range of clips than previously used before. This ends up removing the shot of the VeggieTales cast jumping at the end of the refrain in the process. Interestingly, despite the reluctance to use clips from pre-"Josh and the Big Wall" episodes in the previous version of the intro, this version used clips from three earlier episodes.

The 2010-2013 montage includes clips from the following episodes:

The 2014 montage includes clips from the following episodes:

2015

This version of the opening is significant for being the last version of the main series as well as being the last drastic visual change to the opening. It was created for the episode Noah's Ark, which is infamous for carrying over the redesigns of the VeggieTales characters from the Netflix series.

This time, Bob and Larry are the only characters present to perform, giving a very reminiscent feel of the original opening. But instead of showing a clip montage during the chorus, the camera zooms into the bell of Larry’s sousaphone and pans over several photos of depicting episodes from the show, utilizing stock art from the VeggieTales library of DVD covers. After the final verse, we zoom out of the sousaphone and return to the white void. As usual, Larry collapses from exhaustion and blows confetti out of his sousaphone as Bob laughs with the offscreen kids.

It uses the same audio from the 2010-2014 opening, albeit all the other characters' vocals (besides Bob) are removed for the opening verse.

This version is featured on A Very Veggie Party Playlist.

Covers and Other renditions

VeggieTown Values

For the "VeggieTown Values" series, a retooled version of the theme song was created for an exclusive tape in the VBS curriculum entitled "Greetings from Bob and Larry". It was used for the second greeting on the tape referred to as the "VeggieTown Municipal Anthem". It is sung by Bob and Larry and also features some very silly and impromptu lyrics by Larry.

VeggieTales Live!

When VeggieTales made its transition from the T.V. screen to the stage in 2002, an extended Broadway-esque version of the theme song was made to create a big musical number for the show’s finale. It's been subsequently used in almost every VeggieTales Live! show to date.

The song is performed by Bob, Larry, Junior, Pa Grape, Jimmy and Jerry, Archibald, and an unseen choir of male and female voices. For later live shows, Mr. Lunt is added to the group onstage despite not being included in the recording. Sometimes dancers touring with the shows would be featured during the song dressed in elaborate vegetable-themed costumes.

The musical score consists of a full orchestra instead of the usual polka instruments.

This version is featured on the album Have We Got A Show For You: 10 Years Of VeggieTales.

VeggieRocks!

In 2004, Rebecca St. James recorded a cover of the theme song for the VeggieRocks! album. The song was re-orchestrated to fit a “rock” musical style, featuring electric guitars and drums.

God Made You Special

An instrumental techno-pop version of the song can be heard during the celebration on the opening countertop as well as the closing credits of the DVD.

Musikclips

To promote the German dub of VeggieTales in 2008, a music video for the VeggieTales Theme Song was produced. Sung in the localized German lyrics by three unknown singing artists and various children, it featured a variety of clips from the VeggieTales series as well as new material shot specifically for the music video. Most of the footage featured included clips of children playing outside with prop garden vegetables (as well as a random fish).

Foreign Exchange Veggies

A remixed version of the Musikclips song was included among a medley of popular VeggieTales songs sung in various other languages.

If I Sang A Silly Song

Larry performs a short big-band version of the song as the host of the “Silly Song Telethon”.

VeggieTales in the House/in the City

Although the Netflix series had a brand new theme song written for it, some of the lyrics are direct callbacks to the original theme song. More specifically, the lyric of “Broccoli! Celery! Gotta be...”.

The Best Christmas Gift

For the opening number of the Christmas special, the VeggieTales cast (excluding Mr. Nezzer and Laura Carrot) perform the song on stage before a live vegetable audience in Mr. Nezzer’s Theater. They perform it broadway-esque with black top hats and canes on a large set of risers fitted with bright, flashy stage lights.

This is the first time, however, that Larry doesn’t play the sousaphone. Instead, Larry sings onstage with the others while Bruce Onion conducts Khalil playing all the instruments in the orchestra pit.

It’s worth noting that the same audio from the 2010-2014 opening is used, albeit with some very minor instrumentation and percussion added.

Lyrics

1993 Version

Bob: If you like to talk to tomatoes,

If a squash can make you smile,

If you like to waltz with potatoes,

Up and down the produce aisle...

Have we got a show for you!

Singers: VeggieTales! (8x)

Veggie, Veggie, it’s VeggieTales! Veggie, Veggie, it’s VeggieTales! Veggie, Veggie...VeggieTales! (3x)

There's never-ever-ever-ever-ever been a show like VeggieTales! (2x)

It's time for VeggieTa-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ales!

1994-2009 Version(s)

Bob: If you like to talk to tomatoes,

If a squash can make you smile,

If you like to waltz with potatoes,

Up and down the produce aisle...

Have we got a show for you!

Singers: VeggieTales! (8x)

Bob: Broccoli! Celery! Gotta be...

Singers: VeggieTales!

Junior: Lima beans! Collard greens! Peachy keen!

Singers: VeggieTales!

Larry: Cauliflower! Sweet and sour! Half an hour!

Singers: VeggieTales!

There's never-ever-ever-ever-ever been a show like VeggieTales! (2x)

It's time for VeggieTa-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ales!

2010-2014 Version(s)*

Bob: If you like to talk to tomatoes,

Bob, Jimmy, and Jerry: If a squash can make you smile,

All: If you like to waltz with potatoes,

Up and down the produce aisle...

Bob: (clearing throat) Excuse me. Have we got a show for you!

All: VeggieTales! (8x)

Bob: Broccoli! Celery! Gotta be...

All: VeggieTales!

There's never-ever-ever-ever-ever been a show like VeggieTales! (2x)

It's time for VeggieTa-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ales!

*The 2015 version has the same lyrics as this version but only Bob sings the first verse.

Live Show Version

Featured Vocalist: If you like to talk to tomatoes,

Larry: If a squash can make you smile,

Bob: If you like to waltz with potatoes,

Larry: Up and down the produce aisle...

Bob and Larry: Have we got a show for you!

All: VeggieTales! (8x)

Broccoli, celery, gotta be... VeggieTales!

Lima beans, collard greens, peachy keen! VeggieTales!

Cauliflower, sweet and sour, one full hour! VeggieTales!

There's never-ever-ever-ever-ever been a show like VeggieTales!

It’s time for VeggieTales!

Broccoli! (Broccoli!) Celery! (Celery!) Got to be... (Gotta be...) VeggieTales! (VeggieTales!)

Junior: (scatting) Brocco-rocco-rocco-roccoli! Cele-le-le-le-lery! Got to, got to, got to be... VeggieTales!

All: There’s never-ever-ever-ever-ever been a show like VeggieTales! (2x)

It’s time for Veggie — time for Veggie — time for VeggieTales!

There’s never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever been a show like VeggieTa-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ales!

VeggieRocks! Version

VeggieTales... (4x) Ahh...

If you like to talk to tomatoes,

If a squash can make you smile,

If you like to waltz with potatoes

Up and down the produce aisle...

Have we gotta show for you...!

Broccoli! Celery! Got to be... VeggieTales! (Ahh...)

Lima beans! Collard greens! Peachy keen! VeggieTales! (Ahh...)

If you like to talk to tomatoes,

If a squash can make you smile,

If you like to waltz with potatoes

Up and down the produce aisle...

Broccoli! Celery! Got to be... VeggieTales! (Ahh...)

Lima beans! Collard greens! Peachy keen! VeggieTales! (Ahh...)

Cauliflower! Sweet and sour! Half an hour! VeggieTales! (Ahh...)

Broccoli! Celery! Got to be... VeggieTales! (Ahh...)

There’s never ever been a show — never been a show like VeggieTales! (x6)

There’s never ever been a show — never been a show — ever been a show — been a show — never been a show — There’s never ever been a show — never been a show — ever been a show — been a show — never been a show like — VeggieTales!

It’s time for VeggieTales!

Fun Facts

This song opens every episode except for the following:
- The Toy That Saved Christmas
- Larry-Boy and the Rumor Weed
- Esther... The Girl Who Became Queen
- The Ultimate Silly Song Countdown
- The Star of Christmas
- The Wonderful World of Auto-Tainment!
- An Easter Carol
- Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving
  - Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie and The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie don't feature the theme song either, because both titles were theatrical releases.
While writing the song, Mike Nawrocki had trouble trying to find a rhyme for "smile". It eventually dawned on him the next day that "aisle" was the best word.
When Lisa Vischer first heard Kurt Heinecke practicing the song on a tuba, she thought it sounded like a dying elephant.
The theme song was recorded in a small cinder-block room in an old screw factory/storefront in Chicago, Illinois.
Although it’s the first song presented in the series, the theme song was the second song written after God Is Bigger.
Many members of Big Idea’s production crew had been considering the idea of updating the theme song as far back as 2004. Those plans never actually came to fruition until 2010.
An instrumental version of the 2010-2015 theme song is heard during the credits of the DVDs in the Growing Kids series, as well as the credits for every episode of The VeggieTales Show.
The kids laughing at the end is taken from a cartoon sound effect library. The audio is called “Hollywoodedge, Fast Juicy Pie Splat CRT019701”.
Known editors for the opening clip montages are Phil Vischer (1993-1997), Mike Nawrocki (1998-2000), John Wahba (2001-2003), and Steve Hullfish (2004-2006).
Despite popular belief, Larry doesn't actually play the tuba in the theme song. What Larry is actually playing is a sousaphone. The sousaphone was created by John Phillip Sousa as a way for marching band members to easily carry their tubas while marching. Although they produce the same low-pitched sound, their shapes and structures is what makes them different.
On most international releases of VeggieTales episodes, the theme song starts off at the point where Bob says "Have we got a show for you!"
International dubs of the theme song (except for the Finnish, Korean, Taiwanese Mandarin, Greek, and Indonesian dubs) have Larry sing his lines instead of speaking them in rhythm like the original American English version.
- The Japanese and Croatian dubs have Larry's lines sung by Bob, while the Persian dub has Bob's lines sung by Larry.
For most VeggieTales VHS releases from 1994-1996, Bob’s first line of dialogue before the theme song is cut off at the beginning. His line becomes fragmented to "Larry, it's time for the theme song." This was likely due to a video exporting glitch inserting the theme song footage into each new episode.
- The error can be heard on the original 1994-1996 VHS releases of God Wants Me to Forgive Them!?!, Are You My Neighbor? (including its 1997 Lyrick Studios reprint), Rack, Shack and Benny and Dave and the Giant Pickle.
- The 1997 release of Larry-Boy! and the Fib from Outer Space! fixed the error.
Because of the poor audio quality of the openings from 1993-2003, Lisa Vischer is only fully heard in the chorus. When the song was re-recorded in 1998 and 2004, Kurt Heinecke’s and Phil Vischer’s vocals could be heard much more clearly.
According to Phil Vischer‘s autobiography, Me, Myself, and Bob, the same mouth model and animation was used on each veggie that was singing in the original opening.
The 2015 theme song features photos representing every episode of VeggieTales except for the following:
"Very Silly Songs!", "Jonah Sing-Along Songs and More!", "The Wonderful World of Auto-Tainment!", "A Snoodle's Tale", "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie", and "Noah's Ark" are the only episodes to never be featured in any of the theme song clip montages, including the 2015 montage.

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 |distributor =
 |released = 1993
-|runtime = 1:24 (1993-1994)}}
+|runtime = 2 minutes, 3 seconds (1993-2009)
+minute, 24 seconds (2010-2015)}}
 The '''VeggieTales Theme Song''' is the song used as the opening introduction for the [[VeggieTales]] series.

Changes: VeggieTales Theme Song

Revision as of 13:19, 17 July 2021

Contents

Openings

1993

1994-1997

1998-2000

2001-2009

2010-2014

2015

Covers and Other renditions

VeggieTown Values

VeggieTales Live!

VeggieRocks!

God Made You Special

Musikclips

Foreign Exchange Veggies

If I Sang A Silly Song

VeggieTales in the House/in the City

The Best Christmas Gift

Lyrics

1993 Version

1994-2009 Version(s)

2010-2014 Version(s)*

Live Show Version

VeggieRocks! Version

Fun Facts

Gallery