HEY! (HEY!) What A Wonderful Kind Of Day: 7 Shocking Facts About The Arthur Cartoon Theme Song

The theme song from the beloved PBS Kids cartoon Arthur, officially titled "Believe in Yourself," remains one of the most recognizable and uplifting pieces of children's television music in history, even years after the show concluded its original run. As of December 17, 2025, the catchy, reggae-infused tune continues to resonate across generations, instantly transporting listeners back to the fictional town of Elwood City and the life lessons learned by Arthur Read, his little sister D.W., and his friends Buster, Francine, and the Brain. The song’s simple yet profound message of self-belief and community is the backbone of the series, but the story behind its creation and the famous artist who performed it is often a surprising revelation to even the most dedicated fans.

The animated series, which first aired in 1996 and was based on the books by author Marc Brown, ran for an incredible 25 seasons before airing its final episode in February 2022. During that time, its opening theme became a cultural touchstone, cementing its place alongside other iconic children's show anthems. From its distinct Jamaican sound to the high-profile celebrity covers it has inspired, the "Believe in Yourself" theme song is a masterpiece of children's media that deserves a closer look at its enduring legacy and the fascinating details of its production.

The Iconic Reggae-Infused History of 'Believe in Yourself'

One of the most distinctive features of the Arthur theme song is its vibrant, unmistakable reggae rhythm. This is not a coincidence; the song was intentionally crafted with this sound and performed by one of the genre's most respected acts, giving it an authentic and unique feel that set it apart from other animated show themes.

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• The Artist is Reggae Royalty: The theme song, "Believe in Yourself," was performed and co-written by the legendary Ziggy Marley and his band, The Melody Makers. Ziggy Marley is, of course, the son of reggae icon Bob Marley, and his involvement immediately imbued the track with a genuine Jamaican spirit.
• Recorded in Jamaica: The memorable theme song was recorded in Jamaica, further cementing its authentic sound. This decision by the show's producers, including executive producer Carol Greenwald, was a creative masterstroke that helped the song become instantly memorable.
• The Message is the Core: The lyrics, "It's a simple message and it comes from the heart, believe in this, and in yourself, for that's the place to start," perfectly align with the educational and social themes of the *Arthur* series. The show, developed by Marc Brown and Kathy Waugh, consistently focused on empathy, friendship, and problem-solving.
• A Contrast to the Aardvark: The Jamaican sound often puzzled viewers, as the show’s setting, Elwood City, and its main character, Arthur the Aardvark, have no explicit Jamaican connection. However, the universal message of the music transcended any geographical ties, contributing to its global appeal.

The theme song's success highlights the show's commitment to diversity and its willingness to embrace global music influences, making it a pioneering effort in children's television programming on networks like PBS and CBBC.

Full Lyrics: 'Believe in Yourself' - The Anthem of Elwood City

The lyrics to "Believe in Yourself" are a powerful, short lesson in individuality and community. They are the first thing millions of children heard every day, setting a positive tone for a show that dealt with complex issues like bullying, family dynamics, and even serious illnesses.

"Believe in Yourself" (The Arthur Theme Song)

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Every day when you're walking down the street
And everybody that you meet
Has an original point of view
And I say HEY! (HEY!)
What a wonderful kind of day
If we could learn to work and play
And get along with each other

You gotta listen to your heart,
Listen to the beat,
Listen to the rhythm,
The rhythm of the street.
Open up your eyes,
Open up your ears,
Get together and make things better

By working together! (By working together!)
It's a simple message and it comes from the heart
Believe in this (And in yourself)
For that's the place to start (To start)

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And I say HEY! (HEY!)
What a wonderful kind of day
If we could learn to work and play
And get along with each other, hey!
What a wonderful kind of day, hey!
What a wonderful kind of day, HEY!

The Lasting Cultural Impact and Surprising Covers

Despite the show ending its 25-season run in 2022, the theme song's cultural footprint continues to expand, proving its timeless appeal. The song has become a source of nostalgia, a popular meme, and a track covered by major contemporary artists.

A Surprising Modern Cover

In 2016, the theme song experienced a massive resurgence in popularity when Grammy-winning rapper Chance the Rapper released his own studio version.

• "Wonderful Everday: Arthur": Chance the Rapper’s cover, titled "Wonderful Everday: Arthur," was a collaborative effort. He teamed up with his band, The Social Experiment, and featured other prominent artists, including Wyclef Jean and Jessie Ware.
• A Nostalgic Tribute: The cover was a clear tribute to the show’s positive messages, showcasing its lasting influence on artists who grew up with *Arthur* and its cast of characters like D.W., Binky, Muffy, and Buster.

The Christopher Cross Confusion

A common point of confusion for many years has been the existence of another famous, completely separate theme song also titled "Arthur's Theme."

• The Film vs. The Cartoon: The song "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" was a massive hit for singer-songwriter Christopher Cross in 1981.
• Academy Award Winner: The Christopher Cross track was the theme for the 1981 film *Arthur*, starring Dudley Moore, and it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
• Two Arthurs, Two Songs: It is crucial to distinguish between the two: the animated series theme is the reggae "Believe in Yourself" by Ziggy Marley, and the film theme is the soft-rock ballad "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" by Christopher Cross. They share only a name and an era of popularity.

The enduring appeal of the Arthur theme song lies in its simplicity and its powerful, positive message. It’s a testament to the work of Marc Brown, the show’s head writer Peter Hirsch, and the entire production team at WGBH Boston that a simple aardvark’s life lessons, set to a reggae beat by Ziggy Marley, could become a timeless anthem for believing in yourself and getting along with others.