Who wrote the Pokémon theme song?

Though the Pokémon anime debuted in Japan more than a year after the launch of Pokémon Red and Green, the anime has still become just as iconic as the video games for many fans. The animated series is set to enter a new era with new protagonists during its next season, “Pokémon Horizons: The Series.”

Following the recent retirement of Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu, it’s unsurprising that many fans have experienced a new interest in the origins of the series. For those looking to take a trip back in time to 1998, here’s everything there is to know about the English version of the original Pokémon theme song.

Who wrote the Pokémon theme song?

The anime’s first opening theme, officially known as “Pokémon Theme,” was written by John Siegler and John Loeffler, both of whom worked on multiple songs for the Pokémon anime. Siegler, who produced the musical track, also notably composed music for the movie “Pokémon: Detective Pikachu” in 2019.

Meanwhile, Jason Paige provided the lead vocals for the Pokémon theme song. Paige also sang “Viridian City” and provided backing vocals for other songs from the anime. Since first recording it, Paige has released a number of parodies and other versions of the songs.

For example, Paige has released parodies of the original theme about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and 2012 Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul (the latter of which is no longer publicly available). He also re-recorded the song himself following the launch of Pokémon GO in 2016 and appeared in a version with rock singer and YouTuber Jonathan Young in 2018.

“Pokémon Theme” lyrics

The original Pokémon theme song is known for its iconic lyrics, with the most notable line likely being the chorus’ “gotta catch ‘em all.” Since the release of this song, “gotta catch ‘em all” has become the official English slogan for the entire Pokémon franchise.

Keep reading below for the full “Pokémon Theme” lyrics with backing vocals listed in parentheses:

I wanna be the very best
Like no one ever was
To catch them is my real test
To train them is my cause
I will travel across the land
Searching far and wide
Each Pokémon to understand
The power that’s inside

(Pokémon, gotta catch ‘em all)
It’s you and me
I know it’s my destiny
(Pokémon)
Oh, you’re my best friend
In a world we must defend
(Pokémon, gotta catch ‘em all)
A heart so true
Our courage will pull us through
You teach me and I’ll teach you
Pokémon
(Gotta catch ‘em all)
Gotta catch ‘em all
Yeah

Every challenge along the way
With courage I will face
I will battle every day
To claim my rightful place
Come with me, the time is right
There’s no better team
Arm in arm we’ll win the fight
It’s always been our dream

(Pokémon, gotta catch ‘em all)
It’s you and me
I know it’s my destiny
(Pokémon)
Oh, you’re my best friend
In a world we must defend
(Pokémon, gotta catch ‘em all)
A heart so true
Our courage will pull us through
You teach me and I’ll teach you
Pokémon
(Gotta catch ‘em all)
Gotta catch ‘em all

Gotta catch ‘em all
Gotta catch ‘em all
Gotta catch ‘em all
Yeah

(Pokémon, gotta catch ‘em all)
It’s you and me
I know it’s my destiny
(Pokémon)
Oh, you’re my best friend
In a world we must defend
(Pokémon, gotta catch ‘em all)
A heart so true
Our courage will pull us through
You teach me and I’ll teach you
Pokémon
(Gotta catch ‘em all)
Gotta catch ‘em all
(Pokémon)