About the song
“The Monkees Theme,” also known as “(Theme from) The Monkees,” is the upbeat and catchy tune that introduced fans to the wildly popular TV show The Monkees, which debuted in 1966. Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, two songwriters responsible for many of The Monkees’ early hits, the theme song captured the spirit of the group’s fun, youthful energy, blending rock and pop in a way that immediately resonated with the audience.
The song opens with the memorable line, “Here we come, walkin’ down the street,” instantly setting the playful tone for both the TV show and the musical adventures of the band. The Monkees TV show followed the lives of a fictional band trying to make it big, and though The Monkees were initially formed for the show, they became a real band in their own right, with hits like “Last Train to Clarksville” and “I’m a Believer.”
While “(Theme from) The Monkees” wasn’t a chart-topping single, its association with the show made it iconic. The theme appeared on the group’s debut album The Monkees, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and stayed there for 13 weeks. The show and its theme song became a defining part of 1960s pop culture, appealing to both young fans of the era and nostalgic listeners for decades after.
Even though it was more of a TV jingle than a traditional single, “The Monkees Theme” captured the band’s lighthearted and carefree image, and today, it’s still remembered as a symbol of their success and charm.