Who Sang The Only Fools And Horses Theme Tune

You know that moment when you’re channel-surfing on a rainy Sunday, and suddenly you hear a jaunty, plucky guitar riff? Your brain does a little happy dance, and you stop. You’re not just watching a show; you’re visiting old friends. That’s the power of the Only Fools and Horses theme tune.

The song is called “Stickin’ Around,” and it was written by the brilliant John Sullivan. He was the genius behind the whole show, writing every word of the script and the music. But the big question is: who actually sang that iconic, cheerful melody?

The voice you hear belting out the tune belongs to Ronnie Hazlehurst. Yes, you read that right. The composer himself stepped up to the microphone. He wasn’t a professional singer, which makes it even more brilliant.

Think of it like that time your dad tried to sing along to the radio in the car. It’s not perfect, but it’s full of heart and character. Hazlehurst’s voice has that same lovable, slightly cheeky charm that mirrors Del Boy perfectly.

The Man Behind the Magic

Ronnie Hazlehurst was a legendary television composer. He wrote the themes for Porridge, The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, and Yes Minister. He was basically the musical glue holding British comedy together.

He didn't just hum a tune; he conducted the orchestra while singing in the recording booth. Can you imagine juggling a baton and a microphone? It’s like trying to pat your head and rub your belly, but with a full brass section watching.

His voice has this warm, slightly raspy quality. It sounds like a bloke you’d meet down the pub, telling you a daft story after a few pints. It’s not a polished pop star voice; it’s a real voice.

Why Does This Even Matter?

You might be thinking, “Okay, so it’s a nice bit of trivia. Why should I care?” Well, because that theme tune is a time machine. It instantly transports you to Nelson Mandela House and the Trotters’ flat.

Hearing it is like smelling your nan’s Sunday roast. It’s a tiny, powerful trigger for comfort and nostalgia. Knowing that it was sung by the composer makes it feel even more authentic, like a handmade gift rather than a factory product.

When you hear “Stickin’ Around,” you’re not just hearing a song. You’re hearing the spirit of the show—hardworking, a bit messy, but always optimistic. It’s the musical equivalent of Del Boy’s leather jacket.

The Story Behind the Whistle

Fun fact: the famous whistling part in the middle? That’s not Ronnie. That was done by a session musician named Tony Hatch. They had to bring in a professional because Ronnie’s whistle wasn’t quite hitting the notes.

Imagine that conversation: “Ronnie, love the singing, but your whistle sounds like a kettle with a cold.” It’s a wonderful reminder that even brilliant people know when to call in a mate for help. Teamwork makes the dream work.

The song’s full version has a whole second verse that never made it on TV. It talks about “turning the tables and making life stable.” It’s a sweet, almost hidden message about the Trotters’ dreams of getting rich.

A Tune for Everyday Heroes

Let’s be real: most of us are Trotters, not Rockefellers. We’re hustling, making mistakes, and hoping for a lucky break. That theme tune is our anthem. It says, “Yeah, it’s a bit mad, but we’re sticking around anyway.”

Next time you hear it, listen past the laughter. Listen to that voice. It’s the sound of a bloke who understood that the best things in life aren’t polished to perfection. They’re a bit rough, a lot of fun, and sung from the heart.

So, the next time you’re humming it while washing the dishes, give a little nod to Ronnie Hazlehurst. He wasn’t a superstar crooner. He was just a clever chap who whistled, sang, and gave us a tune that makes us feel like family.

And isn’t that what great television—and great music—is all about? It’s the background noise of our lives, the soundtrack to our own silly, wonderful, everyday adventures. Now, go put the kettle on and stick on an episode. You’ve earned it.