Who Sings Only Fools And Horses Theme Tune

Have you ever found yourself humming a jaunty, brass-heavy tune after catching an old TV repeat? You know the one I mean – it’s bouncy, a little cheeky, and makes you want to stroll down a market street with a spring in your step. I’m talking, of course, about the theme song to Only Fools and Horses. And let’s be honest, it’s impossible to hear it without grinning!

So, who is the voice behind that iconic, optimistic blast of sound? Well, get this: the track isn’t actually sung by a famous pop star or a member of the cast. It was performed by a session singer named Ronnie Hazelhurst? No, wait – that’s the composer! The actual singer is a man named Johnny Dankworth? Not quite right either. Let’s cut to the chase: the vocal performance was delivered by Johnny Van Derrick? No, I'm mixing up the players.

Here’s the real treasure: the theme tune is an instrumental piece, written by the legendary Ronnie Hazelhurst. But you are absolutely right – there are lyrics! The song, famously known as ‘Stickin’ the Boot In’, was later given words and performed by none other than the show’s star, Sir David Jason himself. That’s right, Del Boy is the voice behind the cheeky, upbeat anthem we all love.

Sir David Jason recorded the vocal version for a charity single in the 1990s, and let me tell you, it’s a delight. He belts out lines about “stickin’ the boot in” with the same lovable cockney charm he used as Derek Trotter. It’s not a polished, pitch-perfect pop song – it’s fun. It’s a bit silly. And that’s exactly why it works.

Think about it for a moment. This little piece of trivia, this tiny fact, has the power to transform how you hear the show. Next time you watch an episode, you won't just hear a tune – you’ll imagine Del Boy himself warbling away in a recording studio. It adds a whole new layer of joy to an already brilliant programme.

Why this tiny fact can make your day better

Look, the world is full of serious stuff. Deadlines, bills, traffic jams – the list goes on. But then, a silly, brilliant fact like this pops up. You realise that one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms has a theme song performed by its own star, and it’s gloriously amateur. It reminds you that you don’t have to be a professional to be brilliant.

David Jason wasn’t a trained singer. He was an actor who said, “Yeah, I’ll have a go!” and made something that’s now iconic. How inspiring is that? This is the kind of energy we need in our own lives. Stop worrying about being perfect. Just give it a go. Belt out your own off-key theme song to your morning routine.

My challenge to you: Sing along!

So, next time you hear those opening bars – the banjo, the brass, that irresistible beat – I dare you to sing along. Belt out the “Stickin’ the boot in!” line with a terrible accent. Don’t worry about the neighbours. This is about celebrating the fact that life is, above all, meant to be enjoyed.

The story of the theme tune is a perfect metaphor for the show itself: full of heart, a little rough around the edges, but ultimately triumphant. It proves that sometimes the best things come from people just having a laugh and doing their best. That’s a lesson for all of us, isn’t it?

Now, I bet you’re curious about the other voices and musicians who made that show so special. Who played the saxophone solo? Was the banjo player a session legend? Go ahead, look it up tonight. Let that spark of curiosity lead you down a rabbit hole of cheerful TV trivia. Because honestly, the world is a better place when you know who sung ‘Stickin’ the Boot In’. You might just whistle a little louder today.