In the wake of SpongeBob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg’s passing this week, many of us are left to mourn the loss of a man whose work defined our collective childhood. We grew up practically memorizing our favorite episodes, and it feels like every frame is projected onto our subconscious. Of course, one of the most well-loved and remembered parts of the show was the music—those endlessly catchy songs we can still sing every word of, even ten years after we listened to them for the first time. So, in celebration of Hillenburg’s work, here is our list of nine of the very best songs from the series.
9. “Ripped Pants”
Perhaps the catchiest songs in the SpongeBob Squarepants canon, “Ripped Pants” has a distinct Beach Boys vibe that fits perfectly into the show’s theme. With clever lyrics and unique instrumentation, this toe-tapping number is endlessly replayable.
8. “Gary Come Home”
We became as attached to SpongeBob’s beloved pet snail Gary as he was, which is why “Gary Come Home” is such a melancholy classic. It may not be as upbeat as some of the other songs on this list, but it’s an important piece of SpongeBob‘s musical history (and still a very good song).
7. “F.U.N. Song”
An iconic track. Who doesn’t love a song about friendship, and then a little insanity at the end, courtesy of Plankton? This catchy and memorable ukulele tune featuring SpongeBob and Plankton is one that’s probably been lodged in your head for 20 years.
6. “Best Day Ever”
This upbeat anthem captures the essence of what SpongeBob is all about—finding the joy in the little things, just like the yellow guy himself does. It’s a fun, optimistic, and uplifting song, no matter what kind of day we’re having.
5. “Campfire Song Song”
“Campfire Song Song” is not only catchy, but a great song to bust out if you ever find yourself around a campfire. With the added bonus of getting to sing as fast as you possibly can, this song is fun for any occasion, around a campfire or otherwise.
4. “Goofy Goober Rock”
The only song on this list from a SpongeBob movie, “Goofy Goober Rock” was too good not to include. Saving the town, and possibly the entire ocean, from Plankton simply with the raw power of rock and roll? What could be better than that?
3. “Krusty Krab Pizza”
Okay, this one’s not as much of a full song as it is a jingle, but it’s as memorable as any traditional tune. Paired with hilarious and over-the-top animation, this song is forever cemented in our minds whenever we happen to be holding a pizza.
2. “This Grill is Not a Home (Without You)”
After a video of two students singing this song as an assignment for chorus class went viral earlier this year, we were reminded of how good, and how sad, it really is. This ballad was not only catchy, but it reminded us that even though the Krusty Krew may be dysfunctional, they’re still a family. Brings a tear to my eye every time.
1. “Sweet Victory”
“Sweet Victory” is the most iconic song from SpongeBob, and it comprises the finale to one of the most beloved episodes of the show, “Band Geeks.” This epic rock ballad, written and performed by singer songwriter David Glen Eisley, hits true feelings of triumph and goes down as a great moment in SpongeBob and animation history.
Image Source: Nickelodeon
