The original Pokémon theme song has a catchy tune that fits many classic poems by famous poets like Emily Dickinson and William Wordsworth. While it may seem like a coincidence that this dated, nostalgic song lines up with classic poetry, the reason it works is because of a poetic syllable structure called common meter. This type of poetry has been used for hundreds of years by famous poets and musicians, and more recently by TV shows like the Pokémon animated series.

Common meter is distinguished by a few important characteristics including syllable counts and stresses. Common meter in the Pokémon theme song consists of an 8-6-7-6 syllable count that alternates on each new line. An 8 syllable count, or a line made up of 4 iambs, is called iambic tetrameter, and the 6 syllable count, or a line made up of 3 iambs, is called iambic trimeter. The iambs that make up these lines alternate between unstressed and stressed on each syllable, creating the pattern that makes common meter so catchy.

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The Pokémon theme song isn’t the only show to use this type of meter. While the syllable count is a little different, the theme for Gilligan’s Island also uses a form of common meter according to Ken Ronkowitz on Poets Online Blog, and can be swapped with the Pokémon theme song as well. However, for Pokémon fans who appreciate poetry, there are a number of classic poems that use the same syllables and stresses as the Pokémon theme and can be sung in perfect time to the Pokémon tune for a hilarious comparison.

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Below are a handful of classic poems that can be sung in time to the Pokémon theme song. A large number of Emily Dickinson’s and William Wordsworth’s poems can actually be used for the swap, as both classic poets used common meter frequently in their work. The Pokémon theme lyrics can also be swapped for the tune of other common meter songs.

  • “Because I Could Not Stop For Death” – Emily Dickinson
  • “Tell All The Truth But Tell It Slant” – Emily Dickinson
  • “She Dwelt Among The Untrodden Ways” – William Wordsworth
  • “Amazing Grace” – John Newton
  • “To Althea, From Prison” – Richard Lovelace

While the first Pokémon theme works well for singing poetry, later themes throughout the Pokémon animated series don’t have this ability. The simple lyrics and common meter style were swapped out for a variety of other tunes that have evolved to fit the popular types of music during each new season. Despite the wide library of theme songs the Pokémon anime now possesses, the original theme will likely always have a place in the hearts of fans and will continue to be a nostalgic part of the well-loved series.

Source: Allen Boos/YouTube, Ken Ronkowitz/Poets Online Blog

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Laura Gray
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Laura Gray is a writer, illustrator and gamer in cozy Boise Idaho. They have had a wild freelance career in being a nerd, spending time traveling as a professional cosplayer and becoming a published illustrator while working the night grind as an IT tech. Laura is currently a content writer for D&D campaigns and Screenrant while working on personal writing projects for publication. They are also busy welcoming their first child into their life, which has been the best adventure life has given yet.

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