Pokémon Theme


 * If you were looking for the CD, see Pokémon Theme (single).

Pokémon Theme is the opening theme song for the English dub of the first season, Pokémon: Indigo League. It was used from Pokémon - I Choose You! to Friends to the End. Being featured in 79 episodes, it is the most-used dub opening theme. The opening animation is composed of clips from the first Japanese opening, Aim to Be a Pokémon Master, and episode clips from the Pokémon: Indigo League season. It was written and produced by John Loeffler. The lead vocal was sung by Jason Paige.

The song was played at the end of the VHS A Sneak Peek at Pokémon. A full version of the song is available on the Pokémon 2.B.A. Master and audio CDs, and includes a second verse not usually heard in the show. This version is also featured in the episodes of the anime Bye Bye Butterfree, All Fired Up!, and Friends To The End. Another full version sung by was the theme played during the opening credits of Mewtwo Strikes Back, and is the first track on the movie's soundtrack.

Pokémon Theme was later used as the first verse of Born to Be a Winner, a later opening theme.

A remixed version titled Pokémon Theme (Version XY) is the opening theme song for the season Pokémon the Series: XY. It was used from Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin! to Bonnie for the Defense!. The opening animation is composed of clips from the first Japanese opening, V (Volt). A full-length version is used as the opening song of Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction.

An orchestral version of the song is part of the setlist for Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions.

A remixed version titled Pokémon Theme (Gotta Catch 'Em All) was played as the opening theme of I Choose You!. It was performed by Ben Dixon, produced by Ed Goldfarb and Stan Cotey, and mixed by Jeff Stuart Saltzman. A solo piano version of the theme performed by Ed Goldfarb is used as part of the ending after.

Synopsis
The clip begins with and a shining  floating in space, as the camera focuses on Earth, while the sun starts to rise. The next scene shows alone in a stadium. After that, a, and  are shown quickly, before changing to a  being caught, to which Ash snaps excitedly. Shortly afterwards, the camera shows a using  on, paralyzing him.

Ash then flips his hat backwards and throws a Poké Ball to the camera. In the following scene, Ash can be seen running along with his, an and a , who then jumps to the skies, disappearing between the Legendary birds, who are flying around. Then, a short clip of a unrolling itself, a  and Charmander is shown, followed by Ash and Pikachu sitting on a, as they watch a  jumping out of the water, and a  jumping in. After that, a Poké Ball is seen trapping a Pokémon who has turned into red energy.

A battle between Pikachu and is seen, with the former dodging a  of the latter; and then, a  bracing for an ' and a 's incoming attack. In the next scene, Ash is seen hugging his Pikachu, followed by a giant attacking a building. Ash then is seen holding a Poké Ball; followed by an. Later, Ash appears to be looking at the screen, when and  appear on either side of him, followed by Jessie and James rising up in front of them. Koffing, and Ekans jump up next, followed by  holding a Poké Ball.

The camera then runs across while using,  while using  and ; before Pikachu runs between Ash and a  and jumps. The next scene introduces, Delia Ketchum, Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy, as they nod, the camera then shows a giant Charizard using Flamethrower, and Ash and hide behind a boulder, later, a Squirtle is seen running towards Ash, followed by a hug.

The camera does a close-up on Pikachu, and subsequently zooms out, showing Pikachu standing on a Pidgeotto, a holding a Squirtle, and a  holding Bulbasaur. The last scene then shows up, on which Ash raises his feet and throws the Poké Ball to the screen, much like a, followed by a spinning Poké Ball and the Pokémon logo.

TV version
''I wanna be the very best Like no one ever was To catch them is my real test To train them is my cause

I will travel across the land Searching far and wide Teach Pokémon to understand The power that's inside

Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), it's you and me I know it's my destiny (Pokémon!) Oh, you're my best friend In a world we must defend Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), a heart so true Our courage will pull us through You teach me, and I'll teach you Po-ké-mon (Gotta catch 'em all!) Gotta catch 'em all! Pokémon!''

Short version
A shorter, 30-second version is used in some airings of Volcanic Panic and Beach Blank-Out Blastoise, as well as the ending for episodes which aired as part of the second season, Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands.

''I wanna be the very best Like no one ever was To catch them is my real test To train them is my cause

Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), a heart so true Our courage will pull us through You teach me, and I'll teach you Po-ké-mon (Gotta catch 'em all!) Gotta catch 'em all! Pokémon!''

Extended version
''I wanna be the very best Like no one ever was To catch them is my real test To train them is my cause

I will travel across the land Searching far and wide Teach Pokémon to understand The power that's inside

Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), it's you and me I know it's my destiny (Pokémon!) Oh, you're my best friend In a world we must defend Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), a heart so true Our courage will pull us through You teach me, and I'll teach you Po-ké-mon! (Gotta catch 'em all!) Gotta catch 'em all!

Yeah...

Ev'ry challenge along the way With courage I will face I will battle ev'ry day To claim my rightful place

Come with me, the time is right There's no better team, Arm in arm, we'll win the fight It's always been our dream

Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), it's you and me I know it's my destiny (Pokémon!) Oh, you're my best friend In a world we must defend Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), a heart so true Our courage will pull us through You teach me, and I'll teach you Po-ké-mon! (Gotta catch 'em all!) Gotta catch 'em all!

Gotta catch 'em all! Gotta catch 'em all! Gotta catch 'em all! Yeah!

Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), it's you and me I know it's my destiny (Pokémon!) Oh, you're my best friend In a world we must defend Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), a heart so true Our courage will pull us through You teach me, and I'll teach you Po-ké-mon! (Gotta catch 'em all!) Gotta catch 'em all! Pokémon!''

Movie version
''I wanna be the very best Like no one ever was To catch them is my real test To train them is my cause

Ooh-ooh-ooh!

I will travel across the land Searching far and wide Each Pokémon to understand The power that's inside (That's inside)

Pokémon! It's you and me I know it's my destiny (Pokémon!) Oh, you're my best friend In a world we must defend Pokémon! A heart so true Our courage will pull us through You teach me and I'll teach you Po-ké-mon (Gotta catch 'em) Gotta catch 'em Gotta catch 'em all

Every challenge along the way With courage I will face I will battle every day To claim my rightful place

Come with me, the time is right There's no better team, yeah! Arm in arm we'll win the fight It's always been our dream (It's always been our dream)

Pokémon! It's you and me I know it's my destiny (Pokémon!) Oh, you're my best friend In a world we must defend Pokémon! A heart so true Our courage will pull us through You teach me and I'll teach you Po-ké-mon (I'll teach you!) (Gotta catch 'em) Gotta catch 'em Gotta catch 'em all! Pokémon!

Extended movie version
''I wanna be the very best Like no one ever was To catch them is my real test To train them is my cause

Ooh-ooh-ooh!

I will travel across the land Searching far and wide Each Pokémon to understand The power that's inside (That's inside)

Pokémon! It's you and me I know it's my destiny (Pokémon!) Oh, you're my best friend In a world we must defend Pokémon! A heart so true Our courage will pull us through You teach me and I'll teach you Po-ké-mon (Gotta catch 'em) Gotta catch 'em Gotta catch 'em all

Every challenge along the way With courage I will face I will battle every day To claim my rightful place

Come with me, the time is right There's no better team, yeah! Arm in arm we'll win the fight It's always been our dream (It's always been our dream)

Pokémon! It's you and me I know it's my destiny (Pokémon!) Oh, you're my best friend In a world we must defend Pokémon! A heart so true Our courage will pull us through You teach me and I'll teach you Po-ké-mon (Gotta catch 'em) Gotta catch 'em Pokémon!

Pokémon! It's you and me I know it's my destiny (Pokémon!) Oh, you're my best friend In a world we must defend Pokémon! A heart so true Our courage will pull us through You teach me and I'll teach you Po-ké-mon (I'll teach you!) (Gotta catch 'em) Gotta catch 'em Gotta catch 'em all! Pokémon!

Humans

 * Jessie
 * James
 * Nurse Joy
 * Officer Jenny
 * Giselle
 * Nurse Joy
 * Officer Jenny
 * Giselle
 * Giselle
 * Giselle
 * Giselle

Pokémon

 * (A.J.'s)
 * (Giselle's)
 * (A.J.'s)
 * (Giselle's)
 * (A.J.'s)
 * (Giselle's)
 * (A.J.'s)
 * (Giselle's)
 * (A.J.'s)
 * (Giselle's)
 * (A.J.'s)
 * (Giselle's)
 * (A.J.'s)
 * (Giselle's)
 * (A.J.'s)
 * (Giselle's)
 * (Giselle's)

Opening animation spoilers

 * Ash receives his starter Pokémon,.
 * The capture of Ash's Bulbasaur.

Credits

 * Lead Vocal: Jason Paige
 * BG Vocals: Kati Mac, Jason Paige, John Loeffler, Ken Cummings, Louis Cortelezzi
 * Guitars: Larry Saltzman, David Rolfe
 * Co-produced and arranged by John Siegler

Trivia

 * Sheet music for this song was included in Pokémon 2.B.A. Master: Recorder Fun!, the and Pokémon Five-Finger Piano.
 * This is one of the songs featured in the American release of.
 * This song was included on the Exclusive Target Mix! and Exclusive Toys R Us Mix! CDs.
 * This song uses.
 * Moltres is the only one of the Legendary birds that does not make an appearance in the opening. The footage from Aim to Be A Pokémon Master where it appeared was cut out.
 * The first "Pokémon" sung after the guitar solo in the full version has different backing vocals added to it. This can be heard more clearly in the full instrumental version.
 * The song was played on BBC Radio One's 2011 Christmas special.
 * The singer of the Danish version, Michael Elo, was also the original Danish voice of Professor Oak.
 * Xander Mobus, the announcer of Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U, sang the song upon request but got worn out after the first verse.
 * The song was number 1666 during the 2015 Top2000 on Radio 2 in the Netherlands.
 * It was placed on in the Top2000 again in 2016. This time placing on number 232, 1434 places higher than the previous year.

Errors

 * When, Ekans, and Koffing all jump onscreen, Meowth's right fang disappears for a split-second.
 * Several official sources (including lyric booklets from music CDs and closed captions in the anime) mis-transcribe the lyrics as "Each Pokémon to understand the power that's inside." John Loeffler has stated that the intended lyric is "teach", not "each".

Synopsis
A thick mist clears and Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie are shown standing on a hill. Ash and Pikachu are shown while the scene splits diagonally, with the other half showing Ash and Pikachu eating sandwiches. The next scene shows Serena while the scene splits diagonally, with the other half showing Serena and her Fennekin while she chooses between two hats. She throws the red hat away and wears the pink hat. Clemont and Bonnie are then shown and the scene splits diagonally, with the other half showing Clemont fixing one of his inventions while Bonnie chases after Chespin and Dedenne. His invention explodes and Bonnie lies on the floor. The Team Rocket trio are on their balloon, holding binoculars. Meowth accidentally falls and Jessie and James try to grab him. comes out of its Poké Ball and the trio falls out of their balloon. Ash commands Pikachu to use. Chespin uses, while Clemont instructs Bunnelby to use. Bonnie jumps for joy while Dedenne uses. Serena is shown while Fennekin uses. Ash is then shown while Froakie shoots, and Fletchling uses. Pikachu finally uses. Lucario is (briefly) seen Mega Evolving. Ash and his friends are running outside a restaurant.

The "Pokémon Gotta catch 'em all!" logo is shown while the following scenes are in the background (the logo is not present in certain international versions). Two Vivillon and three Swanna are flying in the sky near a grape tree. A school of Luvdisc, a school of Remoraid, a Gorebyss, Octillery and Mantyke are swimming in the ocean. Two Furret are in a garden of flowers while four Swanna fly in the sky. A town near the pier is drizzling. A Parasol Lady, a lady with a female Meowstic, and a Quagsire holding a leaf to shield itself from the rain are in the town as well. Three Wooper and a Ducklett are on the pier. A Lotad and a Lombre are in the water, while a Magikarp leaps out of the water. Several Pidgey soar into the sky. The "Gotta catch 'em all!" slogan disappears, and "the Series XY" appears below the "Pokémon" logo.

TV version
''I wanna be the very best Like no one ever was To catch them is my real test To train them is my cause

(Pokémon!) (Gotta catch 'em all), it's you and me (Pokémon!) I know it's my destiny (Pokémon!) Yeah, you're my best friend In a world we must defend (Pokémon!) (Gotta catch 'em all) Gotta catch 'em all Gotta catch 'em all! Pokémon!''

Movie version
''I wanna be the very best Like no one ever was To catch them is my real test To train them is my cause

I will travel across the land Searching far and wide Each Pokémon to understand The power that's inside

(Pokémon!) (Gotta catch 'em all), it's you and me (Pokémon!) I know it's my destiny (Pokémon!) Yeah, you're my best friend In a world we must defend (Pokémon!) (Gotta catch 'em all), a heart so true (Pokémon!) Our courage will pull us through You teach me, and I'll teach you Po-ké-mon! (Pokémon!) (Gotta catch 'em all) Gotta catch 'em all Gotta catch 'em all!

Every challenge along the way With courage I will face I will battle every day To claim my rightful place

Come with me, the time is right There's no better team Arm in arm, we'll win the fight It's always been our dream

(Pokémon!) (Gotta catch 'em all), it's you and me (Pokémon!) I know it's my destiny (Pokémon!) Yeah, you're my best friend In a world we must defend (Pokémon!) (Gotta catch 'em all), a heart so true (Pokémon!) Our courage will pull us through You teach me, and I'll teach you Po-ké-mon! (Pokémon!) (Gotta catch 'em all) Gotta catch 'em all Gotta catch 'em all!

(Gotta catch 'em all) Gotta catch 'em all Gotta catch 'em all! Pokémon!''

Humans

 * Jessie
 * James
 * Jessie
 * James
 * Jessie
 * James

Pokémon

 * (multiple)
 * (three)
 * (multiple)
 * (multiple)
 * (Mega Lucario; only partly seen)
 * (multiple)
 * (Elegant Pattern; two)
 * (female)
 * (multiple)
 * (three)
 * (multiple)
 * (multiple)
 * (Mega Lucario; only partly seen)
 * (multiple)
 * (Elegant Pattern; two)
 * (female)
 * (multiple)
 * (Mega Lucario; only partly seen)
 * (multiple)
 * (Elegant Pattern; two)
 * (female)
 * (multiple)
 * (Elegant Pattern; two)
 * (female)
 * (Elegant Pattern; two)
 * (female)

Opening animation spoilers

 * capturing a and a.
 * obtaining a.
 * having a and a, and capturing a  for  to care for.

Trivia

 * When the is Mega Evolving, Lucario cannot be clearly seen, although it can be partly seen in a single frame of the shot. The Mega Evolution logo can be clearly seen, though.
 * Although the switch to widescreen occurred over 200 episodes ago, this is the first dub opening that features the intro credits outside of a 4:3 ratio. This was done because before this point, many networks still cropped the 16:9 episodes to a 4:3 ratio.
 * The instrumental version that is used in the end credits uses a different instrumentation from the main lyrical version.
 * There is an extended version of the song, but it is only heard in the dub of Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction.
 * The vocals were removed in the initial television airings of the movie.
 * An instrumental version of this song was used in Till We Compete Again!.
 * Despite the amount of companies around the globe changing their dubbing staff or dubbing company altogether, which leads into inconsistencies and errors within the different translations of the Pokémon anime, all of the dub lyrics of this song are consistent with their respective season 1 counterpart from each language.
 * The only exception to this is the Russian version, as its current dub (which picked up from season 14) is completely unaffiliated with the original one (which ceased midway through season 2).
 * While the TV version only includes the first verse of the original song and skips the second, the lyrics in the Danish version were altered to commingle the first two verses of the original song into one instead. The lyrics from the original song were not restored for the movie version; instead, the first verse was kept as-is from the TV version, and the second verse was re-translated.
 * The dub featured a different, original song as the first season opening, though a translation of the Pokémon Theme was made for the first movie. Despite this, a new translation was made years later for re-runs, the lyrics of which were also used for the XY version.
 * In the dub, early intro themes were kept in English. For the XY intro, the lyrics were taken from the Pokémon 2.B.A. Master soundtrack released in Greece, despite said CD being completely unaffiliated with the actual Greek dub of the anime.

Errors

 * During the scene of a rainy town, a male is miscolored as a female Meowstic.

Lyrics
''I wanna be the very best Like no one ever was To catch them is my real test To train them is my cause

I will travel across the land Searching far and wide Each Pokémon to understand The power that's inside

Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), it's you and me I know it's my destiny (Pokémon!) Oh, you're my best friend In a world we must defend Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), a heart so true Our courage will pull us through You teach me, and I'll teach you Po-ké-mon! (Gotta catch 'em all!) Gotta catch 'em all!

Every challenge along the way With courage I will face I will battle every day To claim my rightful place

Come with me, the time is right There's no better team, Arm in arm, we'll win the fight It's always been our dream

Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), it's you and me I know it's my destiny (Pokémon!) Oh, you're my best friend In a world we must defend Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), a heart so true Our courage will pull us through You teach me, and I'll teach you Po-ké-mon! (Gotta catch 'em all!) Gotta catch 'em all!

Gotta catch 'em all!''

In other languages
Pokémon Thema (Musiktitel) OP01 Thème Pokémon Pokémon Theme Pokémon Theme