The late 1960s were a wild time for television, especially for kids. Saturday mornings were synonymous with cartoons, and among the most… unique was H.R. Pufnstuf. This Sid and Marty Krofft creation was a psychedelic adventure featuring life-sized puppets and a fantastical island setting. But did you know this bizarre children’s show has a surprising link to a classic song? It turns out Paul Simon thought the theme tune sounded a little too familiar, specifically like his own hit, “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)”. A lawsuit later, and Simon’s songwriting credit appeared at the end of each episode.
Simon & Garfunkel, the duo behind 'The 59th Street Bridge Song', in a promotional image.
Released in 1966 on the album Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, “The 59th Street Bridge Song” by Simon & Garfunkel is a concise and uplifting gem. At just under two minutes, it’s a burst of pure musical sunshine. The “59th Street Bridge” itself is actually the Queensborough Bridge in New York City. Even in the supposedly simpler times of the mid-60s, Simon’s lyrics captured a universal feeling of needing to slow down:
“Slow down you move too fast, you’ve got to make the morning last…”
For many, this song is an instant mood booster. Its catchy melody and feel-good vibes make it an earworm that can happily replay in your mind for hours. Consider yourself warned – you might be humming “Feelin’ Groovy” all day after reading this!
While H.R. Pufnstuf might be remembered fondly by some, it only ran for a single season of 17 episodes. However, constant reruns cemented its place in pop culture. Looking back, the show’s strange plots and somewhat unsettling characters give it a distinctly creepy vibe. Rumors even circulated about a connection to marijuana use, given the show’s title (Puf-N-Stuf). However, Marty Krofft himself denied these claims in a 2005 interview, stating, “No drugs involved. You can’t do drugs when you’re making shows. Maybe after, but not during. We’re bizarre, that’s all.”
The album cover of 'Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme' by Simon & Garfunkel, featuring 'The 59th Street Bridge Song'.
So, what do you think? Does the H.R. Pufnstuf intro sound a little too “Feelin’ Groovy”? Judge for yourself by listening to both songs. It’s a fun piece of music trivia that connects a beloved cartoon to a timeless classic. And perhaps, the next time you need a little lift, put on “The 59th Street Bridge Song” and remember to slow down and feel groovy.
