Lessons from 7 Pokémon Theme Songs

When I was seven, when someone asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I wanted to be a Pokémon Master, until I realised, sadly, they’re not real. Stupid reality.

One of the reasons I enjoyed it was the theme songs before the anime (I’m only an anime fan, sorry to disappoint the gamers.) I still listen to it for nostalgic reasons, and to get motivated, and I’m not afraid to be called ‘childish’ for it!

Of course, all of them are simple and motivational drum-up songs about destiny and winning. (And beware their simplicity and the danger of taking them to extremes.)

But there’s some interesting lessons hidden in some of them. We got to start with the first.

1. Gotta Catch ’Em All!

…(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
Pokémon! (Gotta catch ’em all) Gotta catch ’em all
Yeah
…
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

Ah, it’s classic, but the lesson I took away from here is the aspiration of working with others, to reach out a hand, to learn from and teach them, not just beating others and winning.

2. Pokémon Johto!

Everybody wants to be a Master
Everybody wants to show their skills
Everybody wants to get there faster
Make their way to the top of the hill

Each time you try, gonna get just a little bit better
Each step you climb is one more step up the ladder

…

Everybody wants to make a statement
Everybody needs to carve their mark
To stand alone in the victory circle
Stake their claim when the music starts

Give it all you’ve got! You can be the very best ever
Take your best shot! And what you’ll learn will come together

While not explicit, this reminds us that others, like us, have their own ambitions and aspirations, and are trying to get ahead, win and succeed as well. Therefore, we should not forget that our opponents are people too, not just obstacles in our own pursuits, and thus, simply antagonists.

That doesn’t mean we give up or step aside. What we can do, while respecting our competitors, is to do our best, and that’s more than enough, whatever the result.

3. I Wanna Be A Hero

A kid from Pallet Town with a brand new world to see
Don’t know what’s ahead, but it won’t get the best of me
There’s so much to learn and battles to be won
I’ve advanced so far and still there’s always more to come

Don’t forget that whatever our accomplishments, we should remain humble in what we think we know, and be courageous in learning more.

4. Battle Frontier

It’s a battle, win or lose
It’s the friends you make, it’s the road you choose

Again, it’s not the result, it’s the journey (though the song kind of contradicts itself later…?)

5. Battle Cry (Stand Up!)

Sometimes it’s hard to know,
Which way you’re supposed to go.
But deep inside, you know you’re strong.
If you follow your heart, you can’t be wrong.

Sometimes it’s hard to see,
Just what’s your destiny.
But when you find the path that’s true,
You’ll know that’s the one for you.

…

The time is now, the game’s begun!
Together we will fight as one!
Each of us, in our own way,
Can make this world a better place.

…

Just when it seems that you are lost and all alone,
You will find the courage and the strength to carry on.
And if you fall along the way,
Have the faith you’ll be okay.

It’s okay that we aren’t certain of what we want to do, or would do. Whatever we do can have value, and, as the song says, “make the world a better place”.

6. We Will Carry On!

It’s about you,
It’s about me,
It’s about hope,
It’s about dreams.
It’s about friends that work together,
To claim their destiny.

It’s about reaching for the sky,
(Pokémon)
Having the courage,
And willing to try.

It’s about never giving up,
So hold your head up,
And we will carry on,
Pokémon!

Like it says, it’s about all these things.

7. Rival Destinies

A new adventure, another day
One more challenge that comes our way
It’s up to me and you
We know what we’ve got to do

It’s so simple, it feels so right
It all makes sense, when we’re side by side
We lean on one another
And make each other stronger

We are together now, friends forever now
Whatever comes our way, we won’t run away
Standing tall
And one for all
It’s our destiny

There’s no question, no mystery
I’m much better when you’re with me
No mountain we can’t climb
The power’s yours and mine

We are together now, friends forever now
Whatever comes our way, we won’t run away
Standing tall
And one for all
It’s our destiny
Pokémon!

Ooh ooh, you’re my right hand
Ooh ooh, you’re my left
Ooh ooh, you give me courage
You, I promise to protect
Ooh ooh, through every challenge
Ooh ooh, through every fight
Ooh ooh, when we’re together
It always feels so right

Despite the song title, it’s about the importance of friends, and the value of friendship, to better get through the trials and tribulations of life.