Then John Sullivan, the show’s creator, threw a curveball. For the later series in the 1990s (when the show went from funny to actually quite posh with the flat), he needed a new intro. He wanted the song, but bigger.
So, the main theme we all know from the later years—the one with the horns and the full orchestra—is still Ronnie Hazlehurst’s composition. He just re-recorded it with a bigger, brassier sound. No whistling this time. Just pure, triumphant brass.
But then you have the Christmas specials. That’s when Chas & Dave would swoop in again. Their version became the unofficial soundtrack for every family argument about who ate the last Quality Street. It’s chaos. It’s beautiful.
Who Sang Only Fools and Horses Theme Tune
So, Who Actually “Sings” It?
Here’s the real truth, and it’s a bit of a cheat answer. Ronnie Hazlehurst composed and performed the original whistled version. Chas & Dave performed the famous vocal version. And John Sullivan wrote the lyrics.
So, technically, you’re all right. And you’re all wrong. Isn’t that just perfectly Only Fools? A lovely jubbly of confusion.
Rhetorical question time. Does it even matter? No. Because when that first “doo-doo-doo” hits, you’re already smiling. You’re already picturing the yellow Robin Reliant. You’re already thinking of Trigger’s broom.
The singer is a ghost. A composite. It’s a testament to how good the song is that we don’t really care who’s behind it. It belongs to everyone who’s ever watched the Trotter family fall flat on their faces.
So next time you hear it, do me a favour. Give a silent nod to Ronnie. Give a loud cheer to Chas & Dave. And maybe, just maybe, whistle a little bit yourself. You know you want to. It’s the most British thing you’ll do all day.
And if anyone asks you who sings it? Just wink and say “A bloke in a pub and a legend in a recording booth.” That’ll do.
