Complete Rentaghost TV Theme Song (with Lyrics) 👻🎶

The Rentaghost theme tune, with on-screen lyrics and a selection of background clips. Three partial segments of the song were taken from different episodes and cut together for this video.
The song was written and performed by Michael Staniforth, who played Timothy Claypole. Michael sadly passed away in 1987 at age 44, three years after the last episode of Rentaghost was made.
Lyrics ...
If your mansion house needs haunting just call Rentaghost
We've got spooks and ghouls and freaks and fools at Rentaghost
Hear the Phantom of the Opera sing a haunting melody
Remember what you see is not a mystery but Rentaghost
At your party be a smarty and hire Rentaghost
If you want a fright climb the spooky heights with Rentaghost
You can let our spirits move you, and for fun play ghostman's knock
Because we aim to shock, we hope your knees will knock that's Rentaghost
Let me say we're most terrific, simple ghosts not scientific
Merely supernatural ghoulies of the day
Heavy footsteps in your attic means a spectre telepathic
Is descending just to spirit you away, hey!
We are extraordinary fellahs here at Rentaghost
To be another Uri Geller come to Rentaghost
For a biography we've ghost writers and not forgetting a ghost script
An apparition quipped from deep inside a crypt, "ring Rentaghost"
An apparition quipped from deep inside a crypt, "ring Rentaghost"

[@theveryfirst]

Thanks for being part of my childhood. Kids today have no clue!

[@snufkinmatt162]

This song always makes me sad because Michael died so young, another victim of the AIDS epidemic of the 80s. R.I.P.

[@RetroSteveUK]

A great loss. 😢

[@SimonGJHR]

Such a great loss. Talented in so many ways.

[@colmaniac]

Yea so sad, blame the dirty americans with their dirty blood scandal

[@kenpudsey6435]

Michael was a very talented lad..God bless him.

[@stephenpoulson5505]

RIP Michael ❤❤❤

[@darrenlongden8115]

What a great song, takes me right back to my childhood

[@rentaghost37]

This is stuck in my head. I LOVE RENTAGHOST ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@RetroSteveUK]

It is a great piece of music. 😁

[@SamM-oh2cx]

I used to love this back in the day! I did not realise until much later that, Michael Staniforth the Jester, wrote and composed the theme song! What a talented guy. Sadly passed away in 1987 aged just 44.

[@RetroSteveUK]

I've just discovered all this recently, while researching for the retrospective video I'm working on. Poor guy. So many of those actors have passed away. 😢

[@oddities-whatnot]

@@RetroSteveUK Edward Brayshaw who played Mr Meaker died aged just 57 from throat cancer. Very sad indeed.

[@angelacooper2661]

​@@oddities-whatnotEspecially as I have just turned 54! Rentaghost played a major part of my childhood!

[@bunchofgrapesorafig]

​@@angelacooper2661same here Angela ❤ 🙏

[@WhitewashTheThird]

One of the best ever children's programmes..

[@southwestshelly]

wow, it has been decades and decades since I last heard that. thanks for uploading it. I used to watch it waaay back in the day when I was a kid.

[@RetroSteveUK]

I feel the same watching it, eventhough I edited the video.

[@CorvoFG]

This has been in and out of my head since Halloween. I had to find and listen to it in the hope of finally getting it to stop! My 27 year old son thinks I’m mad, going on about this kids show I used to watch!

[@RetroSteveUK]

@@CorvoFG Ah, he'll be doing the same in years to come I'd bet.

[@jonathanstanworth6461]

😊

[@MrBwian]

I almost remembered all the words!!! Not bad for an old blokes memory Cheers for taking me back in time @RetroSteveUK

[@RetroSteveUK]

Well at least you have them up on the screen now. :)

[@FelineFurKin]

I saw some in the early 80s, always loved Timothy Claypole and now quite a fan of Michael Staniforth. For 20 years I didn’t realise that’s him on the original London recording of Starlight Express too, also only discovered in recent years it’s him singing this, and wrote it.

[@jamestuck6764]

Fond memories of this. It went on for a number of seasons I think. I was a bit too old for it in the end but that theme tune always drew me in if only for the first few minutes. Really liked it for some reason.

[@RetroSteveUK]

It has aged very well. I've just recently watched a few episodes.

[@iant9461]

Full volume for me. Pretty much any great tv theme tune back then got the same treatment. Whether it was Swap Shop or World of Sport, followed by Grandstand just after the theme beforehand had finished. Full blast all the way. 😂

[@benday1218]

the bassline is pure class, probably by some nameless session dude.

[@RetroSteveUK]

Totally. Everything about this song is genius.

[@derekhart3308]

Always loved the theme of Rentaghost as coming back from school. Im surprised the BBC never released the theme on record. Thank you putting a full version of the theme brilliant editing, thanks for the memories🎼👀🎩🕵️‍♂️💀 🧙‍♀️🐴🎭

[@RetroSteveUK]

Always a pleasure, and thanks for viewing. Love the emoji selection, btw. 🤗

[@derekhart3308]

@@RetroSteveUK was disappointed at no ghost emoji 🤔

[@sarabalcombe896]

This program is legendary in my opinion, absolutely loved it when I was a kid ❤❤❤

[@JasmineSurrealVideos]

It just popped up in my feed the way they popped in and out lol😂 Loved the theme tune, slightly eerie and Medieval but fun. My fave was the Jester and Mr Meaker!

[@RetroSteveUK]

Ah yes, Timothy Claypole. 🃏

[@Paul_Templer]

Thank you , thank you, best theme tune ever!!!!

[@RetroSteveUK]

Agreed! 🙂

[@stephenpoulson5505]

BRILLIANT REMINDER OF MY CHILDHOOD ❤❤❤

[@Smartion]

Wow… took me straight back to being a little lad :) thank you Steve 🙏🏼

[@RetroSteveUK]

You're welcome. 🙂

[@marthagilbert3459]

This was a really fantastic ghost story

[@El-Ritmo]

Good man! 👍🏻 Expect many views from me 😁 I wish Michael Staniforth was more of a household name - what a legend.

[@RetroSteveUK]

Just recently I've been wondering what we would have seen him in if he'd still been alive all this time. Quite a talent.

[@El-Ritmo]

@@RetroSteveUK Indeed. I like to think it would have been something quite special, but mainstream enough that many, many people would have been exposed to it. But it’s still nice to think that he’s such a fondly-remembered part of the childhood of so many.

[@bunchofgrapesorafig]

Absolutely ❤ rentaghost as a youngster, brings back childhood memories as the theme tune is really a masterpiece in it's own right. RIP Michael and all those who are no longer with us but brought so much joy to us as children 🙏

[@RetroSteveUK]

One of the best TV themes in my opinion. Thanks for viewing. I did a more detailed video about the show on my second channel if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3mkopRmprimbNU

[@bunchofgrapesorafig]

​@@RetroSteveUK thanks for letting me know much appreciated ❤

[@bettyswunghole3310]

For some reason, I want this played at my funeral...

[@rw8733]

It's an absolutely great series and a brilliant theme tune.

[@al3k]

When it came to spooky stuff, nothing beat the Trap Door though.. :p

[@RetroSteveUK]

Berk! Feed me!

[@al3k]

Ooooo globbits! 🤣♥

[@jamesgallagher1992]

​@@RetroSteveUKabsolutely class trap door was..still is😂😂

[@EddieG1888]

This is rapidly turning into my favourite KZbin channel!!🥰

[@RetroSteveUK]

You keep making comments like that and you'll be rapidly turning into my favourite commenter! 😂

[@rw8733]

It's a great channel. I'm 59!

[@PaulJohn01]

Loved that show as a kid but literally forgot it for the last 35/40 years. And yes i did just sing along with it 🤣🤣

[@RetroSteveUK]

I can't stop! Ear worm of the year.

[@Debagio]

I was very little when Rentaghost was on, and the stories pretty much went over my head. However, I did love how the characters would suddenly disappear etc. And when I was probably 6 years old, I met Ann Emery after a Cromer Pier show.. she did the "Get out you silly Horse!" line from the show, which frightened me a bit as a small child. 😆

[@RetroSteveUK]

Good memories. 🙂

[@michaelspilman5220]

dear debagio. Ann emery was dick emerys half sister . From Michael from Yorkshire and proud of it .

[@oddities-whatnot]

Superb bit of nostalgia. I always think its a very sad piece of music but guess with it being about those who have sadly departed us, it fits perfectly.

[@ambidextra_ambidextra]

Seamless work, thank you

[@garrylawless3550]

Hi Steve, you've really excelled yourself with Rent-a-Ghost, complete theme tune and the history of the show, I've really enjoyed both of your videos - thanks again.👍🏻

[@RetroSteveUK]

Thanks for that. The last couple of weeks have felt like a Rentaghost fest in my head. Still loving it though! Thanks for watching .. 🙂👍

[@robindavidwilliams]

Absolutely class...

[@andrewmills3732]

Thank you so much for putting a huge smile on face 👍👍👍👍👍

[@RetroSteveUK]

😁👍

[@dclark988]

Can someone take me badk to my childhood. Such a treasured time Warm summers , cold winters , quality Tv , loving family , lovely food ….

[@RetroSteveUK]

The thing I miss is being able to chat about what was on telly the previous night. We all pretty much watched the same thing when it was only three or four channels.

[@dclark988]

@@RetroSteveUK exactly . People knew who was in top 10 too . Had fewer radio stations too

[@j0hnf_uk]

I loved this in the 70's. The 80's, not so much. And, the less said about the last couple of series, the better..

[@thefrecklepuny]

To be honest, not one of my favourite shows as a kid. However, I did watch now and again. The theme tune is one of the most memorable though.

[@PhflyDan1]

Lyrically excellent! If this was a rap song it would be a classic! As it stands, it IS!! 👍🏾👑🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😇

[@RetroSteveUK]

Yeah, hugely underrated.

[@jindre7547]

MC Timothy Claypole and the Wooooo-Tang Clan

[@ohwiseowl9163]

Yeah awesome , gosh this takes me back ❤

[@jorbed]

The Rest is Entertainment sent me here

[@RetroSteveUK]

What's that? A website?

[@LinoWalker]

​@RetroSteveUK It's a podcast :)

[@RetroSteveUK]

@@LinoWalker Ooh! I'll have to check that out.

[@ThisLittleShow]

me too 😁

[@hagar6359]

memories lol! Thanks Steve

[@RetroSteveUK]

😁👍

[@leechilds3725]

My favourite TV programme as a kid in the 80s. Have the complete collection on dvd .

[@RetroSteveUK]

Wow! All the seasons? That's quite a feat.

[@paulwalker6967]

Claypole the jester was the funniest.

[@cornishrider]

Arthur Meeker was ace as not only did he frequently loose his rag but he smoked around in a Triumph Herald

[@angelacooper2661]

My Grandpa had a maroon Triumph Herald when I was growing up!

[@cornishrider]

@@angelacooper2661 proper car!

[@niansenx]

I love the growly vocals at 1:10

[@RetroSteveUK]

I've always liked that too.

[@chuckjjohnston4568]

I remember loving this as a kid, can't remember a single storyline. Oddly, I remember Miss Popov (Mrs??). Coronation Street ruined that as I got older..

[@RetroSteveUK]

Yeah, at a young age I think I might have had a thing for her, and yes .. Coronation Street ruined it! 🤣

[@TonyTarantula]

Now that I'm grown, I appreciate the lyrics a whole lot more.

[@RetroSteveUK]

I felt the same, although it's a lot to do with the fact that I couldn't understand half of what he was singing about back then. Now we can look up words, it's much easier.

[@Daracdor]

Mr Claypole !

[@RetroSteveUK]

Legend! 🃏

[@carlsherwin5557]

What a theme tune and programme my brother and me used to watch this all the time brilliant,but the scariest of all was the boy from space

[@RetroSteveUK]

Used to watch it with my sister. We both loved it, and still do.

[@zaftra]

Takes me back to my dying days of school.

[@Urko2005]

Great series.

[@oldhat6100]

At your party be a smarty and hire Rentaghost! 😂 👻

[@user-gs6fu6pf5c]

Great memories!

[@dawnyWestScotland]

Takes me right back 😆💙

[@jodespencer4011]

This song x

[@SamtanKorito]

Oh wow this took me back to 1978 sat in front of the tv at my nannas having tea. Before I drove home from my first job cutting grass for Newport borough council. ( that’s if my car would start always had a flat battery)

[@fayecox9401]

I loved this as a child

[@derekporter7658]

I used to watch this as a bairn/teen, and the theme tune is very memorable. Sadly it got silly and descend into chaos at the end.

[@RetroSteveUK]

Often the case with successful programmes. Still a classic in our hearts, though. 🤗

[@descheers2217]

Rentaghost rocks

[@RetroSteveUK]

I don't think any other theme tune has conjured up so much nostalgia for me, as this one.

[@descheers2217]

@@RetroSteveUK I didn't know most of the words but the tune is such a memorable one. Solid gold

[@hopebgood]

I remember seeing the first episode of this and I thought it was awful. It went on for years. I love watching old kids telly from back in the day but I still remember how amazed I felt that people actually got paid for this shite.

[@80sandretrogubbins25]

Still better than Galloping Galaxies. I have an episode of that but have resisted uploading it for months.

[@moogthedog2816]

There was a full-length 7" single of this from BBC records that had at least one more verse. I had a download of it many many moons ago, but it didn't survive a crash and I've not heard it since :(

[@RetroSteveUK]

You got me on a mission now, to find the lost full song! 🤓

[@moogthedog2816]

@@RetroSteveUK Seeing this, I went on a hunt this morning. I've seen a catalogue listing for the record in the past, but I'm blowed if I can find it now. IIRC The download came from the old TV Cream website, back in the 2000s - so if you have contacts that would have access to backups...?

[@RetroSteveUK]

Discogs marketplace might be worth a shot for the 7", and Wayback Machine might provide access to previous versions of the TV Cream website.

[@al3k]

❤

[@jeffwolcott7815]

If anyone is dying, I hear they are still hiring, at Rentaghost!

[@RetroSteveUK]

One of the alternative lyrics? There are a few.

[@jeffwolcott7815]

@@RetroSteveUK I made it up, but I did have the theme in mind.

[@RetroSteveUK]

Well I believed it! 😄 If you can find a copy of the Rentaghost annual (or a scan of it online) there are about four or five extra verses printed in there that weren't used in the show.

[@garethglitter5932]

That demonic laughing at the end......

[@El-Ritmo]

Maybe this is something you'll have in your video, Steve, but, as well as the slightly different original version I added in one of my other comments (I wish I knew why it was changed as it's not hugely different, and I prefer "ESP" to "mystery" in the first verse), I found an article on the BBC website that said Michael Staniforth's first theme tune for _Rentaghost_ had to be changed because it was too similar to _The Exorcist_ . I'd love to hear that one 😃

[@RetroSteveUK]

There were a few variations of the verses, and I originally thought they came in much later, but they actually show up in the intros on series one. I decided to stick with the version that was used the most, as it's likely to be the most memorable for a lot of us. Interestingly, a Rentaghost annual from back then lists about four or five variations that I haven't heard used in the show.

[@El-Ritmo]

@@RetroSteveUK That choice makes sense (though it would be fun to hear a supercut of every version available, assuming they were all actually recorded).

[@RetroSteveUK]

@@El-Ritmo - I've just been snipping out a part of Episode 2 (Series 1) tonight & I noticed the ESP version, but the quality of sound is marginally lower on that, than on the original version. It would have to be a some kind of suprecut.

[@Jeff-gj7ko]

I want this show on BBC America and Brit Box.

[@RetroSteveUK]

Someone pointed out to me just yesterday that Britbox have recently added all 9 seasons to their library. I don't know how they got hold of them, as they're lost media, but there they are!

[@80sandretrogubbins25]

There had been rumours about a film version with Ben Stiller, but probably came to nothing.

[@boofuls]

There's an A.I. kate bush sings rentaghost on KZbin..its good 😊

[@RetroSteveUK]

I just looked it up. I'm now haunted. 🫨

[@boofuls]

@@RetroSteveUK 😂👻

[@MrIrrepressible]

Audery, is that you?

[@RetroSteveUK]

Audrey Roberts, ftw! 😁

[@stephennoonan8417]

0:29

[@RetroSteveUK]

Any context to go with this?

[@stephennoonan8417]

@@RetroSteveUK End titles begin here.

[@RetroSteveUK]

@@stephennoonan8417 Ah yes, that's where I made the cut & splice.

[@stephennoonan8417]

@@RetroSteveUK Seamless! 😁

[@user-kq9be2yb2f]

Table scrap, S C.U.B......?

[@RetroSteveUK]

Eh?

[@chunkymonkey55555]

It is so good and sucks at the same time, like Jimmy Nail.

[@RetroSteveUK]

It was acceptable in the 80s, (and the 70s.) 😊

[@chunkymonkey55555]

@@RetroSteveUK (I used to love the show as a little kid ) :)

[@johnpoile1451]

Aimi Mc Donald anyone?

[@RetroSteveUK]

Indeed .. 🫦

[@cableguy786]

Thanks 😊

[@MrWilliam-lh3ky]

OMG 😳😁 I loooved this programme. My brother and I would watch it together 😊 thanks for putting on YT 🫶

[@RetroSteveUK]

No sweat! Always a pleasure.