Writer of hit kids' TV theme responds as Beyoncé is slammed for 'blatant' copy

28 February 2024 , 14:36

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Fans think Beyonce has copied a kids' TV theme tune

A television show theme singer has responded to the outrage that Beyoncé 's new hit, Texas Hold 'Em, copies the Frankin cartoon tune.

Fans of the hitmaker have called out the new country hit for its similarities to a Canadian animated preschool educational children's television series titled Franklin, which is based on the Franklin the Turtle books. This comes after Beyoncé became the first Black woman to top Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, with Texas Hold 'Em reaching the number one spot.

Since the hit debuted, fans and critics have been weighing in on the similarities between the Franklin theme song and Bey's new hit. "Texas Hold ‘Em beat is a sample from the cartoon Franklin," penned one person on X. Another added: "Every time I hear Texas Hold 'Em I remember 'Hey it’s Franklin'."

READ MORE: Beyoncé makes history as first Black woman to ever top the Hot Country Songs chart

Bey released a country-themed track recently (Getty Images for Parkwood)

While a third added: "I just heard on the radio a comparison of Beyoncé’s Texas Hold ’Em song and the theme song from the Franklin the Turtle cartoon? Her/her producers owe the turtle like $25mil for ripping them off. I’m a fan of hers, but wow. This was blatant."

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And now, the singer of the Franklin theme song, Bruce Cockburn, has revealed that he has no plans on making a claim on the country hit. Speaking to TMZ, Mr Cockburn said: "I think Beyoncé’s 'Texas Hold 'Em' is a good record. Unfortunately, I can’t claim to have had any part in writing it."

Fans and critics have drawn comparison from Bey's new to the Franklin cartoon's theme tune

He added: "The rhythmic feel is similar to my theme song for the 'Franklin' TV series, but to my ears, that’s where the similarity stops. 'Texas Hold 'Em' is her song, and I wish her success with it!"

This comes after last week the BeyHive rejoiced when Queen Bey made country music history as she reached the top of the charts replacing Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgrave's chart-topping hit I Remember Everything which sat at number one for 20 weeks.

During the Super Bowl earlier this month, Beyoncé stunned fans when she revealed that will be dropping her new county-inspired album in March. The new album is described as Act II of Renaissance, and will drop on March 29.

Mollie Quirk