King Dedede's Theme
"King Dedede's Theme", also known as the "Tower of Midbosses" theme, or just "Dedede's Theme" for short, is a musical piece composed by Jun Ishikawa, which first appeared in Kirby's Dream Land. The theme is, as the name implies, King Dedede's theme, though this was not strictly the case until later in the Kirby series, as Dedede has been associated with other themes in the past. It's one of the most well-known songs from the series, and it often appears alongside the Gourmet Race theme. It has reappeared in many titles since Kirby's Dream Land, with several changes, rearrangements, and remixes along the way; it has also appeared outside of the video games, such as in the Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestra Concert and The Sound of Kirby Café 2.
The theme's leitmotif consists of two sections, though the second of which didn't make an appearance until [[Kirby Super Star|Template:KSS KFP]]. The original first-section version in Kirby's Dream Land and Kirby's Dream Land 2 has a higher key than most later iterations, which are based on the full version in Template:KSS KFP.
Game appearances
Kirby's Dream Land
In Kirby's Dream Land, this theme first appears when Kirby arrives at Mt. Dedede, and later in the final boss battle with King Dedede in the boxing ring. Compared to later iterations, it is relatively simple, with only the first section of the song on loop. It can be found as Track 17 in the game's Sound Test.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
In Kirby's Dream Land 2, the same track from Kirby's Dream Land reappears for his boss battle in Dark Castle - Stage 8. It is more or less identical to the original song, but sounds slightly different due to the differences in the sound engine: the stereo effects are missing, and the bass is slightly more staccato. It can be found as Track 12 in the game's Sound Test.
Template:KSS KFP
In [[Kirby Super Star|Template:KSS KFP]], the final boss battle with King Dedede on Mt. Dedede in Spring Breeze is where his theme first got its second section and became the full theme, which has persisted to the present. It is also used during his battle in The Arena. This version can be found as Track 11 in the game's Sound Test.
Kirby's Dream Land 3
In Kirby's Dream Land 3, "King Dedede's Theme" is remixed with different instrumentation. This remix is used in his boss battle at the end of Iceberg. This version can be found as Track 7 in the game's Sound Test.
Kirby's Star Stacker (SNES)
In Kirby's Star Stacker for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, King Dedede's Theme is remixed using similar instrumentation to Kirby's Dream Land 3, but in 3/4 time with a much faster tempo. This version is the predecessor to Masked Dedede's theme.
Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble
In Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble, a looped first-section version of "King Dedede's Theme" is played in Lvl 8-4 during the battle with King Dedede. This version can be found as Track 27 in the game's Sound Room.
Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
A remix of King Dedede's Theme appears in the Tower of Mid-Bosses stage of the game, Stage 2 of Rainbow Resort. This version is titled "Tower of Midbosses" on the Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition Compilation Soundtrack. This version can be found as Track 18 in the game's Sound Test.
Kirby Air Ride
In Kirby Air Ride, the Template:KSS KFP version of this theme reappears in the game as a Top Ride unlockable to be played on the Fire course if desired. This version can be found as Track 36 in the game's Sound Test.
Template:KCC KPP
In the boss minigame Cart Run of [[Kirby: Canvas Curse|Template:KCC KPP]], a heavily remixed version of "King Dedede's Theme" plays. The main melody is split into many smaller versions and then played with a slight delay between each one, except for the second section of the melody, which is played at its usual tempo and pacing. This version is arranged by Jun Ishikawa.[1] This version can be found as Track 36 in the game's Sound Test.
When the "Old School" sound mode is selected, the Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land arrangement of the track plays in the minigame instead.
Template:KSqS KMoA
In [[Kirby: Squeak Squad|Template:KSqS KMoA]], a remix similar to the Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land version of "King Dedede's Theme" is used during the boss battles with King Dedede and Meta Knight. This version can be found as Track 20 in the game's Sound Player.
Kirby Super Star Ultra
In Kirby Super Star Ultra, "King Dedede's Theme" is remixed with the Nintendo DS sound chip, similar to other remixed songs from Template:KSS KFP. It's still used during the boss battle with King Dedede in Spring Breeze and The Arena. This version can be found as Track 012 in the game's Jukebox.
When clearing Revenge of the King, the cutscene titled "The King and the Sun" plays a remix of "King Dedede's Theme" in the style of "My Friend and the Sunset". This version can be found as Track 088 in the game's Jukebox.
- Main article: The Masked King
In Revenge of the King, King Dedede's Theme is remixed to create a specific new version associated with Masked Dedede. Masked Dedede's theme is titled "The Masked King" (Track 29) in Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition Compilation Soundtrack. It is arranged in a much faster tempo than the original version and appears to take influence from the remix of the theme from the SNES version of Kirby's Star Stacker. This version of the theme has reappeared in many later titles, which can be seen on its own page.
Kirby's Epic Yarn / Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn
In Kirby's Epic Yarn and Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn, an arrangement of "King Dedede's Theme" plays during the boss stage against Dedede in Snow Land. Aside from the re-instrumentation, the theme has no melodic differences from the version first heard in Template:KSS KFP. This version can be found as Track 49 in the game's Tunes.
In Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn exclusively, a remixed medley of "Gourmet Race" and "King Dedede's Theme" is used for the Dedede Gogogo Sub-Game.
Kirby Mass Attack
In Kirby Mass Attack, "King Dedede's Theme" is remixed to serve as the main boss theme, and primarily features Hammond organ and square waves, as well as brass. It is titled "Tough Enemy" in the Music Player.
Template:KRtDL KAW
In [[Kirby's Return to Dream Land|Template:KRtDL KAW]], an arrangement of this theme plays in Nutty Noon - Stage 5 when Kirby enters the Tower of Mid-Bosses there. It is a re-orchestration of the theme at a somewhat higher tempo, though no part of the melody has changed. The remix is titled 激突！中ボスタワー (Clash! Mid-Boss Tower) on the Kirby Wii Music Selection, and can be found as Track 43 in the game's Jukebox.
Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition
In New Challenge Stages of Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition, there is a rare chance of "Clash! Mid-Boss Tower" playing in Magolor Race 1 and Magolor Race 2.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe
In Kirby: Triple Deluxe's Sub-Game, Dedede's Drum Dash, "Dedede's Theme" (as titled) is remixed to serve as the third stage music, using melodica and electric bass much like the other tracks in that sub-game. This version can be found as Track 059 in the game's Jukebox.
This version can also be heard in the rest areas for Levels 1-5 of Dededetour!. Level 6 replaces it with "Clash! Mid-Boss Tower".
In Kirby Fighters, the Kirby's Dream Land 3 version of his theme is reused for the Dedede Arena stage. It can be found as Track 048 in the game's Jukebox.
Kirby Fighters Deluxe
- Main article: History of Dedede
In Kirby Fighters Deluxe, a new version called "History of Dedede" appears during the final battle with Team DDD64 (King Dedede with 61 Mini Dededes and 2 Combo Dededes) on the "Very Hard" difficulty. It's a retro-styled medley of his theme's different versions, composed by Hirokazu Ando.[2]
As in Kirby Fighters, the Kirby's Dream Land 3 version of "King Dedede's Theme" is reused for the Dedede Arena stage.
Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe
In Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe, a new remix of King Dedede's Theme is used as the game's main theme. It is similar to the remix in Dedede's Drum Dash, but uses different instrumentation and is more sped up.
Template:KatRC KatRP
In [[Kirby and the Rainbow Curse|Template:KatRC KatRP]], a remix of "King Dedede's Theme" can be unlocked by collecting one of the Treasure Chests found in the Up the Big Ol' Tree stage, to then be played in the game's Music Room. It sounds very similar to the arrangement featured in Kirby Mass Attack.
Kirby: Planet Robobot
In Kirby: Planet Robobot, an orchestral medley of "King Dedede's Theme" and "My Friend and the Sunset" plays during the boss battle of Dedede Clones & D3. Unlike King Dedede's regular theme, which is usually set in 4/4 time signature, this track is entirely composed in 3/4 time instead, likely because "My Friend and the Sunset" is set in 6/8.
This track is titled "Dedede's Tridimensional Cannon" on the Kirby: Planet Robobot Original Soundtrack, and can be found as Track 51 in the Kirby: Planet Robobot's Jukebox. The Japanese title of this remix is 伝導電磁式三連砲：D.D.D. (Electromagnetic Conduction Triple Turret Cannon: D.D.D.). The romaji of 伝導電磁式 (electromagnetic conduction) from the track name is dendō denjishiki, making it a pun on his name.
In addition, the "Cart Run" version from Template:KCC KPP reappears unaltered in Kirby: Planet Robobot in Rhythm Route - Stage 7 EX.
Kirby's Blowout Blast
In Kirby's Blowout Blast, "King Dedede's Theme" for his standard battle is remixed in the original higher key from Kirby's Dream Land. Only the first section plays in the battle with King Dedede in Level 5 (EX), while the second section from Template:KSS KFP is added in addition to the first for the battle with King Dedede's Revenge on the Secret Path, still in the original higher key and with other very small musical changes compared to the first remix in the game.
Additionally, the "King Dedede's Theme" remix from Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe used as the main theme of that game plays if King Dedede's amiibo is used. However, the drum during the beginning of the song is largely removed in this game.
Kirby Battle Royale
In Kirby Battle Royale, this track appears in the Music Collection as Cake Royale 2 and plays in every cutscene where the focus is on King Dedede during Dedede's Cake Royale. A new and much more aggressive remix plays after Kirby defeats the King in the 1-vs-3 Battle Arena match. This track appears in the Music Collection as Cake Royale 10.
Kirby Star Allies
In Kirby Star Allies, a new version of "King Dedede's Theme" plays during his boss battle. It's arranged by Hirokazu Ando and titled マッチョ オブ デデデ (Macho of Dedede) on Kirby Star Allies: The Original Soundtrack. It's an orchestral arrangement of the theme, with a new segment before the usual melody plays. It also features notable usage of electric bass. "Macho of Dedede" can be found as Track 16 in the Kirby Star Allies Jukebox.
On the Clash at Castle Dedede stage and during the battle with Grand Mam, a new remix including "A New Wind for Tomorrow" and "King Dedede's Theme" is played. On Kirby Star Allies: The Original Soundtrack, it is titled ゆうかんなるものたちへ (Heading for the Brave Ones).
"History of Dedede" from Kirby Fighters Deluxe is reused to replace "Macho of Dedede" in his boss battle on Soul Melter difficulty of The Ultimate Choice. It also plays in Soul Melter EX during the first phase of Parallel Dedede's battle.
Kirby Fighters 2
In Kirby Fighters 2, the Kirby's Dream Land 3 arrangement of the theme is reused for the Dedede Arena stage a third time, and is given a new remix for its Secret Song.
Some parts of the theme are used for the second arrangement of the music that plays during the fight against King Dedede & Meta Knight.
Additionally, the theme is included as part of the medley that plays during the fight against Waning Crescent Masked Dedede & Waxing Crescent Masked Meta Knight.
Furthermore, an arrangement of the "The King and the Sun" theme from Kirby Super Star Ultra, which also incorporates the main theme of Kirby Fighters 2, appears as the true ending credits theme upon clearing the final chapter of Story Mode: The Destined Rivals.
Super Smash Bros. series
"King Dedede's Theme" has been rearranged twice in the Super Smash Bros. series:
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, King Dedede's Theme is remixed by Yoko Shimomura. This version serves as an unlockable theme for the Halberd stage, and reappears in both Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the latter giving it the name "King Dedede's Theme (Brawl)".
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U
In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, "King Dedede's Theme Ver. 2" is arranged and performed by HIDE×HIDE, a Japanese musical duo who play traditional Japanese music. This version is performed with traditional Japanese instrumentation, and serves as a default theme for The Great Cave Offensive stage. This version also appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, under the name "King Dedede's Theme (for 3DS / Wii U)".
Other appearances
Elements of this theme can be heard in other tracks, such as "Havoc Aboard the Halberd", and "Taranza, the Master of Puppetry".
An unreleased arrangement of the theme appears during Max Flexer's workout in the Japanese version of the Fitness Fiend episode in Kirby: Right Back at Ya!.
A short remix of "King Dedede's Theme" was featured in Kirby Pupupu Train as the theme of the "Mt. Dedede (Dedede's Castle) Station".
"King Dedede's Theme" was performed live in the Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestra Concert, as part of the track "King Dedede & Meta Knight Medley".
In The Sound of Kirby Café 2, the Kirby's Star Stacker (SNES) version of the theme is featured in Track 6, 王様きらきらフルコース (The King's Sparkling Full Course).
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | デデデ大王のテーマ Dedede daiō no tēma |
King Dedede's Theme |
See also
References
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- Featured pages
- Music in Kirby's Dream Land
- Music in Kirby's Dream Land 2
- Music in Kirby Super Star
- Music in Kirby's Dream Land 3
- Music in Kirby's Star Stacker (SNES)
- Music in Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble
- Music in Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
- Music in Kirby Air Ride
- Music in Kirby: Canvas Curse
- Music in Kirby: Squeak Squad
- Music in Kirby Super Star Ultra
- Music in Kirby's Epic Yarn
- Music in Kirby Mass Attack
- Music in Kirby's Return to Dream Land
- Music in Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition
- Music in Kirby: Triple Deluxe
- Music in Kirby Fighters Deluxe
- Music in Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe
- Music in Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
- Music in Kirby: Planet Robobot
- Music in Kirby's Blowout Blast
- Music in Kirby Battle Royale
- Music in Kirby Star Allies
- Music in Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn
- Music in Kirby Fighters 2
- Music in Super Smash Bros. Brawl
- Music in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U
- Music in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Music in Kirby Pupupu Train
- Music from Kirby 25th Anniversary Orchestra Concert
- Music in Kirby Café
