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King Dedede's Theme

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King Dedede's Theme
Various arrangements of "King Dedede's Theme".
Details
Debut appearance Kirby's Dream Land (1992)
Last appearance Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe (2023)
Other appearance(s) Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby Super Star
Kirby's Dream Land 3
Kirby's Star Stacker (Super Famicom)
Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble
Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
Kirby Air Ride
Kirby: Canvas Curse
Kirby: Squeak Squad
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Kirby Super Star Ultra
Kirby's Epic Yarn
Kirby Mass Attack
Kirby's Return to Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition
Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Kirby Fighters Deluxe
Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
Kirby: Planet Robobot
Team Kirby Clash Deluxe
Kirby's Blowout Blast
Kirby Battle Royale
Kirby Star Allies
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn
Super Kirby Clash
Kirby Fighters 2
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby's Dream Buffet
Composer(s) Jun Ishikawa
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This article is about King Dedede's theme song. For the Dedede's Drum Dash stage, see Dedede's Theme (Dedede's Drum Dash).

"King Dedede's Theme", also known as "Mt. Dedede", 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. As the name implies, this is King Dedede's primary 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 consists of two sections, though the second didn't make an appearance until Kirby Super Star. The original first-section version from Kirby's Dream Land has a higher key than most later remixes, which are based on the full version from Kirby Super Star. In Kirby Star Allies, an additional new section is included before the usual two sections, which doubles the song's length; this new section is kept for Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

Composition[edit]

In its original appearance, "King Dedede's Theme" plays in natural E-flat minor and 4/4, and is based on a single primary intonation, that being a descending minor third. This intonation can be found in the short dominant intro, and repeatedly throughout the melody, which plays twice in different registers.

From Kirby Super Star onwards, the theme is more frequently featured in C minor and has a new section. This first begins with a minor variation of "Peanut Plains" with more static phrasing. After it reaches its lower point, this continues with the middle section of "Peanut Plains", rhythmically modified to somewhat resemble the middle section of "Green Greens", before culminating in descending scale-like passages not unlike those from "Kirby's Triumphant Return", after which the base track loops. The descending passages are also occasionally used as an intro, such as in the Super Famicom version of Kirby's Star Stacker.

The new section introduced in Kirby Star Allies and brought back in Kirby and the Forgotten Land is also based on a more static version of "Peanut Plains", with the rhythmic qualities of the Star Allies version in particular giving a somewhat sassy tone to the composition.

Game appearances[edit]

Kirby's Dream Land[edit]

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 piece on loop. It can be found as Track 17 in the game's Sound Test.

Kirby's Dream Land 2[edit]

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.

Kirby Super Star[edit]

In Kirby Super Star, the final boss battle with King Dedede on Mt. Dedede in Spring Breeze is where his theme first got its second section based on motifs of this game 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[edit]

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 (Super Famicom)[edit]

In Kirby's Star Stacker for the Super Famicom, 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 considered the predecessor to "Masked Dedede's Theme".

Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble[edit]

In Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble, a version based on the original 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[edit]

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[edit]

In Kirby Air Ride, the Kirby Super Star 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.

Kirby: Canvas Curse[edit]

In the boss minigame Cart Run of Kirby: Canvas Curse, 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] and 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.

Kirby: Squeak Squad[edit]

In Kirby: Squeak Squad, 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[edit]

In Kirby Super Star Ultra, "King Dedede's Theme" is remixed with the Nintendo DS sound chip, similar to other remixed songs from Kirby Super Star. 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 Sound Test.

Main article: Masked Dedede's Theme

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", also known as "The Masked King" (track 29 on 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 Super Famicom 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.

Main article: The King and the Sun

When clearing Revenge of the King, the theme "The King and the Sun" plays in the cutscene of the same name, which is 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 Sound Test.

Kirby's Epic Yarn / Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn[edit]

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 Kirby Super Star. 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. It was arranged by either Akihiro Juichiya or Soshiro Hokkai.[2]

Kirby Mass Attack[edit]

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.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land / Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[edit]

In Kirby's Return to Dream Land, 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 "Crash! Mid-Boss Tower", and can be found as Track 43 in the game's Sound Test. Additionally, the original Kirby Super Star version of the theme plays in Scope Shot when facing Robo Dedede. This version can be found as Track 91 in the Sound Test.

In Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, "Macho of Dedede" from Kirby Star Allies plays in the normal route for the Tower of Mid-Bosses in Extra Mode, while "Roar of Dedede" from Kirby and the Forgotten Land plays in HR-D3's second phase. "Crash! Mid-Boss Tower" now plays exclusively in the normal route for the Tower of Mid-Bosses in Story Mode. Finally, "Stage of the Partners Who Shook the Heavens" from Kirby Fighters 2 plays in Galacta Knight's first phase if player 1 is King Dedede or Meta Knight.

Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition[edit]

In New Challenge Stages of Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition, there is a rare chance of "Crash! Mid-Boss Tower" playing in Magolor Race 1 and Magolor Race 2.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe[edit]

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 "Crash! 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[edit]

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.[3]

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[edit]

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, has a faster swing tempo, and a small portion of the second section is omitted.

The version as heard in the original Dedede's Drum Dash also plays during the game's normal staff credits initially accessible from the Options menu or after clearing the first six levels.

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse[edit]

In Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, 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[edit]

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 伝導でんどう電磁式でんじしき三連砲さんれんほう:D.D.D. (Electromagnetically Conducted Triple Turret Cannon: D.D.D.). The romaji of 伝導電磁 (electromagnetic conduction) from the track name is dendō denji, making it a pun on his name.

In addition, the "Cart Run" version from Kirby: Canvas Curse reappears unaltered in Kirby: Planet Robobot in Rhythm Route - Stage 7 EX.

Kirby's Blowout Blast[edit]

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 Kirby Super Star 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 at beginning is removed in this game, and the missing portion of the second section is re-added.

Kirby Battle Royale[edit]

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[edit]

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 "Macho of Dedede".[4] 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 (For Those Who Are Brave).

"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[edit]

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 Battle of Deeply Bonded Allies," which plays during the fourth and final chapter fights against King Dedede & Meta Knight and serves as the Secret Song for the Stage of Destined Rivals in Battle Mode.

A brief snippet of the Super Star section is also incorporated into the music that plays for the Final Chapter prologue, along with "Revenge of Meta Knight (Map)."

Additionally, the theme, along with "Masked Dedede's Theme," is included as part of the music that plays during the fight against Waning Crescent Masked Dedede & Waxing Crescent Masked Meta Knight and the regular music for the Stage of the Partners Who Shook the Heavens. The medley is simply called "Stage of the Partners Who Shook the Heavens" and was arranged by Hirozaku Ando.[5]

Furthermore, an arrangement of "The King and the Sun" from Kirby Super Star Ultra, which also incorporates "Kirby Fighters 2: The Destined Rivals", appears as the true ending credits theme upon clearing the final chapter of Story Mode: The Destined Rivals.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land[edit]

In Kirby and the Forgotten Land, a slightly slower arrangement of the version in Kirby Star Allies plays during the fight against King Dedede and the first phase of Forgo Dedede's fight. This version is titled "Roar of Dedede" and can be found as Track 50 at the Waddle Live! Corner Stage. It is arranged by Yuuta Ogasawara.

Kirby's Dream Buffet[edit]

An arrangement similar to that of the Kirby and the Rainbow Curse arrangement, albeit sped-up and pitch-shifted to match the version heard in Kirby's Dream Land is used as a Battle Royale song in Kirby's Dream Buffet. Oddly, the song is credited in the game files as coming from Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble. This arrangement was done by Megumi Ohara.

Additionally, the Kirby 30th Anniversary Music Festival "King Dedede Medley" is unlocked by reaching a Gourmet Rank of 135, named Kirby 30th Music Fest: HAL Laboratory Dream Band Song in-game. Much like "Green Tree Memories from Kirby" and "Welcome to the New World!", the medley continues to play during the minigame portion of the Gourmet Grand Prix, only switching to a different music track for the battle royale.

The "Masked Dedede's Theme" section of the HAL Laboratory Dream Band Song, edited to seamlessly loop, is re-used for the game's Tetris 99 theme when 10 players remain.

Super Smash Bros. series[edit]

"King Dedede's Theme" has been rearranged twice in the Super Smash Bros. series:

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

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 Wii U[edit]

In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, "King Dedede's Theme Ver. 2" is arranged and performed by HIDE×HIDE, a 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[edit]

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!. The same arrangement can be heard during King Dedede's nighttime party in the Japanese version of Power Ploy.

The Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe title theme also plays when viewing the game in the Other Games/Past Adventures menu on Kirby: Planet Robobot, Team Kirby Clash Deluxe, Kirby's Blowout Blast, Kirby Battle Royale, Super Kirby Clash, Kirby Fighters 2, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Kirby's Dream Buffet and Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe.

The "Crash! Mid-Boss Tower" remix from Kirby's Return to Dream Land is featured in the "Kirby's Dream Land Medley" in Taiko no Tatsujin.

A short remix of the theme was featured in Kirby Pupupu Train, and it is included on the Kirby Pupupu Train Eki-melo Collection under the name マウントデデデ(デデデ城)駅 (Mt. Dedede (Castle Dedede) Station).

The 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 (Super Famicom) version of the theme is featured and remixed at a slower tempo for Track 6, 王様きらきらフルコース (The King's Sparkling Full Course).

The Secret Song for the Dedede Arena Battle Stage is re-used as the theme for when 50-11 players remain in a round of Tetris 99 during the Kirby Fighters 2 Maximus Cup.

"Macho of Dedede" was performed live at the Kirby 30th Anniversary Music Festival as part of King Dedede Medley, along with "VS. Robo Dedede" and "Masked Dedede's Theme".

Trivia[edit]

  • There are two main naming patterns for remixes of King Dedede's Theme in recent games:
    • "(subject) of Dedede", based on The Revenge ("Revenge of Dedede" in Japanese). This is the basis for "History of Dedede", "Macho of Dedede", and "Roar of Dedede".
    • "Dedede's (subject)" or "(subject): D.D.D." This is the basis for "Dedede's Royal Payback" (in Japanese, "Take Back the Throne: D.D.D."), "Dedede's Tridimensional Cannon" (in Japanese, "Electromagnetically Conducted Triple Turret Cannon: D.D.D.") and "Masked and Wild: D.D.D."
  • The opening notes of "Roar of Dedede" are nearly identical to the theme song of Rodan from Destroy All Monsters. Given that Rodan is a prehistoric bird-like pteranodon, and "Roar of Dedede" is used for the bird-like Dedede under the control of the wild Beast Pack, a connection between the two would be fitting.

Video gallery[edit]

Video from a Twitter report about about Kirby's Blowout Blast, comparing the two different arrangements of King Dedede's Theme of that game.
Video of the "Kirby's Dream Land Medley" in Taiko no Tatsujin: Dokodon! Mystery Adventure

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japanese デデデ大王だいおうのテーマ
Dedede daiō no tēma
King Dedede's Theme
Chinese King Dedede's Theme[6]
-
Dutch King Dedede's Theme[6] -
Canadian French King Dedede's Theme[6]
Thème du Roi Dadidou[7]
Thème de Dadidou[8]
-
King Dedede's Theme
Dedede's Theme
European French King Dedede's Theme[6]
Thème du Roi DaDiDou[7]
Thème de DaDiDou[8]
-
King DeDeDe's Theme
DeDeDe's Theme
German König Dedede's Theme[6]
King Dedede's Theme[6]
König Dededes Thema[7]
Dededes Melodie[8]
King Dedede's Theme
-
King Dedede's Theme
Dedede's Melody
Italian King Dedede's Theme[6]
Tema di King Dedede[7]
Tema di Dedede[8]
-
King Dedede's Theme
Dedede's Theme
Korean King Dedede's Theme
디디디 대왕의 테마[8]
dididi daewang-ui tema
-
King Dedede's Theme
European Portuguese King Dedede's Theme[6] -
Russian King Dedede's Theme[6]
-
Spanish King Dedede's Theme[6]
Tema del Rey Dedede[7]
Melodía de Dedede[8]
-
King Dedede's Theme
Dedede's Melody


See also[edit]

References

  1. Kirby: Planet Robobot Jukebox
  2. Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn staff credits; these staff members are credited under "Music and Sound Effects" in the port's staff roll, while the original staff of Kirby's Epic Yarn credited former Good-Feel member Tomoya Tomita and sound designers Jun Ishikawa, Hirokazu Ando, and Tadashi Ikegami.
  3. Kirby Star Allies Jukebox
  4. Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Jukebox
  5. Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Jukebox
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 From the Super Smash Bros. series
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Dedede's Drum Dash