Beyonce’s ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ draws eerie comparisons to this popular ’90s cartoon theme

Beyonce’s country hit ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ drew comparisons to the theme song of the popular ’90s cartoon Franklin.

Samples and interpolations are not a new concept in popular music. From Doja Cat referencing Dionne Warwick to Meghan Trainor pulling in The Chordettes’ ‘Mr. Sandman,’ pop music is known for its callouts to throwback hits.

Sometimes, that goes even further than only a sample or fleeting reference. Often, some songs overlap in rhythm, chord progression, or lyrics. Without intention, the newer song just so happens to arrive upon a result that bears a striking resemblance to something older.

Such is the case with Beyonce’s No. 1 country hit ‘Texas Hold ‘Em.’ According to several TikTokers, the jangly hoedown carries significant similarities to a classic ’90s cartoon theme song.

Many compare Beyonce’s song to the Franklin theme

On TikTok, Beyonce’s landmark release ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ drew comparisons to the iconic Franklin theme. Two TikTokers, in particular, took to the platform to detail why the two songs sound so similar.

“Millennials trying to figure out why this sounds so familiar,” wrote Danielle Losch. The user first played the Beyonce song before the video transitioned into the Franklin intro song.

Some in the comments didn’t agree. “They don’t sound the same…there is a small similarity to a two-tone note,” responded one user.

“They sound nothing alike,” echoed another.

Another TikToker Mariel Loveland made a similar case for the two songs. “The Franklin theme song absolutely rips but let me show you what I’m talking about,” she said. She proceeded to put sections of each song’s melody side-by-side for comparison.

“This is almost better than when Billie Eilish kind of samples like Fairly Odd Parents,” she added.

Users were once again divided in the comments, with many saying the comparisons were “reaching.”

“Different tempos. I hear it in the instrumental portion, not so much in the vocals,” said one user.

“Nah don’t sound like it to me,” wrote another.

Thankfully, the Franklin theme writer Bruce Cockburn put the argument to bed. “I think Beyoncé’s ‘Texas Hold ’Em’ is a good record. Unfortunately, I can’t claim to have had any part in writing it,” he said in an interview.

“The rhythmic feel is similar to my theme song for the ‘Franklin’ TV series, but to my ears, that’s where the similarity stops,” he concluded. “‘Texas Hold ’Em’ is her song, and I wish her success with it!”