Pebbles and Bam Bam 'Open up your heart'

I was watching an episode of THE FLINTSTONES and when it ended Pebbles and Bam Bam began singing; Tears began to fall as I listened to the heartwarming tune and the voices of those famous cartoon kids. It has been decades since I thought about these two singing the song I thought was called "Let the sun shine in" but is really titled "Open up your heart". This truly was classic television at it's best and a wonderful retro moment.

Mommy told me something

A little kid should know

It's all about the devil

And I've learned to hate him so

She said he causes trouble

When you let him in the room,

He will never ever leave you

If your heart is filled with gloom

So let the sun shine in

Face it with a grin

Smilers never lose

And frowners never win

So let the sun shine in

Face it with a grin

Open up your heart and let the sun shine in.

The most famous recording of 'Open up your heart and let the sunshine in" featured Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm from THE FLINTSTONES. In the episode "No Biz Like Show Biz" on September 17, 1965 the duo sang this heartwarming tune. The clip of the children singing this song was sometimes played during the closing credits during the 1965–1966 season which was the final one for the animated series.

This was the first episode of that last season and although Pebbles and Bamm Bamm formed a rock band in the 1970s as teenagers, they never experienced the success of their early childhood tune. It is noteworthy that the religious lyrics were not changed for THE FLINTSTONES version of the song. The vocals were provided by Ricky Page as Bam Bam and her daughter Rebecca Page as Pebbles. The women later sang as "The Bermudas" and then "The Majorettes". George Motola, who was Ricky's husband was their manager.

THE FLINTSTONES aired on ABC from September 30, 1960, to April 1, 1966. This was the first animated television series that was shown on prime time. Pebbles was born to Fred and Wilma Flintstone at the Bedrock Rockapedic Hospital in the episode 'Blessed event dress rehearsal on February 22, 1963. According to TV GUIDE. Pebbles was born in 10,000 BC. Bam Bam came along eight months later in the episode Littel Bam Bam onOctober 3, 1963. He was left on the doorstep of Barney and Betty Rubble who adopted him.

When you are unhappy

The devil wears a grin

But oh, he starts to running

When the light comes pouring in

I know he'll be unhappy

'Cause I'll never wear a frown

Maybe if we keep on smiling

He'll get tired of hanging 'round.

Let the sun shine in

Face it with a grin

Open up your heart

And let the sun shine in.

Bam Bam was initially voiced by Don Messick who did numerous baby boomer favorite cartoon voices. These include Dick Dastardly, Boo Boo Bear, Ranger Smith, Scooby Doo, Astro, Papa Smurf, and the cartoon cats Sebastian and Azreal. Jean Vander Pyl, did the voices of both Wilma Flintstone and also her daughter. Vander Pyl did voice over work for Hanna-Barbera in a number of cartoons including Huckleberry Hound, The Hillbilly Bears, Atom Ant, and Rosie the Robot on THE JETSONS.

If I forget to say my prayers

The devil jumps with glee

But he feels so awful awful

When he sees me on my knees

So if you're full of trouble

And you never seem to win

Just open up your heart and let the sun shine in.

So let the sun shine in

Face it with a grin

Smilers never lose

And frowners never win

So let the sun shine in

Face it with a grin

Open up your heart

And let the sun shine in