Looking Back at The Goonies’ Fantastic Soundtrack Jams

As impossible as it seems, The Goonies was released 32 years ago.

Wow, suddenly I feel very, very old.

One of the film’s highlights is “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough”–Cyndi Lauper’s fun theme song from the film. Loud, over-the-top and completely self indulgent, the video (directed by Richard Donner, who also helmed the movie) features Lauper teaming with the Goonies to stop some creditors/pirates from wreaking havoc upon her family’s gas station. Or something. There is so much going on here that the video had to be split into two parts, with the first helping to build excitement for the film’s release and the second hitting MTV shortly after the flick premiered in theaters. (Both parts are mercifully edited together in the above video). Joining Lauper are her mom and boyfriend at the time, as well as Captain Lou Albano, Andre the Giant, a pre-They Live Rowdy Roddy Piper and various other professional wrestling greats of the 1980s. There’s even an appearance by an octopus, referencing one of the film’s infamous cut scenes.

There’s only two ways you watch this video: Through a haze of nostalgia that makes you yearn for a simpler time or as a cynical viewer who thinks it is loud, non-sensical garbage. Lauper herself is rumored to have hated the song and found the video shoot to be tedious. In fact, she refused to perform “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough” in concert for years before she eventually caved to fan demands and re-incorporated the song back into her set. Which was a smart move because it really is quite a jaunty little tune.

But wait, there’s more! Another video released in conjunction with the film’s soundtrack is Goon Squad’s “Eight Arms to Hold You.” Take a look:

Seeing how the song references The Goonies’ aforementioned deleted octopus scene, this was a strange choice for a single. And yet it has a fun, danceable quality with some serious retro throwback appeal. It may be forgotten, but it is no less fun.

As a bonus, here’s another Lauper soundtrack song from her box office dud Vibes–“Hole in My Heart (All the Way to China).” This one has Jeff Goldblum in it. Also, what’s up with all the offensive Asian stereotypes in 1980s music videos? (Something that is touched upon in the fantastic current theatrical release Sing Street). That unfortunate bit aside, this song is still quite a jam. Enjoy.

What’s your favorite song from The Goonies?