The song describes two scenarios where animals do seemingly impossible acts. First, an ant moves a rubber tree plant all by himself, then a ram single-handedly puts a hole in a "billion kilowatt dam." The desires of these animals are described by the chorus as "high, apple, hopes," although the song implies they ultimately accomplish them. The song finishes by comparing problems to toy balloons; the problem has gone away when the balloon is popped, as stated by the closing line, "Oops, there goes another problem, ker-plop."
Performers
Frank Sinatra
"High Hopes" was originally recorded by American singer Frank Sinatra in 1959 in a hit version featuring a children's chorus, which was later included in his 1961 album All the Way. The tune reached #30 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track peaked at #6 in the UK Singles Chart. Sinatra also recorded a version of the tune with different lyrics which was used as the theme song for the 1960 Presidential Campaign of John Kennedy.
The song also was popularized in Philadelphia by Philliesplay-by-play announcer Harry Kalas, who made the song his personal anthem. Kalas sang "High Hopes" after the Phillies won the 1993 National League Championship, and again after the 2008 World Series. Beginning after his death, after each home Phillies win, the home fans sing the song while the lyrics and a video of Kalas are played on the jumbotron above Harry the K's restaurant in left field of the Phillies' home stadium, Citizens Bank Park.
Rick Logan
Rick Logan recorded a shortened version of the song without any music and with a women's chorus by Donna Davidson-Medine, Luana Jackman, Susie Stevens-Logan and Bobbi Page for A Goofy Movie in 1995.
Franky Perez
, American singer and vocalist for Finnish symphonic metal band Apocalyptica, recorded a version of the song for the 2011 metal-inspired tribute albumSin-Atra.
English pop singer Robbie Williams performed the song on his Swings Both Ways Live tour in 2014, accompanied by a children's choir composed of students from each venue location's respective Stagecoach Theatre Arts school. The performance was included on the Swings Both Ways live album.
Rap musician Craig Mack looped portions of Sinatra's original song into his 1999 composition "Wooden Horse", which was used on the soundtrack to the film What's the Worst That Could Happen?.
A Goofy Movie – Shortly after leaving for a road trip, Goofy puts an 8-track tape of the song into his car stereo and sings along, off-key and out of tune; annoyed by this, his teenage son Max flips the stereo over to a radio station playing loud hard rock music and does air guitar with his hands. A fight over the music ensues, resulting in the tape and stereo being destroyed.
Antz – The song plays in the first half of the end credits.
Laverne and Shirley – The title characters sing the song in numerous episodes to cheer themselves up when down on their luck.
Rocky Balboa – The announcers play the original 1959 recording of the song on the loudspeakers when Rocky Balboa enters the ring. He at first doubts when hearing the song that his brother-in-law "Paulie Pennino" has chosen, but later says "He's very good, Sinatra".
Muppets Tonight – While telling Seymour and Pepe that they need to have skill, patience and high hopes, Moranis begins singing the song. However, Seymour interrupts by smashing the ant, who later taken in an ambulance prompting Moranis to continue singing including the ant's injury in the lyrics.
Newhart – Larry, Darryl and Darryl sing the song in their play for Stephanie.
Captain Kangaroo
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 – In chapter 1, Ramona's dad sings the song's chorus with rather nonsensical lyrics that he came up with himself.
Mr. Belvedere – Kevin Owens, portrayed by Rob Stone, plays the drums of the song.
The Middle – The Hecks sing this song to Sue to cheer her up.
High Hopes theme tune – a version played on a harp is used for the opening and closing credits.
Family Matters – Mr. Looney and Steve Urkel sing this song to Carl to lighten the mood.
Plane Crazy – the song is featured with modified lyrics as the intro theme.
