20 best original songs from TV, from The Simpsons to Empire

“Smelly Cat” – Friends

The show: Friends

This classic ’90s sitcom needs very little introduction. Neither does Phoebe’s infamous singing “career.” Although nothing much came of her efforts in the show, in the minds of audiences, she created some of the most memorable moments in the ten years it was on the air.

We’re still quoting this show, and thanks to its appearance on Netflix, a whole new generation of fans can enjoy a show that shaped a culture more than any other series in recent history. It’s a trip to hear young people (some of whom weren’t even born when the series premiered) quote our favorite group of buddies.

Best of the best: “Smelly Cat” (“The One With The Baby On The Bus,” season 2)

Phoebe’s songwriting abilities are always a bit wobbly, and everyone recognizes this both in-universe and out. However, the best part of it all is that Phoebe really thinks she sounds amazing. The song first appears in season 2, but it does make a reappearance later in “The One Where Eddie Moves In” when she makes an actual recording of the song for professional matters. It’s also revealed, when Phoebe finally meets her estranged dad, that he sang her a lullaby, “Sleepy Girl,” with the same melody as “Smelly Cat.”

Best lyric(s):

“You may not be a bed of roses
You’re not a friend to those with noses
I’ll miss you before we’re done
Or the world will smell as one”