List of McDonald's marketing campaigns explained

This is a list of marketing promotions by McDonald's restaurants.

Slogans

Here is a partial list of slogans:^[1]

Arab world

• استمتع بالفرق (Enjoy the difference) (pre-2003)
• انا احبه (I'm lovin' it) (2003–present)
• تعرف جودة مأكولاتنا (Check our food quality) (2006–present)

Argentina

• Ese momento para gran sabor de McDonald's ("It's a good time for the great taste of McDonald's") (1988)
• Esto es valor. Esto es McDonald's ("This is value. This is McDonald's") (1995–1999)
• Siempre un buen momento (Every time a good time) (1999–2003)
• Me Encanta (I'm lovin' it) (2003–present)

Australia

• You Deserve a Break Today (1971–1975)
• We got it all for you (1975–1980)
• You deserve a Break Today (1980–1984)
• Love a Burger, Love a McDonald's (1981)
• It's a Good Time for the Great Taste (1984–1988)
• McDonald's is cooking ... breakfast! (1987–1991)
• The Good Time, Great Taste of McDonald's (1988–1991)
• It's MacTime (1992)
• It's MacTime Now (1991)
• It's MacTime Again (1994)
• MacTime Rocks On (1994, featured David Essex's song "Rock On")
• Only McDonald's (1998)
• Mac your Day (2000–2003)
• Big McDonald's (2001)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)
  • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Feed your inner child (2005)
• Hand in hand with Australia (2006–present)
• Bacon bacon bacon (2007, bacon menu)
• It's a Little Bit Fancy. (used for the "M Selections" line of products, 2009–present)
• It all comes together at Macca's. (2012–present)

Austria

• McDonald's ist einfach gut
• Everytime a good time (1999–2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)
• Ich liebe es (2003–present)

The Bahamas

• We love to see you smile (2000–2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)

Brazil

• É um bom momento para o delicioso sabor do McDonald's (It's a good time for the great taste of McDonald's) (1984–1994)
• Esse é o momento que gostoso que é McDonald's (1987–1994)
• Gostoso como a vida deve ser (Tasty like life should be) (1994–2003)
• Amo Muito Tudo Isso (I'm lovin' it) (2003–present)

Bulgaria

• "Ресторант за цялото семейство" (The restaurant for whole family) (1994–1999)
• "Усмивка в твоя ден" (Every time a good time) (1999–2003)
• "I'm lovin' it" (2003–present)

Canada

English

• McDonald's is your kind of place (1967–1971)
• You deserve a break today (1971–1975)
• McDonald's Sure is Good to Have Around (1974, concurrent with 1971 slogan)
• We do it all for you (also known as You, you're the one) (1975–1979)
• Nobody can do it like McDonald's can (1979–1981)
• Nobody can say good night like McDonald's can (1979)
• You deserve a break today/There's so much fun for you today (1981–1983)
• Nobody makes your day like McDonald's can (1980–1983)
• McDonald's and you (1983–1984)
• It's a good time for the great taste of McDonald's (1984–1988)
• Make It Mac Tonight (1986, Mac Tonight advertising)
• The good time, great taste of McDonald's (1988–1990)
• Food, folks and fun (1990–1991)
• Good food, good value (1991)^[2]
• McDonald's Today (1991–1992)
• What you want is what you get (1992–1997)
• Have you had your break today? (1995–1997)
• My McDonald's (1997)
• Did somebody say McDonald's? (1997–2000)
• We love to see you smile (2000–2001)
• Put a Smile On (2001)
• There's a little McDonald's in everyone (2001–2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)
• It's what I eat and what I do (2005, combined with 2003 slogan to make It's what I eat and what I do...I'm lovin' it)
• What we're made of (2008–2015)
• WcDonalds, WcD, ワクドナルド (2024) ^[3]

French

• Vous méritez une pause aujourd'hui (You deserve a break today) (1972–1975)
• Nous faisons tout pour vous (We do it all for you) (1975–1979)
• Personne ne peut le faire comme McDonald's (Nobody does it like McDonald's) (1979–1981)
• Vous méritez une pause aujourd'hui (You deserve a break today)/Il ya tellement de plaisir pour vous aujourd'hui (There's so much fun for you today) (1981–1983)
• Moi J'm McDonald (Me I love McDonald's) (1982–2003)
• Pour vos p'tits bouts de sous (For your little bits of money) (2000)
• C'est ça que j'm (It's that which I love) (2003–)
• Venez comme vous etes (2018)
• WcDonald, WcDo, ワクドナルド (2024) News: fr . Bienvenue chez WcDonald's : McDonald's donne vie au restaurant fictif préféré des amateurs d'animés . 21 February 2024 . Newswire Canada .

Chile

• Que Momento. Que Sabor. (1992)
• Un Momento Especial, Cada Dia (A special moment, every day) (1999–2003)
• Me Encanta Todo Eso (All that I love) (2003–2012)
• Me Encanta (I'm lovin' it) (2003–2012, secondary)
• I'm lovin' it (2013–2023)
• Me gustas así (2023-present)

China

• 我就喜歡 (I'm lovin' it) (2003–present)

Costa Rica

• su clase de lugar! (1974)
• es el monento para el gran sabor (1986-1990)
• Es el momento de desayunar (1986)
• Que momento. Que Sabor (1990)
• Me Encanta (I'm lovin' it) (2003–present)

Czech Republic

• Restaurace pro celou rodinu (Restaurant for the whole family) (1992–1999)
• Každý den, skvělý den (Every time a good time) (1999–2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)

El Salvador

• Esse Momento para gran Sabor de McDonald's (1986)
• que momento. que sabor. (1992)
• Me Encanta (I'm lovin' it) (2003–present)
• ¡McDonald's Está Chivisimo! (McDonald's is Cool!) (2009)
• Que bueno que Viniste (2014)

Finland

• Uskomatonta. Mutta totta. (pre-2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)

France

• Ca se passe comme ca chez McDonald's (It happens like that at McDonald's) (1985–2003)
• C'est Tout Ce Que J'aime (That's all I Like/I'm lovin' it) (2003–present)
• Venez comme vous êtes (Come as You Are) (2008–present)

Georgia

• აი, რა მიყვარს (I'm lovin' it) (2012–present)
• რესტორანი მთელი ოჯახისთვის (Restaurant for the whole family) (2015–present)

Germany

• Das etwas andere Restaurant (The somewhat different restaurant) (1971–1977)
• Essen mit Spaß (Eating with fun) (1978–1982)
• Gut, dass es McDonald's gibt (It's good that McDonald's exists) (1982–1987)
• Der Platz, wo Du gern bist, weil man gut isst (The place where you like to be because you eat well) (1987–1991)
• McDonald's ist einfach gut (McDonald's is simply good) (1991–1999)
• Every time a good time (1999–2003)
• Ich liebe es (I'm lovin' it) (2003–present)

Guatemala

• Esse momento para gran sabor de McDonald's (1984–1995)
• El sabor de la alegría (The Taste of Joy) (1995–2003)
• Me encanta (I'm lovin' it) (2003–present)

Honduras

• Esta en tu sonrisa (pre-2003)
• Me encanta (I'm lovin' it) (2003–present)

Hong Kong

English

• You deserve a break today (1975–1979)
• Nobody can do it like McDonald's can (1979–1984)
• Good Times and Great Tastes (1984–1985)
• It's a good time for the great taste of McDonald's (1984–1988)
• Good time, great taste (that's why this is our place) (1988–1993)
• Make It Mac Tonight (1988-1989, Mac Tonight advertising)
• Only McDonald's (1993–1995)
• Every time a good time (2000–2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)
• Come down to Mac Tonight (2006-2010)
• You are the sunshine of my life (2011–2014)
• #LittleBigMoments (2018-2019)
• FeelingGood (2019-2021)

Cantonese

• 宜家最好嘆返陣 (You deserve a break today) (1975–1979)
• 確係唔同! (Nobody can do it like McDonald's can) (1979–1984)
• 味美歡笑 (Good time, great taste (that's why this is our place)) (1988–1993)
• 唯有麥當勞 (Only McDonald's) (1993–1995)
• 開心無價麥當勞 (Priceless Happiness McDonald's) (1995-2000)
• 秒秒鐘歡聚歡笑 (Every time a good time) (2000–2003)

Hungary

• McDonald's azért, mert jó (McDonald's because it's good) (1990s-1999)
• Ahol jó lenni, ahol jó enni (Where it's good to be, where it's good to eat) (1996–1999)
• Elérhetőbb, mint valaha (More accessible than ever) (1998–1999)
• Minden alkalom jó alkalom (Every time a good time) (1999–2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)

Iceland

• I'm lovin' it (2003–2009)

India

• McDonald's mein hai kuch baat. (October 13, 1996 – 1999)
• Every time a good time (1999–2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)

Indonesia

• Good Time, Great Taste (1991–1998)
• Saat santai, rasa lezat di McDonald's (Relaxing time, delicious taste at McDonald's) (1991–1998)
• Mana lagi selain di McD (Where else but McDonald's?) (1998–2003; February 2016 – 25th anniversary of McDonald's Indonesia; November 2019–present) or Mana lagi selain di Mekdi (March 2023 – present)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)
• Come down to Mac Tonight (2007-2008)
• Ini McD Kita (This is our McDonald's) (February 2021 – 2022 – 30th anniversary of McDonald's Indonesia)
• Ada McD, Ada Kita (There's McDonald's, there's us, 2022–present)

Israel

• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)

Italy

• Sorridi di gusto con McDonald's(1985-1990s)
• Succede solo da McDonald's (1990s–1999)
• Every time a good time (1999–2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)

Jamaica

• at my McDonald's (1996)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–2005)

Japan

• 味なことやる! マクドナルド! (The taste that does it... McDonald's!) (1973–1978)
• 世界のことば! マクドナルド! (The world's word... McDonald's!) (1978–1985)
• おいしい笑顔! マクドナルド! (A delicious smile from... McDonald's!) (1985–1989)
• だから, マクドナルド! (Because... McDonald's!) (1989–1995)
• いい顔いっぱい、バリューがいっぱい。 (Full of goodness, full of value) (1995–1998)
• みんなはマクドナルドを愛して (Everyone loves McDonald's) (1998–2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)
• ワクドナルド, WCDONALD (2009) ^[4]
• Wcdonald (2023-present)
• ジュジュ・ブレナーが新たなブレイクダウンへ, マクドナルド! (Juju Brener to the new Breakdown, McDonald's!) (2023–present)

Malaysia

• It's a good time for the great taste of McDonald's (1984–1988)
• Masa riang, rasa hebat (1984–2001)
• The good time, great taste of McDonald's (1988–2001)
• Segalanya untukmu (Everything for you) (1995–2002)
• Makan di McD (2002–2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)
• Come down to Mac Tonight (2007-2008)
• Sama-Sama (2015–present)

Mexico

• Ese momento para gran sabor de McDonald's (1989-1992)
• ¡Mas valor por su dinero! (1995)
• Qué gusto verte sonreír (We love to see you smile) (2000–2003)
• Me encanta (I'm lovin' it) (2003–present)

New Zealand

• We've got it all (June 7, 1976 – 1980)
• You deserve a Break Today (1980–1984)
• Love a Burger, Love a McDonald's (1981)
• It's a Good Time for the Great Taste (1984–1988)
• The good time, great taste of McDonald's (1988–1992)
• Grab the Moment (early 1990s)
• It's gonna be a lovely day (1994–2000, breakfast weekdays)
• It's gonna be a great weekend (1994–2000, breakfast weekends)
• It's Mac Time (late 1990s)
• That's our tucker (1990s & 2005)
• Every time a good time (2000 – October 3, 2003)
• I'm lovin' it (October 4, 2003 – present)
• Proud to be part of the change (2006–2009)
• It's a Little Bit Fancy. (2009, used for the "M Selections" line of products)
• More than you expect (2011) =)
• Just because (2011–present)

Netherlands

• "U verdient een pauze vandaag." ("You deserve a break today.") (1971–1981)
• "McDonald's maakt meer van lekker uit eten." ("McDonald's makes more of eating out.")
• "Ze zei meneer tegen me." ("She called me Sir!")
• "Je mag hier met je handjes eten" ("You can eat with your hands here")
• "McDonald's is altijd goed" ("McDonald's is always good") (early 1990s)
• "Welkom" ("Welcome") (mid 1990s)
• "Gek op Mac" ("Crazy about Mac")
• "Every time a good time" (2000–2003)
• "I'm lovin' it" (2003–present)
• "Vinden we leuk" ("We like it") (2012)
• "Voor iedereen" ("For all") (2014–present)

Norway

• Spis den beste maten! (Eat the best food!) (1999–2003)
• Må få min smak! (Must get my taste!) (2003–2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)
• Hvis Du Vil (If You Want) (2004, Greek Salad commercials)

Panama

• Me encanta (I'm lovin' it) (2003–2012)
• I'm lovin' it (2013–present)

Paraguay

• Me encanta! (I'm lovin' it) (2003–present)

Peru

• Nos encanta verle sonrie. (We Love to see you smile) (pre-2003)
• Me encanta (I'm lovin' it) (2003–2012)
• I'm lovin' it (2013–present)

Philippines

• It's A Good Time for the Great Taste. (1984–1988)
• The Good Time, Great Taste of McDonald's. (1988–1994)
• Ang Sarap ulitin! (So delicious repeating it!) (1994–1999)
• Kita Kits sa McDo (See you at McDo) (1999 – October 2003)
• Love ko 'to (I'm lovin' it) (October 2003–present)
• Come down to Mac Tonight (June 29-August 31, 2007)
• Hooray for Today! (2011–2016)
• WcDonald's, WcDo, Waccas, ワクドナルド (2024) ^[5]

Poland

• Restauracja inna niż wszystkie (The restaurant different from the rest) (1992–1999)
• W McDonald's spotkajmy się (Let's meet at McDonald's) (1992–1999)
• Każdy dzień to Twój dzień (Every Time A Good Time) (1999–2003) ^[6]
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)
• Mam smaka na Maka (I have a taste for McDonald's) (2015–present)

Portugal

• Momentos mais saborosos (Delicious moments) (1996 – September 2003)
• Só pode ser McDonald's (2001–2003)
• I'm lovin' it (October 2003 – April 2017)
• Gosto tanto (I'm lovin' it) (April 2017 – present)

Puerto Rico

• Vamos pa McDonald's. (1990s)
• i'm lovin' it (2003–present)

Romania

• Restaurantul întregii familii (Restaurant for the whole family) (1995-1999)
• Te simți bine oricând (Every time a good time) (1999-2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)

Russia

• Весело и вкусно в McDonald's (The good time, great taste of McDonald's) (1990–1999)
• Здесь хорошо всегда (Every time a good time) (1999–2003)
• Bот что я люблю (2003–2022)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–2022, secondary)

Slovakia

• Reštaurácia pre celú rodinu (Restaurant for the whole family) (1995–1999)
• Každý deň, skvelý deň (Every time a good time) (1999–2003)
• i'm lovin' it (2003–present)

Slovenia

• Every time a good time (1999–2003)
• i'm lovin' it (2003–present)

South Africa

• Make every day a McDonald's day (1995–2003)
• i'm lovin' it (2003–present)

Spain

• Lo que me importa eres tú (What matters to me is you) (1982)
• El sitio que te gusto (The place that you like) (1984)
• Sabemos lo que te gusta (We know what you like) (1998–2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)

Sweden

• It's a Good Time for the Great Taste (1984)
• The Good Time, Great Taste of McDonald's (1988)
• Kom till McDonald's–vi ger mer (1993) (Come to McDonald's–We give more)
• Livet har sina goda stunder (1996) (Life has its good moments)
• Every Time a Good Time (1999 – July 2003)
• Gotta Get My Taste (July 2003 – 2003)
• i'm lovin' it (2003–present, meals)
• Stora nog att göra skillnad (2018–present, sustainability work, Ronald McDonald Hus) (Big enough to make a difference)

Taiwan

• 麥當勞簡直是不錯的 (McDonald's is simply good) (1990s–1999)
• 每一次的好時機 or 歡聚歡笑每一刻 (Every time a good time) (1999–2003)
• I'm lovin' it (2003–present)

Trinidad and Tobago

• i'm lovin' it (2003, 2011–present)

Turkey

• McDonald's Gibisi Yok! (1994–2003, 2006–present)
• İşte Bunu Seviyorum (2003–present)

United Kingdom

• You'll enjoy the difference (1974-1980, 1987)
• There's a difference at McDonald's You'll Enjoy (1974–1986, 1987)
• At McDonald's we've got time for you (1985–1988)
• A Visit To McDonald's Makes Your Day (1988–1992)
• There's nothing quite like a McDonald's (1992–1997)
• Enjoy more (1997–2001)
• Only McDonald's (2001–2003)
• Things that make you go MMMMMM! (2002–2003)
• i'm lovin' it (2003–present)
• It's What I eat and what I do
• Good food, fast. (2005)
• The Sign of a Good Burger (2006)
• Make Up Your Own Mind (2006)
• Oh! Burger (2007)
• Some fun, some food, it's all inside this Happy Meal. (2007–present, used for Happy Meal campaigns.)
• Some fun, some food and one of your five a day! (2009–present, originally known as "Some fun, some food and one of your five a day, at McDonald's!" used for Happy Meal's five a day fruit/vegetables campaigns.)
• That's what makes McDonald's (2008–present)
• That's McDonald's...and then some (2009–present) (this phrase was voted #2 most irritating piece of British advertising likely to deter custom after the Moonpig.com cards jingle in an independent March 9 survey by RM)
• That's McDonald's...but cozy (Used for the Winter Menu in 2009)
• That's McDonald's...with Yee-Hah! (Used for the Tastes of America series in 2009)
• That's McDonald's...but Summery (Summer 2009)
• That's McDonald's...but Merrier (Used for the Festive Menu in 2009)
• There's a McDonald's for everyone (2009–2014)
• Good Times (2014–present)
• Fancy a McDonald's? (2021–present)

Ukraine

• Ресторан для всієї родини (Restaurant for the whole family) (1997–1999)
• Кожен раз гарний час (Every time a good time) (1999–2003)
• Я це люблю (I'm lovin' it) (2003–present)

Uruguay

• Valor delicioso. (Delicious value.) (1991–2003)
• Me Encanta! (I love it!) (2003 – December 31, 2012)
• I'm lovin' it (January 1, 2013–present)

United States

English

• Let's eat out! (1960–1965)
• Look for the Golden Arches! (1960–1967)
• Go for the Goodness at McDonald's (1962–1969)
• The closest thing to home (1966–1969)
• McDonald's is your kind of place (1967 – January 22, 1971)
• You deserve a break today (1971–1975)
• Enjoy the best food at McDonald's (1973, concurrent with 1971 slogan)
• McDonald's Sure is Good to Have Around (1974, concurrent with 1971 slogan)
• We do it all for you (also known as You, you're the one) (1975–1979)
• Nobody can do it like McDonald's can (1979–1981)
• Nobody can say good night like McDonald's can (1979)
• You deserve a break today/There's so much fun for you today (August 21, 1981–January 1983)
• Nobody makes your day like McDonald's can (1980 – August 21, 1981)
• That's My McDonald's (1981, concurrent with 1980 slogans)
• We cook it all for you at McDonald's (1982, concurrent with 1980 slogans)
• McDonald's and you (October 1982– April 16, 1984)
• It's a good time for the great taste of McDonald's (April 16, 1984 – April 10, 1988, this slogan was used on newspapers from April 16, 1984, until March 6, 1990, and in November 1993)
• 30 years of good times and great taste (1985, 30th anniversary)
• Make it Mac Tonight (1986, Mac Tonight advertising)
• McDonald's is your place to be (1986, also used by NBC between 1990 and 1992 as NBC is the place to be)
• The good time, great taste of McDonald's (1988–1990)
• You Deserve A Break Today (1989–1991, concurrent with 1988 slogan)
• Food, folks and fun (February 1990, March 7, 1990 – March 18, 1991)
• McDonald's Today (1991–1992)
• What you want is what you get (1992–1995)
• What you want is what you get at RocDonald's today (1994, The Flintstones promotion)
• McDonald's, where what you want is what you get (1994, Sonic the Hedgehog promotion)
• What you want is what you get, delivered from McDonald's today (1994, McDelivery trial)
• Do you believe in magic? (March 17, 1992 – October 15, 1997, Ronald McDonald and Happy Meal McDonald's ads)
• Ronald Makes it Magic (February 17, 1995 – October 15, 1997, Ronald McDonald and Happy Meal McDonald's ads)
• Have you had your break today? (1995–1997)
• One Two Three Four... Big Mac burger! (1997)
• My McDonald's (February 19 – October 1, 1997)
• Did somebody say McDonald's? (1997–2000)
• We love to see you smile (2000–2003)
• Put a Smile On (2001–2003)
• Smile (2001–2003)
• (ba, da, ba, ba, ba) I'm lovin' it (2003–present)
• It's what I eat and what I do (2005, combined with 2003 slogan to make It's what I eat and what I do...I'm lovin' it)
• What we're made of (2008–2015)
• Gimme Back that Filet-O-Fish (2009–2015, Filet-O-Fish advertising)
• You want it, need it, you gotta have a taste of McDonald's burgers (December 1, 2010 – 2013, Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Angus Burger advertising)
• The simple joy of McDonald's (2010–2013)
• A whole new way to love McDonald's (2013–2015)
• There's something for everyone to love at McDonald's (2013–2015)
• Choose Lovin (2015–2018)
• WcDonald's, WcD's, ワクドナルド (2024) ^[7]

Spanish

• Este es el momento del gran sabor en McDonald's (April 16, 1984 – April 10, 1988)
• Como se antoja McDonald's? (1995–1997)
• Mi McDonald's (1997)
• Alguien dijo McDonald's? (1997–2000)
• Que gusto verte sonreir (2000–2003)
• Sonrie (2003)
• Me encanta (2003–Present)

Jingles

Perhaps the best-known jingle was "You deserve a break today" a song sometimes incorrectly attributed to a young Barry Manilow,^[8] (who did sing it in one version of the commercial and thus included it in his "Very Strange Medley" of product theme songs, with others he had written) was in fact, written by jingle singer/songwriter Kenny Karen. The melody was either used in, or originates from, a song called "We're Together", credited on The Brass Ring S/T album as being composed by A. Ham/K. Gavin/N. Kipner/S. Woloshin. In the accompanying TV commercial,^[9] there was almost no mention of food. Instead, the ad featured an all-male McDonald's cleaning crew, singing after-hours about their individual tasks, and emphasizing that "at McDonald's it's clean!" just before launching into the almost operatic chorus: "You deserve a break today / So get up and get away / To McDonald's!"

Another well known jingle was the "McDonald's is your kind of place / It's such a happy place / Hap, hap, hap, happy place..." from 1967, sung to the tune of "Down by the Riverside".^[10]

Big Mac

Russian (1990–2022)

"It's a good time for the great taste" (1984–1988)

There is also a full version used in one commercial.

Good Time, Great Taste (1988–1990)

There is also a full version sung by Ronald McDonald, some kids, and the McDonaldland gang in one commercial.

Food, Folks and Fun (1990–1991)

There is also a full version used in one commercial.

What you want is what you get (1992–1994)

There was also an extended version used in one commercial which goes like this:

There was also a full version used in 25 years of The best of McDonald's on TV VHS which goes like this:

Have you had your break today? (Big Mac/Canadian version, 1995–1997)

There was also a Canadian version that also promoted the Big Mac.

Livet har sina goda stunder

This campaign was used in Sweden in 1996 and was recorded by Swedish band Ultima Thule.

Every time a good time

This campaign was used in Germany in 1999 and was originally recorded by Billy White and Patricia Darcy Jones.^{[11] [12] [13] [14] [15]} The campaign was also used in the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, Taiwan, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Hong Kong. "Every time a good time" song was written by: David Buskin, Janet Fox, Susan Hamilton and published by TUTTAPANNA MUSIC.

I'm lovin' it (2003–present)

There are also two full versions sung by Justin Timberlake. The first one was used in one commercial.

The second one was used in one commercial.

McDonald's menu song

The McDonald's $1,000,000 Menu Song was an instant-win promotion created as part of an advertising campaign, which ran from 1988 to early 1989. As the name suggests, the song, which was based on Reunion's 1974 hit single "Life Is a Rock (But the Radio Rolled Me)", incorporates all of the items (at that time) on the McDonald's menu: sandwiches, other lunch/dinner items, breakfast items, dessert items, and drinks, in that order.

Promotion overview

Either flexi-discs or cardboard records containing the song were attached to advertising inserts and distributed within newspapers across the United States. On all but one of the issued recordings, the chorus was not able to recite the song perfectly from start to finish; when the chorus made a mistake, the record was over. On the unique, prize-winning recording, the singers were able to complete the song; this record was a $1,000,000 instant winner.

Approximately 80 million records were distributed, and only one of them was a winner.^[16] The promotion was won by Galax, Virginia, resident Charlene Price, who used the money to purchase the convenience store where she worked.^[17]

United States

In the United States, the lyrics read as follows:

Canada

In Canada, the lyrics were as follows:

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, the lyrics were as follows:

Québec

Around the same time (1989–90), a French version of the ad campaign was produced for Quebec; however, no promotion was attached.^[18]

The order given in this version was sandwiches, other lunch/dinner items, dessert items, drinks, and breakfast. The Québec lyrics were as follows:

Australia

The McDonald’s menu song was also versioned in Australia around 1990. The Australian lyrics were as follows:

Media tie-ins

The following movies and TV shows were made into Happy Meal and other promotional products:

4Kids Entertainment

• Yu-Gi-Oh! (2002)
• Sonic X (2003)
• Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (2007)

20th Century Studios

• (1995)
• (1997)
• Casper Meets Wendy (1998)
• (2009)
• (2009)
• Fantastic Mr. Fox (film) (2009) (U.K. only)
• Avatar (December 4–31, 2009)
• (January 1 – February 4, 2010)
• Star Wars (2010)
• Rio (2011)
• (2011)
• Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 3D (2012)
• (2012)
• Epic (2013)
• The Book of Life (2014)
• The Peanuts Movie (2015)
• (2016, international markets only)
• Ron's Gone Wrong (2021)

Aardman Animations

• Flushed Away (2006)
• The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! (2012) (U.K. only)
• Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015) (U.K. only)

Activision

• Skylanders (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
• Crash Bandicoot (2023)

DreamWorks Animation

• Shrek the Third (2007)
• Bee Movie (2007)
• Kung Fu Panda (2008)
• (2008)
• Hotel for Dogs (2009)
• Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)
• The Penguins of Madagascar (2010, 2014)
• How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
• Shrek Forever After (2010)
• Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
• Megamind (2010)
• Puss in Boots (2011)
• (2012)
• Rise of the Guardians (2012)
• The Croods (2013)
• Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)
• How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
• Home (2015)
• Trolls (2016)
• Trolls World Tour (2020)

Fox Kids/Jetix

• Bobby's World (1994)
• Digimon (2001, only in the U.K.)
• (1997)
• NASCAR Racers (1999)
• Power Rangers (1993, 1997, 2003, 2005)
• (2000)
• W.I.T.C.H. (2005)

Hasbro

• Transformers (1995, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2018)
• Beast Wars (1996)
• Beast Machines (1999)
• Transformers Animated (2008)
• Transformers Prime (2013)
• Littlest Pet Shop (2009, 2010)
• My Little Pony (2005, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017–2018)
• Hasbro Gaming (2021)
• Nerf (2023)

Lego Group

• Bionicle Chronicles (2003)
• Bionicle Legends (2007)

Lucasfilm

• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008, 2010, 2011)
• (2019)

Marvel Studios

• Spider-Man (1994, 2009)
• Marvel Heroes (2010)
• (2019)
• Eternals (2021)
• (2022)
• (2022)
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
• The Marvels (2023)
• (2024)

Mattel

• Barbie in A Mermaid Tale (2010)
• Barbie in the Pink Shoes (2013)
• Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 (2010, 2011)
• Monster High (2013, 2015) (Latin America only)

Miramax Films

• (1992)
• Spy Kids (2001)
• (2002)
• Pinocchio (2002)
• (2003)
• The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D (2005)

Nickelodeon

• Game Gadgets (1992)
• Tak and the Power of Juju (2003)
• (2005)
• Catscratch (2007)
• (2008)
• iCarly (2010, 2011)
• SpongeBob SquarePants (2012)
• Victorious (2012)
• Power Rangers Samurai (2011)
• Power Rangers Super Samurai (2012)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016)
• Power Rangers Megaforce (2013)
• Winx Club (2013)

Nintendo

• Super Mario Bros: The Movie (1993)
• Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990)
• Pokémon Black and White (2011, 2012)
• Pokémon (2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023)
• Mario Kart 8 (2014, 2022)

Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies

• (1979)
• Peanuts (1989)
• Hotel for Dogs (2009)
• The Last Airbender (2010)
• The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
• (2015)
• (2020)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)

Sanrio

• Hello Kitty (2004, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2024)

Sega

• Sonic the Hedgehog (1994, 2003, 2004)
• Sonic Heroes (2004)

Sony Pictures Entertainment

• The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland (1999)
• Hook (1991)
• The Real Ghostbusters (1987, 1992)
• Mac and Me (1988)
• (1985)
• Surf's Up (2007)
• The Smurfs (2011)
• Hotel Transylvania (2012)
• The Smurfs 2 (2013)
• The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
• Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015)
• The Angry Birds Movie (2016)
• (2017)
• The Emoji Movie (2017)
• Peter Rabbit (film) (2018)
• (2018)
• (2018)

Televisa

• El Chavo Animado (2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014) (Latin America only)

Universal Pictures

• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
• An American Tail (1986)
• Babe (1995)
• (1992)
• Jurassic Park (1993)
• The Flintstones (1994)
• Despicable Me 2 (2013)
• Minions (2015)
• The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
• Sing (2016)
• Despicable Me 3 (2017)
• The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019, international markets only)
• (2020)
• Sing 2 (2021)
• The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2022)
• Despicable Me 4 (2024)

Walt Disney Studios and Jim Henson Productions

• 101 Dalmatians (1991)
• 101 Dalmatians (1996)
• 102 Dalmatians (2000)
• Aladdin (1993 (Europe) 2004 (U.S. and Europe)
• Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996)
• An Extremely Goofy Movie (2000)
• Armageddon (1998)
• (2019)
• A Bug's Life (1998)
• (2001)
• Bambi (1988)
• Beauty and the Beast (2002)
• Brother Bear (2003)
• Cars (2006)
• Cars on the Road (2022)
• Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers (1989)
• with Walden Media (2005)
• Chicken Little (2005)
• Cinderella (1987)
• The Country Bears (2002)
• Dave the Barbarian (2004)
• Dick Tracy (1990)
• House of Mouse (2001)
• Disney and Pixar's Pals (2005)
• Disney Princess (2008)
• Dinosaur (2000)
• DuckTales (1988)
• (1990)
• ESPN (2004)
• The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
• Elemental (2023)
• Elio (2025)
• Encanto (2021)
• Finding Nemo (2003, 2005)
• Fraggle Rock (1987–1988)
• Frozen II (2019)
• The Great Muppet Caper (1981)
• Hercules (1997)
• The Haunted Mansion (2003)
• Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1997)
• Inside Out 2 (2024)
• Inspector Gadget (1999)
• Inspector Gadget 2 (2003)
• Incredibles 2 (2018)
• Jim Henson's Muppet Babies (1986–1988)
• The Jungle Book (1990, 1997)
• The Jungle Book 2 (2003)
• Lilo & Stitch (2002, 2004, 2022)
• The Incredibles (2004)
• The Lion King (1994) (international markets only)
• The Lion King (2019)
• (1998)
• The Lion King 1½ (2004)
• The Little Mermaid (1989, 1997, 2006)
• The Little Mermaid (2023)
• Lizzie McGuire (2004)
• Lightyear (2022)
• Luca (2021)
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (2002)
• (1997)
• Mission to Mars (2000)
• Moana 2 (2024)
• Monsters, Inc. (2001)
• (2024)
• Mulan (1998)
• Muppet Treasure Island (1996)
• Oliver & Company (1988)
• Onward (2020)
• Peter Pan (1998)
• (2003)
• (2006)
• Pirates of the Caribbean franchise (2008)
• Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)
• Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
• The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
• Return to Never Land (2002)
• Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book (1994)
• Snow White (2025)
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1993, 2001)
• Sleeping Beauty (1997)
• Soul (2020)
• Talespin (1990)
• Tarzan (1999)
• That's So Raven (2005)
• The Muppet Show (2002–2003; Europe and Australia)
• The Tigger Movie (2000)
• The Wild (2006)
• Treasure Planet (2002)
• Toy Story (international markets only) (1996)
• Toy Story 2 (1999)
• Toy Story 4 (2019) (international markets only)
• Walt Disney Classics (1987)
• Walt Disney Masterpiece Collection (1996–1997)

(1996):

• Snow White – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
• Scat Cat – The Aristocats
• Merlin – The Sword in the Stone
• Pocahontas – Pocahontas
• Cinderella – Cinderella
• Robin Hood – Robin Hood
• Aladdin – The Return of Jafar
• Alice – Alice in Wonderland

(1997):

• Donald Duck – The Three Caballeros
• Simba – The Lion King
• Tigger – The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Aurora – Sleeping Beauty
• Dodger – Oliver and Company
• Bambi – Bambi
• Eliott – Pete's Dragon
• Woody – Toy Story
• Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

Warner Bros.

• (1993, 1996)
• Batman Returns (1992, cancelled due to the movie's dark content)
• Batman Forever (1995)
• (2010)
• Batman Unlimited (2015)
• Batman (2013)
• DC League of Super-Pets (2022)
• (2001)
• Free Willy (1993)
• (1995)
• (1997)
• Green Lantern (2012)
• Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D (2008)
• MultiVersus (2024)
• Quest for Camelot (1998)
• Scooby-Doo (1989)
• Space Jam (1996)
• (2021)
• Speed Racer (2008)
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
• Super Looney Tunes (1991)
• The Lego Movie (2014)
• (2019)
• The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
• The Witches (1990)
• Teen Titans Go! (2017, 2019, 2022)
• The Lego Ninjago Movie (2017)

Cartoon Network

• Cartoon Network (2007)
• (2011)
• Adventure Time (2014)
• The Powerpuff Girls (2016)

Miscellaneous

• Alvin and the Chipmunks (1989)
• Astro Boy (2009)
• (2009)
• (2010)
• Beyblade Burst (2020)
• Doogal (2005)
• Flutterbye (2014)
• Garfield (1984, 1988, December 1991, 1998)
• iZ (2006)
• Just Dance (2024)
• Kidz Bop (2009)
• The Magic School Bus (1994)
• Monster Jam (2015)
• Little Monsters (2002) (U.K. only)
• Johnny Test (2011) (U.K. only)
• Pikmi Pops (2020)
• Richard Scarry (1995)
• Shopkins (2016)
• Spy Gear (2008, 2012, 2014)
• (2005)
• Squishmallows (2023)
• Strawberry Shortcake (2009, 2010, 2011)
• Sweethearts (2015)
• The Beano (2000) (U.K. only)
• Teenie Beanies
• Totally Spies (2005)
• The Wizard of Oz (2013)

Scratch-off games and sweepstakes promotions

United States

• 1972–Munich Olympics scratch-off game; this differed from later ones in that if the U.S. won more than one medal in an event, the player could win multiple prizes (e.g., a sweep won a Big Mac, fries, and a drink)
• 1976–Montreal Olympics scratch-off game.
• 1982–Taste the thrill of Atari at McDonald's.
• 1984–Los Angeles Olympics scratch-off game.
• 1985- 30th Anniversary McDonald's Southern California Millionaire Sweepstakes
• 1986- McDLT Scratch-off Sweepstakes McDonalds Delicious Decision
• 1987–present (annually)–Monopoly Game collect-and-win sweepstakes
• 1988–Seoul Olympics scratch-off game. Customers received a card for an Olympic event. If the U.S. won gold in that event, you won a Big Mac. If the U.S. won silver, you won a medium fries. If the U.S. won bronze, you won a small drink.
• 1989–Scrabble promotion
• 1989–Million-Dollar McDonald's song contest for the Big Mac.
• 1991–Dick Tracy scratch-off game.
• 1996–2000, 2004, 2009, 2014–Teenie Beanies (Teenie Boos in 2014)
• 1999–Disney's Inspector Gadget Code Name Game
• 2001–Who Wants to Be a Millionaire scratch-off game. Players would scratch off what they thought was the correct answer on their game card, and could log onto ABC.com for a special 50:50 lifeline to narrow their choices down.
• 2006–FIFA World Cup 2006 Meal
• 2006–Pirates of the Caribbean Sweepstakes
• 2013-Xbox One
• 2014–FIFA World Cup 2014 Peel. Play. Olé Olé Sweepstakes

Notes and References

1. Web site: Advertising Slogans, "M" . TV Acres.com . August 4, 2006 . October 31, 2007.
2. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Web site: McDonald's Commercial - "Something Big" (1991) . YouTube. August 25, 2011 .
3. News: Welcome to WcDonald's: McDonald's Brings Anime Fans' Favourite Fictional Restaurant to Life . 21 February 2024 . Newswire Canada .
4. Web site: マクドナルドのサイト、ドロンボー一味に乗っ取られる . 9 May 2009 . McDonald's website has been taken over by the Dronbow gang . ITmedia . ja .
5. Web site: Campaign SpotlightPress Release McDonald's realizes WcDonald's from anime and manga communities . Kimi Lim . 21 March 2024 . Adobo Magazine .
6. Web site: Billboard from a 2003 McKiełbasa Campaign in Poland..
7. News: Why McDonald's flipped its 'M' to become 'WcDonald's' . Joseph Lamour, Samantha Kubota . 22 February 2024 . NBC Today . NBC (USA) .
8. http://www.classicbands.com/manilow.html Barry Manilow
9. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Web site: McDonalds Television Ad - c. 1970's . YouTube. April 11, 2006 .
10. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Web site: McDonald's Commercial 1967 . YouTube. December 6, 2007 .
11. Web site: dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160314141237/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtrpaL2JoEw. March 14, 2016. Jingle "Every Time a Good Time" (1999) RARITÄT . YouTube.
12. Web site: Jingle Every time a good time, recording session.
13. Web site: Jingle "Every time a good time". July 29, 2018.
14. Web site: Jingle 'Every time a good time'.
15. Web site: Jingle 'Every time a good time'.
16. Book: Michael Gitter and Erika Glazer. Do You Remember TV? The Book That Takes You Back. 1999. 51. Chronicle Books.
17. Web site: Va. Contest Winner Buys Bosses Out | Article from The Washington Post | HighBeam Research . https://web.archive.org/web/20121103054243/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-1203537.html . dead . November 3, 2012 . June 4, 2009.
18. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Web site: Pub Québec - McDonald's "Le Menu Chanté" . YouTube. July 19, 2009 .