Let’s get one thing straight from the get-go: Jim Henson is a genius of the highest order. While his more realistic character work in movies like Star Wars, the Ninja Turtles movie, or Labyrinth has no peer, his real legacy is in The Muppets.

And when you think about it, the Muppets really have no business being as timeless and transcendent as they are. Nowhere is that more evident in 1979’s The Muppet Movie and its accompanying soundtrack.

Across the history of modern broadcasting, there have been a number of profound programs disguised as children’s media. By now, it’s basically par for the course. You can’t watch an episode of Sponge Bob or My Little Pony without noticing some references that are clearly not meant for the children in the show’s target demographic.

But a very strong argument could be made that that entire ethos is the creation of Jim Henson. There’s absolutely no reason that a collection of talking animals (and whatever Gonzo is) would resonate so well with adults as they do—especially forty years after the film.

Such is the charm of the Muppets though, and The Muppet Movie and its soundtrack have that in droves. Transcendent thoughts are delivered in the voice of a banjo-playing frog, a piano-playing dog, and a lackadaisical whatever. I mean, “there isn’t a word yet for old friends that just met.” You’re going to put THAT in the mouth of a puppet? It feels a bit like putting your pearls before swine. But somehow, it makes it even more transcendent.

From the inspiring, starry-eyed “Rainbow Connection” to the 60-jokes-a-minute “I Hope That Something Better Comes Along” to the quick witted,  psych rocking “Can You Picture That,” this is genius artistry in the highest degree. “Movin’ Right Along” rolls through the problems besetting road trippers with a comedic touch that has been imitated but never topped (“send someone to fetch us, we’re in Saskatchewan”).

The finale, “The Magic Store” plays as an anthem for the lovers and dreamers who had the courage to step out and make their mark on the world. And as someone who hasn’t worked a real job in five years, it hits pretty close to home. You wouldn’t expect a song from the Muppets to inspire tears, but as I’m listening, I must have gotten some dust in my eye.

But that’s always been the greatest work of Jim Henson. Not just the indelible characters he’s created, but that he’s instilled a piece of inspiration unto all of us lovers and dreamers to believe that maybe we could do the same.

Also: it should say something that when my wife and I got married, this was the only record she owned.