What song did McDonald’s advertising character Mac Tonight parody in the 1980s?

McDonald’s advertising character Mac Tonight parodied the song “Mack the Knife.”

Mac Tonight was introduced in 1986 as a moon-headed, sunglass-wearing character used to promote McDonald’s evening business. The commercials presented him singing a revised version of the well-known song, with the lyrics and presentation adapted for the restaurant chain.

The character’s appearance and musical style made him one of McDonald’s most distinctive temporary advertising figures. He was not the same character as Ronald McDonald or the McDonaldland cast; Mac Tonight was primarily a campaign identity associated with nighttime dining.

“Mack the Knife” originated in the stage work The Threepenny Opera and later became a major popular recording. The McDonald’s campaign borrowed the recognizable melody rather than creating a wholly new tune.