Oh, didn't realize there were replies to this. =P Anyway, I read it in both a book about video games (High Score) and some old interview with Shigeru Miyamoto. I don't mean Mario's based on Pac-Man (even though in the cartoon he's claimed to eat a lot) but more of the inspiration for creating an arcade game.
Do the Mario! Swing your arms from side to side, come on, it''s time to go do the Mario! Take one step, and then again, let''s do the Mario all together now! You got it! It''s the Mario! Do the Mario! Swing your arms from side to side, come on, it''s time to go do the Mario! Take one step, and then again! Let''s do the Mario altogether now! Come on now! Just like that!