I’ve talked about TV theme songs before, and how some of them are so good not only do they get you hyped for the show but they help you to remember and want to come back to the show. Sometimes though, a theme goes one step even beyond that. There is something about the lyrics or the way they are sung that makes a part of the theme, if not the entire theme, a part of pop culture itself.
For instance, whenever you move to a bigger place, get a better job, or have some sort of upgrade in your life what's the piece of music you always think of?
"Movin On Up" is such a part of pop culture we all think it. Here are ten more examples for what I mean, theme songs so well known that chances are you’ve heard it even if you’ve never seen the show. And only theme with lyrics or we’ll be here all day. And it’s the lyrics we’re focusing on, so for instance Mary Tyler Moore isn’t on here because it’s more that image of her throwing the hat into the hair that people remember than the actual song. And while the doo doo notes from Twilight Zone are iconic, that’s not exactly lyrics.
Laverne and Shirley
GO ahead, I dare you. go ahead and count to ten an not want to shout Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated,” after you hit #8. I sure can’t. The silly, and to be fair pointless, start of this intro is so famous that it has been parodied all over the place. And in case you didn’t know, the chant is a Yiddish-Amercian hopscotch chant that was part of Penny Marshall’s childhood. And yes the song that comes after is pretty damn good too.
Cheers
This theme is so simple that everyone knows the expression “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”. I think he reason is obvious, the idea of a place like that appeals to everyone whether they admit it or not.
Fresh Prince of Bel Air
Even I find myself accidentally quoting parts of this song, when I am “Chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin’ all cool”. Can’t help but remind of this song. Give Will Smith credit for this one because this is a great theme which not only sums up the show, but is very singable and memorable.
The Brady Bunch
Here’s the story, of a lovely lady….Seriously is there anyone who doesn’t know these lyrics? Again like Fresh Prince the song not only sums up the show and is so damn catchy it’s probably why to this day the show is on the air. I think the thing that sells it besides the lyrics is having the kids sing it, a stroke of genius which makes the song that much more enjoyable. I know people will say Gilligan’s Island too, but for me The Brady Bunch theme is more memorable.
Green Acres
Ok I have a confession to make. I can’t get this damn theme out of my head! And I don’t really know why as I have never really liked or watched the show. That’s just how memorable it is. It’s another theme that sums up the series and is sung by the series stars (that seems to really really help) and is done so well that we can’t forget it. I know I can’t.
Sesame Street
Hey, how do you get to Sesame Street? I can’t speak for children of today but when I was a kid we all knew the theme and sung along to it. It was a soft melody which made us want to tune and see our friends on Sesame Street everyday.
Greatest American Hero
When you think of this show, do you think of the theme song first? I think most people do, since that’s about the only thing that makes the show memorable. Not that it was a bad show, but I am pretty sure if not for that theme song it wouldn’t be nearly as well known as it is. And why not, it’s a great song! Believe it or not……
Friends
There is a reason that this theme took off like wildfire when the show premiered in 1994. Because who cant relate to the lyrics? Hasn’t everyone at some point been like their life’s a joke, they’re broke and there love life was DOA?
Big Bang Theory
What, is this just me? Well the show may not know when to finally up and end but you gotta love the theme which is short and memorable. “Math, science, history, unraveling the mysteries,That all started with the big bang!”
Full House
Oh maybe you wont admit it, but you know that we all know this theme. In the 80’s we got a slew of Miller/Boyett corny as hell openings with these lame songs that barely connected to the show. I loved them all. You’ll notice where Family Maters, Step By Step, and Perfect Strangers gradually phased their themes out the Full House one stayed. Making this one the best and, thanks to Fuller House, the most memorable as it lives on to this day. It is nice to know that “everywhere you look, there’s a face of somebody who needs you”.
So did I miss your favorite? Comment and let me know.And ok, I kind of short shrifted it but here is that iconic theme to close out on with that final shot so memorable they made a damn statue out of it!!
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