Theme songs are an essential part of the TV viewing experience. They set the tone for the show, establish its mood and give the audience a sense of what to expect. Over the years, some TV show theme songs have become iconic and are instantly recognizable to fans. Here are five iconic TV show theme songs and their stories.
1. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song is one of the most recognizable and unforgettable theme songs of all time. The song was performed and written by Will Smith, who also starred in the show. The lyrics tell the story of how Will Smith ended up in Bel-Air, California, after being sent there by his mother to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle.
The theme song became an instant hit, thanks to its catchy beat and Will Smith’s rapping skills. Even today, over 30 years after the show first aired, people still sing along with the famous lines “Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped-turned upside down.”
2. The Simpsons
The Simpsons theme song is one of the most recognizable and beloved theme songs in TV history. The song was composed by Danny Elfman and features an upbeat, jazzy melody that perfectly captures the show’s irreverent humor.
What’s interesting about The Simpsons theme song is that it’s never the same length twice. Each episode’s opening credits are the same, but the length of the song is determined by how much time is left after the credits are finished. This means that the song can be as short as five seconds or as long as 45 seconds.
3. Friends
The Friends theme song, “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts, was a chart-topping hit in the 90s. The song was written specifically for the show and captures the bond between the six main characters.
The opening credits of Friends, which feature the cast dancing to the song, have become just as iconic as the song itself. The song’s chorus, “I’ll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour,” has become synonymous with the show’s enduring popularity.
4. Game of Thrones
The Game of Thrones theme song, composed by Ramin Djawadi, is a haunting and epic piece of music that perfectly sets the tone for the show. The song features a distinctive opening riff played on a cello and is accompanied by thundering percussion and soaring strings.
The opening credits of Game of Thrones feature a map of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, and the camera follows the map as different locations rise up from the ground. The theme song is so beloved that it has been covered by countless musicians and has become a staple of orchestra concerts.
5. Cheers
The Cheers theme song, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” by Gary Portnoy, is a classic that perfectly captures the warm and friendly atmosphere of the show’s fictional Boston bar.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of someone seeking respite from the troubles of their daily life by escaping to the bar “where everybody knows your name.” The song became a hit in its own right, and it remains a beloved piece of TV history to this day.
In conclusion, TV show theme songs play a vital role in setting the tone and mood of a show. The five iconic theme songs we’ve discussed here all have their own unique stories and have become an integral part of the shows they represent. They are a testament to the power of music and how it can enhance the TV viewing experience.
