The purpose of a television theme song is twofold: It should be catchy and memorable, while accurately reflecting the mood or content of the show it precedes. A number of songs from shows of the 1980s hit the mark in impressive ways; below is a listing of some of the best.
Cheers. Makin' your way in the world today takes everything ya got.... The opening words of this memorable theme song still ring true more than 20 years after Cheers made its debut. Soulful and catchy, it calls to mind memories of Cliff, Norm, Sam and the rest of the gang hanging out at the bar, which is exactly what it's supposed to accomplish.
Knight Rider. I can still see Kit the sleek black talking car gliding along the highway with David Hasselhoff sitting behind the wheel whenever I hear this theme tune. The song puts forth an air of mystery, intrigue, and everything that Knight Rider was about.
Dallas. Full of energy, this orchestral tune brings to mind images of palatial mansions, oil rigs and wealthy ranchers. And JR, of course. Who could ever forget JR Ewing? This is a can't-miss hit for any 'best theme songs of the 80s' compilation.
The Greatest American Hero. Maybe it's just me, but I love this song. Always have, always will. It tells the story of star William Katt's character with catchy music and (granted, somewhat repetitive) words - he was a regular old joe doing something phenomenal. Given that it outlasted the show by a significant margin, I'd guess I'm not the only one who finds it appealing. I'd also guess that if you were to listen to a 'hits of the 70s and 80s' radio station long enough, you'd eventually hear this song!
Miami Vice. This theme song actually reached #1 on the Billboard charts in 1985. How could it possibly not have a spot on this list?!
Got an itch to hear more old theme songs from the days when life seemed simpler? Try visiting http://www.tvland.com/theme_songs/ .
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Comments: 20
I also used to love the theme from Silver Spoons.
One other one from my childhood was Bosom Buddies -- "My Life" by Billy Joel.
Greatest American Hero was a great song! I used to catch myself singing it :)
Before that(blowing off the dust) LOL
I used to run home from my school bus stop to watch:
Brady Bunch
Munsters
Green Acres
Used to watch this w/my grandpa:
I Love Lucy
Leave it to Beaver
Watched these with w/my Dad:
Bonanza
Gunsmoke
I LOVED "Little House"!! I read the books over and over and then once the show came out ---I was in heaven!
We used to watch Happy Days as a family---what ever happened to the Fonz?
Too bad we don't have programs like these today. Wish they would blow the dust off of more of these and show them. Saw some of the Brady Bunch epsisodes not too long ago. Crazy thing is that I remembered seeing several off them---YEARS ago!
It ran from 1972-1983 and not only was one it of the highest rated Television programs ever, but is still the gold standard for wrtiting and innovation.
But since this article is about TV theme songs, the theme song for M*A*S*H, "Suicide Is Painless" is a classic. The beginning of the song--"Suicide is painless. It brings on many changes and I can take or leave it if I try." is a no brainer for great lyrics and, if you've ever heard the music, it immediately brings the show, with visions of Hawkeye, Trapper John, Radar, et al, to mind.
Last year I published 'Our A-Team Cake' about that era. The story is now here on gather inside my anthology article, Dark of Winter. You can find that doing search articles for "Our A Team Cake" or "Rated G" click the blue link inside the article.
This comment and rating of your older gather content was an idea Steve the Legend had on how to give a Christmas gift to our Gather connections. He posted an article with the suggestion of visiting our connetions and checking out their content from before we were connected. You are the 18th connection I have done this with so far, Sherry. I know it's a busy time of year for families with kids and I don't see you around here much lately. Still, I wasn't you to know that I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
I always loved Cheers, Family Ties, Facts of Life. Gosh, that was a LONG time ago. I feel old now. ha ha ha