Hit Play: TV Theme Songs for Everyone - Part 2 Quiz

Answer: world

As illustrated in the lyrics referenced in the question, the song "As Long As We Got Each Other" emphasizes the importance of family as a source of strength in facing life's difficulties. It was written by American lyricist John Bettis, composed by the songwriter Steve Dorff, and produced by Dorff and Gary Klein.

The song went through several versions over the course of "Growing Pains" run. The first version, used in season 1, was performed as a solo by B. J. Thomas, known for the song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head." Beginning in season 2, a new version introduced a duet with Grammy-winning singer Jennifer Warnes. For season 4, Thomas recorded another duet-this time with Dusty Springfield-which became the opening theme for that year. Some later seasons featured an a cappella version of the theme - sung not by Thomas and Warnes, but by a vocal quartet.

Answer: Joe Cocker

The song isn't original, but it perfectly captures the spirit of the series and the nostalgic feeling of Kevin's teenage life with his friends and family in the 1960s and 1970s.

The Beatles generally opposed letting their songs be used on television, but according to Dan Lauria, who played the father in the series, Apple Records presented the "Wonder Years" pilot to the band. McCartney himself reportedly called Apple Records and said that if they were ever to allow one of their songs on TV, this should be the series. Apple Records agreed and promised The Beatles to pick a cover song of "With a Little Help from My Friends."

Joe Cocker covered the song in 1968 and performed it at Woodstock in 1969. The Woodstock performance is the version used in the show. The cover became even more famous after it was chosen as the theme song for "The Wonder Years."

Answer: Saved by The Bell

The series follows six close friends as they hang out and navigate school life at the imaginary Bayside High in California. Its opening theme has a lively, slightly rock-tinged sound that matches the show's energetic, free spirit and playful atmosphere.

The story behind the song proves how important it is in art to sometimes go out of the box and go with your gut. The show's producer, Peter Engel, insisted that the composers asked to write a song for him avoid using the title in the lyrics. After hearing several versions he didn't like, he eventually chose the version by composer Scott Gayle, who didn't follow his instructions (the line "saved by the bell" appears 3 times in the song). Engel, like any good producer, put his ego aside, complimented the song, and chose Gayle's version as the opening song. Gayle said it took him only 2 minutes to write the song.

The song was performed by American singer and actor Michael Damian, who may be best known for his role in the television series "The Young and the Restless".

Answer: Maude

"And Then There's Maude" is one of the 1970s opening songs that puts a spotlight on the main character in the series. We can assume that the mention of various female historical figures is not intended to compare Maude to them literally, but rather to show in a lighthearted way that they paved the way for independent and modern women like her. Some consider Maude to be the first feminist character on television.

The theme song was written by American composer Dave Grusin, who won numerous Grammy Awards, and by the husband-and-wife team Alan and Marilyn Bergman, who enjoyed remarkable careers, winning multiple Emmys and three Oscars. They also wrote lyrics for other television themes, including "Good Times"(1974). The song was performed by the great soul singer Donny Hathaway, who tragically died at the age of 33. His influence can be heard in the blues and gospel undertones that give the theme its iconic sound.

Answer: Chuck Norris

Let's be real - Chuck Norris is always the answer.
The series aired from 1993 to 2001. The famous opening song appeared only from season 3 onward; in the first two seasons, the show used a lyric-free intro. "The Eyes of a Ranger" was written by Tirk Wilder, a friend of Norris's bodyguard, and performed by Chuck Norris himself. Norris actually wanted country singer Randy Travis to sing the theme, but the producers insisted on Norris.

In the series, you only hear a short excerpt, but the full three-minute version appears on Tirk Wilder's 2000 album "I'm Letting Go". The theme won three BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) Awards from 1997 to 1999.

Answer: shy

"Degrassi Junior High" is the second part of the "Degrassi" franchise, which follows its characters from elementary school all the way to high school. The charm of "Degrassi" lies in its realism. You won't find perfect characters here; just like in real life, no one is too funny, too smart, or too pretty - not even the class queen.

The theme song is performed by the husband-and-wife duo Wendy Watson and Lewis Manne, who composed the music for the first three "Degrassi" series: "The Kids of Degrassi Street", "Degrassi Junior High", and "Degrassi High." Wendy also sings the theme, and she does it so convincingly that it feels as though a teenager is describing her own personal experience. You can also find her on screen as Mrs. Gonzales in "The Kids of Degrassi Street".

The song opens on a pessimistic note, expressing the fears, hesitations, and anxieties that come with entering a socially intense environment like middle school:

"I don't think I can make it,
don't think I can take it,
I wonder what I'm gonna do"

As the song progresses, the mood shifts: friendships start to form ("Hey, I got a new friend"), and it ends with an encouraging, optimistic message about believing in yourself and letting go of your fears. The song works so well because it captures a universal school experience, perfectly reflecting the tone of the show.

It's also worth noting the lyrical differences between "Degrassi Junior High" and "Degrassi High" (1989-1991) in the opening verse. In "Degrassi High", the original line:

"feeling shy and lonely, gee, I gotta go to school."

is replaced with:

"Wake up in the morning, gotta shake the feeling, I've got to face a day at school."

Answer: Magic

"Family Matters" is a warm-hearted comedy series following the Winslow family in Chicago. The show's success was due in large part to their neighbor, Steve Urkel - a brilliant but hopelessly clumsy nerd whose love of polka and yodeling, along with his endless string of strange accidents, often tried the patience of Carl Winslow, the family's father.

You might be surprised to learn that the original opening theme for the series was just a shortened version of Louis Armstrong's immortal classic "What a Wonderful World." Starting with the sixth episode, the show switched to an original theme. American singer-songwriter Jesse Frederick was brought in to write and perform the new song, titled "As Days Go By."

Answer: Mister Ed

The amusing and iconic theme song about the comedic adventures of a talking horse who speaks only to his owner, Wilbur Post, was written by the Jewish-American duo Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, and sung by Livingston himself. The first seven episodes used an instrumental version. The two also wrote the theme song for the TV series "Bonanza," with Livingston again as the vocalist.

Before settling on Livingston as the performer, the producers tried an Italian opera singer from Rome, but the result didn't fit the show. Livingston was a little nervous about singing it himself, since the song is extremely fast and leaves no room to breathe. So you might want to think twice before choosing it for your next karaoke night.

Answer: Gummi Bears

In my opinion, one of the most fun and memorable cartoon TV theme songs of all time is from the series "Adventures of the Gummi Bears", which aired from 1985 to 1991. Set in the Middle Ages, the show follows seven bears with superpowers that allow them to jump great distances, who live together in a hidden underground lair. The concept was loosely inspired by the popular gummy bear fruit gum candies.

The theme song was written by the then-married couple Michael and Patricia Silversher, both of whom are credited with creating many classic Disney songs. It was performed by Joseph Williams, former lead vocalist of the band Toto and the son of famed film composer John Williams.

Answer: Can you repeat the question?

I don't understand-what do you mean by "repeat the question"? It's just... there, written in the quiz... you can read it yourself... you so st... oh... wait... that's actually one of the options? Okay... that's a bit embarrassing. Alright, so I'll just give you some background on the show and its opening song and we'll forget the whole thing.

"Malcolm in the Middle" centers on the teenage struggles of a gifted boy named Malcolm and his wildly dysfunctional family. The lyrics reflect his rebellious and nonconformist spirit (for example, "you're not the boss of me now") as well as the confusion and challenges that come with adolescence.

The rebellious nature of the main character is mirrored in the choice of They Might Be Giants, an alternative rock band, to perform the opening theme. The song, titled "Boss of Me," was written by band members John Flansburgh and John Linnell. They won Grammy Award for the song. Their role did not end with the opening music; they were an integral part of the series and composed most of its incidental music.