After a rather extended delay from the countdown, the Top Ten 80s TV Themes is back with a vengeance. Today we have a sitcom filling the number seven slot that once filled the number one spot in my heart. As probably my favorite sitcom growing up, I remember all of the different variations on the original theme (including the less than good acapella version). I also fondly remember how the new baby on the show turned into a young child seemingly overnight. And how the once raucous lead teen actor became an overly altruistic adult. And the wedding that never happened. And the middle kid wearing way too many sweatshirts.
You know what show I'm talking about...
Growing Pains ran for seven seasons and provided numerous stories both behind and on camera. Of course, this feature is focused on the theme so I'll stop ranting about my past memories of the show and stick to the music.
I chose the Season Four version of the theme song to feature for a few reasons. First, instead of the "classic" B.J. Thomas and Jennifer Warnes combination; this season feature Thomas teaming with 60's icon Dusty Springfield to rock out. Additionally, the ending instrumental from the earlier seasons was replaced by the refrain "Sharing the laughter and love." I always felt that repeating the refrain provided a nice bookend to the song.
Right from the start, B.J. Thomas provides a strong vocal support that can carry the song alone if need be. In fact, the first season's theme was entirely Thomas (coupled with pictures of couples through history). Still, once the song became a duet, it achieved a power and force that helped it stand out from other good (but not great) theme songs.
The lyrics are cheesy but with a underlying truth that only a married couple can properly express to one another. It's clear that we're supposed to picture the communication occurring in the song as a conversation that Maggie and Jason likely had one night before going to bed. They're giving each other affirmation that though life as a television personality and at-home psychiatrist raising three (or four) kids might not be the easiest job in the world; its a job they both can love and appreciate.*
* There is a misheard lyric in the song that needs to be addressed briefly. I always heard "We know we're near the end" which seemed to imply a defeatist, almost ironic attitude of our main characters when compared to the rest of the song. A quick review of the lyrics, however, revealed to me that the proper lyric is "we're nowhere near the end." A lyric far more in line with the message of the song.
Pushed along by the smooth, repetitive base lick; this version of the theme has a bit quicker feel to it than previous ones. The guitar riff that kicks in as an answer to the call of the lyrics provides the voice of the children buying into what their parents are saying amongst themselves. As the viewer, we know that everyone will be "sharing the laughter and love" as we watch the characters traverse their lives.
Unfortunately, the intro really took a dive in Season Six with the horrible acapella version of the song. But still, the message remained the same.
Growing Pains was a fun show eclipsed somewhat by its exceptional theme. Like a modern day Confucius, B.J. Thomas offered sage advice which taught us that as long as we keep on giving, we can take anything that comes our way. It doesn't matter if its raining or sunny; all the time we can share joy and love with each another. Something to remember and live by.
Tomorrow we'll get to Number Six. Look for a Comedy Moment later today.
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