Top Ten 90s TV Themes - Number 4

Though I’ve expressed my occasional enjoyment for instrumental theme songs (and looking at the countdown, both number five and number six would qualify), there is something even more special about a cheesy, emotional theme with lyrics written specially for the show.  No one did it better than Jesse Frederick, who previously made an appearance at number ten and makes another here at number four.

Top 10 90s TV Theme Song #4 “As Days Go By” by Jesse Frederick from Family Matters.

For shows to exist during ABC’s TGIF lineup heyday, it seemed that one prerequisite was to have an awesome theme song.  Seriously, check out this murderer’s row of shows with excellent themes (let’s call 1994-1995 the cutoff).  Only Dinosaurs and Boy Meets World* stink up the joint.  “As Days Go By,” even amongst the strong competition, would be numbered in the upper echelon of TGIF theme song achievements.

*Remember I’m talking about the theme, not the show itself

Before we ever even hit the opening lines, we get a nice little piano lick that absolutely rocks.  You can tell from prior experience that it’s certainly the work of Frederick and you’re in for a treat as the musical intro is accompanied by the beautiful shot of the Chicago skyline cross faded into the suburban home of the Winslow family.

From the intro, I like to think that in addition to her duties at the Chicago Chronicle Harriette Winslow was an accomplished pianist – providing us with the driving piano beat throughout the song (I know, you’re thinking “what the hell is this guy smoking," but I’ll stand by my dream. Remember how her sister Rachel was a musician? That talent had to run in the family.).

What follows is just a really simple song with easy to understand lyrics.  Note the other humorous elements of the intro: 

1.     The fact that for some reason the male characters fail to acknowledge the camera focused on them during the intro while all of the female characters break the fourth wall.

2.     The appearance of Jaimee Foxworth as Judy Winslow – the Winslow child who just disappeared and was never spoken of again.  I think that there have been a number of rumors over her apparent death at a young age, but as best I can tell, she’ still alive and kicking (and screaming too as she’s now a pornstar).

3.     The bouncing head of Richie Crawford. Seriously look at that baby. Goofy looking kid.

4.     The surprisingly happy look on Rachel’s face while picking flowers. Considering her husband just died, you’d think she’d be a little more somber.

5.     And finally, the awesome track jacket that Carl is wearing as the bike across the bridge.

Other observant viewers will have noticed that Steve Urkel makes no appearance whatsoever in the original opening – not being added to the credits until season two.  For any closet Jaleel White fans out there, here’s the syndicated version which features Steve banging away on the accordion.  Note that this time only Carl doesn’t make eye contact with the camera (as they used the same shot from the original credits for him but replaced Eddie’s and Richie’s).

Something I was not aware of prior to writing this article was that “As Days Go By” was not the first theme for the show. Here is the original intro from the pilot set to Louie Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” Though I love the song (and had it been the actual theme for the show it would have made the list by default), I am thankful “As Days Go By” was still created.  Note here that a different actress in the pilot plays Judy. That character could never catch a break.

"As Days Go By" is one of those songs that you hear in the background when you accidentally leave your channel on ABC Family and immediately rush to the TV just to see the theme.  It's catchy, has a comforting melody, and lyrics that - while trite- resonate emotionally.  The song has deservedly earned its spot on the countdown.