“Theme From Cheers (Where Everybody Knows Your Name)” resonates with anyone who watched television in the 1980s (and early 90s). Similar to the other best themes of the 80s, it starts with a catchy, memorable intro. In this case it’s the piano that provides the sole instrumental support for writer Gary Portnoy’s dulcet vocals. Somehow the simple chords combined with Portnoy’s melancholy lament create a song that’s not only emotionally effective but also a perfect summation of the show you’re about to watch.
It’s really quite amazing that the Cheers theme is so popular when you consider the depressed undercurrent that runs below it. The opening stanza expresses the depression of your average joe who hates his job and feels that his life is not living up to his once high expectations. In fact, the only place this guy can turn to for salvation is his local bar. How depressing is that?
Of course, once the refrain comes in we’re no longer depressed but uplifted by the powerful chords and “everybody knows your name” lyrics that convey the benefits of being a regular at the neighborhood bar. These people are friends not because of a deep past with one another but because of their circumstances – sharing each other’s sorrows and grief over a pint of the finest domestic swill.
Think of the characters that Cheers gave us: a washed up former major league relief pitcher, a well-to-do grad student, a homemaker, a mailman, an accountant, a psychiatrist, and a country bumpkin (I’m even excluding Coach – a former coach – and Rebecca – a businesswoman of sorts – from the discussion). These are people who for all intents and purposes wouldn’t cross paths with one another if not for their own depressed reality. And yet we take joy in watching their interactions at the bar. Moreover, they find solace in their lives because of enjoying one another’s company at the bar.
Some mention of the beautiful, classic bar-related pictures that are shown to accompany the theme must also be made. Cheers ignored the common practice of featuring scenes from the show in the intro, instead choosing to use uniquely colored paintings (what are these called?) that effectively showed the enjoyment one could experience while drinking with friends. Even if Cheers gets knocked for being a little dated in re-runs, the intro remains timeless in large part because of the picture choice.
I love the “Theme From Cheers (Where Everybody Knows Your Name)” if for nothing else than its ability to stick in my head for days. It’s a beautiful song that perfectly encapsulates the show it was written for. In fact, it was so good that a full version was made (though a little heavy on the synthesizer). Still, there are two better songs ahead of it. Stay tuned to find out who they are.
