“Those Were the Days,” the theme song of the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family, is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a cultural touchstone that encapsulates nostalgia, irony, and the complex character of Archie Bunker. This seemingly simple song, sung by Archie and Edith Bunker themselves, opens each episode, setting the stage for the show’s sharp social commentary and comedic explorations of family life in a changing America. Let’s delve into what makes this theme song so enduring and discuss the layers of meaning within its seemingly straightforward lyrics.
The song itself, “Those Were the Days,” wasn’t originally written for All in the Family. Composed by Charles Strouse with lyrics by Lee Adams, the duo known for Broadway hits like Bye Bye Birdie and Annie, it was initially titled “Think How Happy We’ll Be” and featured in the 1959 musical All American. When Norman Lear adapted Till Death Us Do Part into All in the Family, this pre-existing song was chosen and cleverly repurposed to become the show’s opening theme. This backstory adds another layer to the song’s inherent nostalgia – it’s a song already looking back, now used to frame a show steeped in reflection on the past.
The rendition of “Those Were the Days” for All in the Family is uniquely defined by the voices of Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton, who portrayed Archie and Edith Bunker. Neither were professional singers in the traditional sense, and that’s precisely what makes their performance so perfect. O’Connor’s somewhat gruff delivery and Stapleton’s slightly off-key, yet endearing harmony, embody their characters. Edith, in particular, with her less powerful voice, adds a touch of vulnerability and homespun charm to the song. This wasn’t polished studio singing; it felt like a real couple reminiscing around a piano in their living room, instantly drawing viewers into the Bunker’s world. Jean Stapleton’s ability to sing in Edith’s distinctive voice is often lauded as a testament to her acting and vocal skills, further blurring the lines between performer and character.
At its core, “Those Were the Days” is a song about nostalgia, but within the context of All in the Family, it’s heavily laced with irony. The lyrics paint a picture of a simpler, perhaps idealized past: “And you knew who you were then / Girls were girls and men were men / Mister, we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again.” For many viewers, especially those living through the social and political upheavals of the 1970s, these lines were immediately recognizable as Archie Bunker’s worldview.
The reference to Herbert Hoover, the US President during the Great Depression, is a prime example of this irony. As many commentators have pointed out, Hoover’s presidency is largely associated with economic hardship and failure. To long for a leader like Hoover, as Archie seemingly does, reveals a selective and perhaps misguided nostalgia. It’s unlikely Archie fully understood the complexities of the Hoover era; instead, “Herbert Hoover” becomes a symbol of a past time Archie perceives as strong and straightforward, contrasting with the changing times he struggles with. This historical inaccuracy is deliberate, highlighting Archie’s often-flawed understanding of the world.
Similarly, the line “Gee, our old LaSalle ran great” evokes a bygone era of American automotive luxury. The LaSalle was indeed a General Motors brand, positioned below Cadillac in prestige. While a LaSalle might have been considered a luxury car, the idea of a working-class family like the Bunkers owning one in their youth stretches credibility. Some argue that the LaSalle reference is an anachronism, as the brand was discontinued before Archie’s supposed youth. However, the choice of “LaSalle” over a more common car like a “Chevrolet Six” (which, as some note, doesn’t fit the song’s meter) serves multiple purposes. “LaSalle” sounds more evocative of a nostalgic past and rolls off the tongue better in the song. It reinforces the romanticized, perhaps inaccurate, nature of Archie’s memories. The LaSalle becomes symbolic of a perceived prosperity and “greatness” of the past, even if that perception is divorced from reality.
The lyric “Didn’t need no welfare state / Everybody pulled his weight” is perhaps the most politically charged line, and again, dripping with irony in the context of Archie Bunker. Archie, a working-class man and union member, ironically benefits from the very “liberal policies” and labor protections that he often scorns. Labor unions, crucial for workers’ rights and wages, are arguably a product of the “welfare state” mentality – collective action to protect the vulnerable. Archie’s disdain for the “welfare state” while simultaneously relying on union benefits exposes a hypocrisy and a lack of self-awareness that are central to his character. The humor and social commentary derive from this disconnect between Archie’s words and his reality.
“Girls were girls and men were men / Mister, we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again,” these lines together paint a picture of rigid gender roles and a longing for a patriarchal society. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, when All in the Family aired, these traditional roles were being challenged by the women’s liberation movement and evolving social norms. Archie’s yearning for a time when “girls were girls and men were men” reflects his discomfort with these changing gender dynamics and a desire to return to a more clearly defined, hierarchical social order. This line, like the others, is not presented as a sincere ideal to be embraced, but rather as a window into Archie’s often-prejudiced and outdated worldview, intended to provoke thought and discussion.
“Those Were the Days” resonated deeply with audiences. Released as a single in December 1971, sung by Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton, it climbed the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 43 in January 1972. This chart success demonstrates the song’s appeal beyond just being a TV theme; it became a popular song in its own right. The fact that the show’s stars, not professional singers, performed it likely added to its charm and authenticity for viewers.
Over the years, fan interpretations of the theme song have varied, mirroring the diverse reactions to All in the Family itself. Some viewers, perhaps missing the satire, might genuinely connect with the nostalgic sentiments, overlooking the irony and social critique. Others, understanding the show’s intent, appreciate the song as a clever and concise introduction to Archie Bunker’s character and the show’s themes. The comments and discussions surrounding the song, much like the ones from the original article, reveal this spectrum of interpretations and the song’s enduring ability to spark conversation.
In conclusion, “Those Were the Days” is far more than just an opening jingle for a sitcom. It’s a masterfully crafted theme song that uses nostalgia and irony to introduce the complex world of All in the Family. Through its lyrics, performance, and historical context, it provides a lens into Archie Bunker’s character, his flawed worldview, and the social issues the show tackled head-on. The song’s continued relevance lies in its ability to evoke both a sense of longing for the past and a critical examination of it, making it a truly iconic piece of television history.
