The intro song of Family Guy is arguably as iconic as the show itself. It sets the stage for the program’s irreverent humor and satirical take on modern culture. But beyond its catchy tune, the lyrics themselves are packed with jokes, social commentary, and self-aware jabs. Let’s dive into the meaning and comedic genius behind the Family Guy intro lyrics.
[Lois]
It seems today that all you see
Is violence in movies and sex on TV
[Peter]
But where are those good old-fashioned values
On which we used to rely?
This opening immediately establishes the central theme: a lament for the perceived decline of traditional values in media. Lois and Peter, voicing a common generational sentiment, criticize the contemporary entertainment landscape for its focus on violence and sex. This sets up the show’s own brand of humor, which often pushes boundaries but also reflects on societal norms.
[Brian]
It used to be a big-time star
Was elegant as Garbo, or Hedy Lamarr
[Stewie]
But now we get whores like Jenny Lopez
You want to curl up and die
Brian and Stewie continue the critique, focusing on the shift in celebrity culture. They contrast classic Hollywood glamour figures like Greta Garbo and Hedy Lamarr with a more contemporary, and in Stewie’s opinion, less refined pop icon, Jennifer Lopez. The harshness of Stewie’s line is typical of his character’s cynical and often over-the-top pronouncements, adding a layer of dark humor.
Lucky there’s a Family Guy
Lucky there’s a man who positively can do
All the things that make us
[Stewie]
Laugh and cry
He’s our Family Guy
The chorus introduces the show’s protagonist, Peter Griffin, as a beacon of sorts amidst this cultural decay. The lyrics ironically suggest that Peter, despite his flaws and often outrageous behavior, is someone who can evoke genuine emotion – laughter and tears. This is a key element of the show’s appeal: finding humor in the absurdities of everyday family life, even when those absurdities are often caused by Peter himself.
[Lois]
When I was young, the songs were fair
With Mister Johnny Mathis, and Sonny and Cher
[Peter]
But now we get Justin Timber-homo
[Lois]
A heartache all gone awry!
The second verse broadens the cultural critique to music. Lois fondly remembers the more wholesome sounds of Johnny Mathis and Sonny & Cher, while Peter offers a crass and outdated homophobic slur against Justin Timberlake. Lois’s exasperated response highlights the generation gap and the evolving, sometimes jarring, nature of popular music trends.
[Brian]
The classic films were works of art
The images were graceful, the stories were smart
[Stewie]
But now we get Matrix Revolution, I’m sorry I know this doesn’t rhyme
But what the hell were you Wachowski Brothers thinking?!
Moving onto cinema, Brian praises classic films for their artistry and intelligence. Stewie then abruptly shifts to Matrix Revolutions, a film widely considered the weakest in the Matrix trilogy, to exemplify the decline in film quality. His self-aware apology for the lack of rhyme and his direct, sarcastic question to the Wachowskis add a meta-comedic touch, breaking the fourth wall and engaging the audience directly.
Lucky there’s a family guy
Lucky there’s a fella, sweeter than vanilla
Wholesome as a piece of
[Stewie]
Apple pie
He’s a family guy
The chorus returns, this time describing Peter as “sweeter than vanilla” and “wholesome as a piece of apple pie.” This is heavily ironic, given Peter’s often selfish, immature, and politically incorrect actions throughout the show. The contrast between the idealized description and Peter’s actual character is a source of much of the show’s humor.
[Lois]
His smile’s a simple delight
[Chris]
He lets me see the boobies on the internet sites
[Lois]
Peter!
[Meg]
He bought me my cute little hat
[Brian]
Yeah, we should have a talk about that
About that! And his hat!
This bridge showcases the dysfunctional family dynamics. Lois tries to offer a genuinely positive attribute of Peter – his smile – but Chris immediately undercuts it with a crude and inappropriate revelation. Meg’s seemingly innocent comment about a hat is met with Brian’s worried reaction, hinting at potentially problematic or questionable behavior from Peter, further subverting the “wholesome” image.
[Brian]
He’s mastered the comedy arts
[Stewie]
He says, Look out, Hiroshima! Then casually farts
[Lois]
He’s loaded with sexy appeal
[Peter]
And best of all my titties are real, Have a feel!
[Brian]
No thank you
[Stewie]
I gave it the office
The humor escalates further in this bridge. Brian attributes “comedy arts” to Peter, which Stewie immediately twists into an example of offensive and lowbrow humor. Lois tries to compliment Peter’s “sexy appeal,” only for Peter to make a crass and self-deprecating joke about his “man boobs.” The reactions from Brian and Stewie – disgust and weary resignation – amplify the comedic effect.
[Lois]
The Brady Bunch has got their Mike
And pretty Laura Petrie has Dicky Van Dyke
But who around here could fill those loafers?
But here’s a happy reply
Lois references two classic, wholesome TV families, The Brady Bunch and The Dick Van Dyke Show, highlighting the idealized father figures of Mike Brady and Dick Van Dyke. She then questions who could fill such roles in the present day, before offering the “happy reply”:
Lucky there’s a family guy
Lucky there’s a man who positively can do all the things that
[Stewie]
Laugh and cry!
He’s a Family Guy!
He’s a Family Guy!
The final chorus reinforces the ironic celebration of Peter as the “Family Guy.” Stewie’s interjection of “Laugh and cry!” again emphasizes the emotional rollercoaster Peter takes his family and the audience on. The repetition of “He’s a Family Guy!” at the end solidifies the theme song’s purpose: to introduce and comically celebrate the flawed, yet endearing, patriarch of the Griffin family.
Alt Text: The Griffin family cast of Family Guy, including Peter, Lois, Brian, Stewie, Chris, and Meg, posing for a promotional image.
In conclusion, the Family Guy intro lyrics are more than just a catchy tune. They are a clever piece of satirical writing that sets the tone for the entire show. Through humorous and often controversial lines delivered by its beloved characters, the intro song critiques societal changes, celebrates the absurdities of family life, and introduces us to the uniquely flawed and hilarious “Family Guy,” Peter Griffin.
