The theme song of a sitcom often sets the stage, a brief musical and lyrical appetizer hinting at the show’s essence. For many, especially those who grew up in the 90s, the Family Matters theme song is instantly recognizable and deeply nostalgic. But what makes this particular theme song so memorable, and how does it stand out in the crowded landscape of television theme tunes?
The catchy tune, officially titled “As Days Go By,” is more than just an earworm. It’s a masterclass in setting tone and hinting at the show’s core themes. Penned and performed by Jesse Frederick, the same musical mind behind other iconic TGIF theme songs like Full House, Step By Step, and Perfect Strangers, the Family Matters theme song shares a certain DNA with its contemporaries, yet possesses a unique charm.
family watching the movies
Frederick’s signature style is evident in the upbeat tempo and feel-good melody, creating an immediate sense of warmth and familiarity. Interestingly, the opening lyrics of the Family Matters theme song take a slightly more melancholic approach than one might expect from a family sitcom intro.
“It’s a rare condition, this day and age,
to read any good news on the newspaper page.
Love and tradition of the grand design,
some people say it’s even harder to fiiiind.”
These lines, while delivered with Frederick’s cheerful vocals, touch upon a sense of societal unease and the perceived scarcity of positive news. This subtly contrasts with the overtly optimistic tone often associated with family sitcoms. It suggests a world where finding good news and upholding traditional values might be a “rare condition,” setting up the family unit as a comforting anchor in a turbulent world.
This initial sentiment echoes a similar feeling expressed in the Full House theme song, also by Frederick:
“Whatever happened to predictability?
The milkman, the paperboy, evening TV.”
Both songs, in their opening verses, express a longing for a simpler, perhaps more predictable past. This shared sentiment, delivered through Frederick’s music, might explain why some listeners, as humorously pointed out in the original article, might perceive a similarity between the two theme songs. They both tap into a relatable feeling of nostalgia and a yearning for comforting constants.
However, the Family Matters theme song quickly pivots from this mild lament to a message of hope and familial love. The second verse offers a direct counterpoint to the initial sense of scarcity:
“Well then there must be some magic clue inside these tearful walls
‘Cause all I see is a tower of dreams
real love burstin’ out of every seam.”
Here, the “tearful walls” suggest that even within the confines of everyday life and perhaps even amidst challenges (“tearful”), the family home is a source of “magic,” dreams, and “real love.” This shift from societal concerns to the intimate space of family is crucial to understanding the theme song’s enduring appeal and its perfect encapsulation of the show’s heart.
In conclusion, the Family Matters theme song, crafted by the prolific Jesse Frederick, is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a mini-narrative that touches upon societal anxieties before firmly grounding itself in the warmth and comfort of family. Its nostalgic melody and relatable lyrics have cemented its place as one of the most beloved and recognizable sitcom theme songs of all time, perfectly setting the stage for the Winslow family’s heartwarming and humorous stories.
