TV Theme Song Facts Trivia Quiz

Answer: Andrew Gold

"Thank You For Being a Friend" was Andrew Gold's follow-up to his smash, 1977's "Lonely Boy". It peaked at #25 in 1978. In 1985, it was adapted as the theme for this show about four older women living under the same roof.

Answer: True

Alexandar Courage wrote the music, but Gene Roddenberry wrote lyrics so that he could be paid a share of the residual each time the theme was used. They were never incorporated into the theme song, and no "Star Trek" television or movie theme used lyrics until "Enterprise".

After some digging through videotapes, I have found the never-heard lyrics to "Star Trek" (Courtesy of the Sci-Fi Channel). I will warn you now that the words are somewhat cheesy:

Beyond the rim of the starlight
My love is wandering in starflight
I know he'll find in star clustered reaches
Love strange, love a star woman teaches
I know his journey ends never
His star trek will go on forever
But tell him while he wanders his starry sea
Remember me, remember me.

Answer: Suicide Is Painless

The only time the vocals were sung was for the motion picture "MASH," in 1970. In the movie, "Painless" was part of the nickname of the hospital's dentist, Walter "The Painless Pole" Waldowski (John Schuck), who had wanted to commit suicide because he suddenly didn't feel "like a man" (Don't worry; he lived to love another day). Hence, the title of the song.

Answer: I Love Lucy

Written by Eliot Daniel and Harold Adamson, "I Love Lucy" is one of the most recognized theme songs in television history. And yes, the Desi Arnaz Orchestra performed it, under the direction of Wilbur Hatch.

Answer: False

No, that would be The Rembrants. It became a Top-10 hit in the United States in 1999, during the peak of the show's popularity. But The Refreshments did do the theme to "King of the Hill".

Answer: All of these

Since 1981, Steven Bochco and Mike Post have worked together on many projects. All three of these themes were written by Mike Post, without the aid of co-writers. Mike Post has also done music for "Murder One", "NYPD Blue", "Civil Wars", and "Cop Rock", among others.

Answer: Jack Jones

Renowned singer Jack Jones has been performing professionally since the age of 19. At one time, he was a staple on the Las Vegas lounge circuit. He got to spoof himself in a brief scene in "Airplane II: The Sequel", where he sang the "Love Boat" theme outside a prison, as a spotlight was shining on him.

Answer: Beatles

"With a Little Help From My Friends", written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and sung by Ringo Starr, was originally on The Beatles' 1967 album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". Joe Cocker (whose version graces the titles of this show) made the song famous after performing it at the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969.

Answer: False

No, he only sings it. Bruce Miller is credited for penning Frasier Crane's weekly lament of "Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs".

Answer: Vonda Shepard

Vonda Shepard (who was billed as herself) was usually seen as the lounge entertainment at the bar that Ally and her co-workers went to on a regular basis. The theme song "Searchin' My Soul" was a Top-40 hit for her in 1999.