The Meaning Behind The Song: Without Us [From Family Ties] by Deniece Williams
Deniece Williams’ hit song “Without Us” is known as the theme song for the hit 80s TV show Family Ties. The show followed the lives of the Keaton family, a liberal couple with three children, and their conservative son, Alex, played by Michael J. Fox.
The song, which plays during the opening credits of the show, became one of the most iconic theme songs in television history. But what is the meaning behind the song, and what made it so popular? Let’s explore.
The History of “Without Us”
“Without Us” was written by Jeff Barry and Tom Scott, who were tasked with writing a theme song for a new television show. The show was originally called The Family, but was later changed to Family Ties.
The song was performed by Deniece Williams, a Grammy-winning singer known for her hits such as “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” and “Silly.” Williams was chosen to sing the song because of her impressive vocal range and ability to evoke powerful emotions through her music.
The Meaning of “Without Us”
The lyrics of “Without Us” speak to the themes of family, love, and connection. The song begins with the line “What would we do, baby, without us?”, which sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics.
The song recognizes and celebrates the importance of family and the love that binds them together. It acknowledges that life can be tough, but having a supportive family can make all the difference.
The chorus of the song is particularly powerful:
♫ Sha la la la ♫
Sha la la la la ♫
Without us ♫
Without us ♫
Sha la la la ♫
Sha la la la la ♫
We got each other ♫
Sha la la la ♫
Sha la la la la ♫
We got the world spinning right in our hands ♫
Baby, you and me ♫
We gotta be ♫
The luckiest dreamers who never quit dreaming♫
The repetition of “Sha la la la” and the upbeat tune create a sense of happiness and togetherness. The lyrics remind us that we are not alone, and that we have each other to rely on.
Overall, the meaning of “Without Us” is a celebration of love, family, and togetherness.
The Impact of “Without Us”
“Without Us” became an instant hit when it was released, and it remains a beloved song to this day. Its catchy tune and powerful lyrics have resonated with audiences for decades.
The song’s impact goes beyond just its popularity. It also helped to define the tone and themes of Family Ties. The show was known for its focus on family, its use of humor, and its ability to tackle tough issues.
“Without Us” perfectly encapsulates these themes, and it set the tone for the entire show. The song’s popularity helped to bring in audiences and establish Family Ties as one of the most beloved shows of the 80s.
FAQs
1. Who wrote “Without Us”?
“Without Us” was written by Jeff Barry and Tom Scott.
Jeff Barry is a songwriter and record producer who has worked with a variety of artists, including The Beach Boys, The Monkees, and Neil Diamond. Tom Scott is a jazz saxophonist who has worked with artists such as Joni Mitchell and The Blues Brothers.
2. How did Deniece Williams become involved with the song?
Deniece Williams was chosen to sing “Without Us” because of her impressive vocal range and ability to evoke powerful emotions through her music.
Williams was already a Grammy-winning singer at the time and had several hit songs under her belt, including “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” and “Silly.”
3. What is the meaning behind the song?
The meaning of “Without Us” is a celebration of love, family, and togetherness. The song acknowledges the importance of family and the love that binds them together.
4. What impact did “Without Us” have on Family Ties?
“Without Us” helped to define the tone and themes of Family Ties. The show was known for its focus on family, its use of humor, and its ability to tackle tough issues.
The song’s popularity helped to bring in audiences and establish Family Ties as one of the most beloved shows of the 80s.
5. When was “Without Us” released?
“Without Us” was released in 1982.
6. Who sings “Without Us”?
“Without Us” is sung by Deniece Williams.
7. Did “Without Us” win any awards?
“Without Us” was not nominated for any major awards, but it remains a beloved song to this day.
8. What other notable songs has Deniece Williams performed?
Deniece Williams is known for her hit songs “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” and “Silly.” She has also had several other successful songs, including “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” and “Free.”
9. What other TV shows has Jeff Barry worked on?
Jeff Barry has worked on a variety of TV shows, including The Jeffersons, One Day at a Time, and The Love Boat.
10. What other musicians has Tom Scott worked with?
Tom Scott has worked with a variety of musicians throughout his career, including Joni Mitchell, The Blues Brothers, and Steely Dan.
11. Why is “Without Us” such an iconic theme song?
“Without Us” is a catchy and upbeat song with powerful lyrics about love and family. It perfectly encapsulates the themes of the show and helped to establish Family Ties as one of the most popular shows of the 80s.
12. Why do people still love “Without Us” today?
“Without Us” remains a beloved song because of its catchy tune and powerful lyrics. It reminds listeners of the importance of family and togetherness, and it evokes feelings of happiness and nostalgia.
