My Mother The Car Theme Song
Comedy Theme Song Archive

My Mother The Car Theme Song And Lyrics

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Song TitleMy Mother the Car
Performed ByPaul Hampton
ComposerRalph Carmichael & Paul Hampton
Premiere DateSeptember 14, 1965 (US)
Final Episode DateApril 5, 1966
Total Episodes30 (1 Season)
Original NetworkNBC
GenreFantasy Sitcom

My Mother The Car Theme Song Lyrics

Everybody knows in a second life we all come back sooner or later As anything from a pussycat to a man-eating alligator Well you all may think my story is more fiction than it’s fact But believe it or not my mother dear decided she’d come back As a car! She’s my very own guiding star A 1928 Porter That’s my mother dear ‘Cause she helps me through everything I do And I’m so glad she’s near My Mother the Car My Mother the Car

Behind the Music: Meaning & Story

The My Mother the Car theme song is a playful, narrative track written and performed by Paul Hampton, with musical composition by Ralph Carmichael. The lyrics act as a necessary “prologue” to one of the most unusual premises in television history, explaining to the audience exactly how Dave Crabtree ended up with a talking 1928 Porter for a mother.

Created by Allan Burns and Chris Hayward (who would later go on to find massive success with The Mary Tyler Moore Show), the series stars Jerry Van Dyke as a man who buys a vintage car only to discover it is the reincarnation of his deceased mother. The voice of the “Mother” car was provided by the celebrated actress Ann Sothern. The theme song highlights the “Porter” brand—a fictional car company created specifically for the show, using a heavily modified 1924 Ford Model T as the hero vehicle.

Despite being frequently cited in modern pop culture as one of the “worst” show concepts of all time, it has maintained a fascinating cult following. The theme song remains a highlight of the 1960s “fantasy sitcom” era, capturing the same whimsical spirit found in contemporaries like Mister Ed or My Favorite Martian.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of car was used in the show?
The car was a fictional 1928 Porter. In reality, the production team used a customized 1924 Ford Model T, a Maxwell, and parts from various other vintage vehicles to create the unique “Porter” look.
Who voiced the car?
The car’s motherly advice and sharp wit were provided by Ann Sothern. She was a major star of the 1930s and 40s, known for the Maisie film series.
Why did the show only last one season?
While it had a strong lead-in on NBC, the show struggled with critical reviews and a premise that many viewers found too bizarre for a weekly series. It was cancelled after 30 episodes.
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Editorial Note: Content for My Mother the Car has been verified by the ThemeSong.info Editorial Team. The musical credits for Ralph Carmichael and the show’s 1965 debut on NBC have been cross-referenced with United Artists Television archives and classic TV broadcast records.