bj and the bear
Comedy Theme Song Archive

BJ And The Bear Theme Song And Lyrics

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Song TitleB.J. and the Bear Theme
ArtistGreg Evigan
ComposerGlen A. Larson & Greg Evigan
Premiere Date10 February 1979
Final Episode Date9 May 1981
Total Episodes46 (3 Seasons)
Original NetworkNBC
GenreCountry Pop / TV Theme

B.J. and the Bear Theme Song Lyrics

Hey there, where ya goin’? Not exactly knowin’ Who says you have to call just one place home? He’s goin’ everywhere B.J. McKay and his best friend Bear! He just keeps on movin’ Ladies keep improvin’ Every day is better than the last New dreams and better scenes And best of all, I don’t pay property tax! (Yeah, that’s what I’m going to do one of these days, Bear. I’m going to teach you how to sing. How’d you like that, kid, huh?) Rollin’ down to Dallas My wheels provide my palace I’m off to New Orleans or who knows where Places new and ladies too I’m B.J. McKay and this is my best friend Bear!

Behind the Music: Meaning & Story

The B.J. and the Bear theme song is a classic piece of Americana from the late 1970s, perfectly capturing the era’s fascination with trucking culture. Performed by the show’s lead actor, Greg Evigan, the song was co-written by the legendary television producer Glen A. Larson. Its breezy, country-pop sound served as the “melodic engine” for the show, which followed B.J. McKay, a freelance trucker, and his chimpanzee companion, Bear.

The lyrics emphasize the freedom of the open road and a nomadic lifestyle. Lines like “My wheels provide my palace” and “I don’t pay property tax” resonated with the independent spirit of the time. Premiering on February 10, 1979, on NBC, the show became a hit, running for 46 episodes. The theme song famously includes a spoken interlude where B.J. talks to Bear, highlighting the “everlasting friendship” that was the heart of the series.

Larson and Evigan crafted a hook that made the show’s premise instantly clear to viewers worldwide. Though the series concluded on May 9, 1981, the theme song has endured through nostalgia and its inclusion in various compilation albums like Television’s Greatest Hits. It remains a musical journey that reminds fans of a daring time on the “road less traveled,” when a man and his chimp could take on the world from the cab of a Kenworth truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Greg Evigan actually sing the theme song?
Yes! Greg Evigan performed the vocals for the theme. He was one of several actors during that era who also had a musical career, often contributing to the soundtracks of their own shows.
Why was the chimpanzee named Bear?
The chimp was named Bear as a tribute to Bear Bryant, the legendary Alabama football coach. B.J. McKay’s character was often portrayed as a Southern-rooted individual.
What kind of truck did B.J. McKay drive?
B.J. famously drove a red and white Kenworth K100 Aerodyne cab-over truck, which became an icon for truck enthusiasts of the 1970s and 80s.
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Editorial Note: Content for B.J. and the Bear has been verified by the ThemeSong.info Editorial Team. Music credits for Glen A. Larson and Greg Evigan have been accurately cited based on NBC production records and the 1996 Television’s Greatest Hits release.