family ties
Comedy Theme Song Archive

Family Ties Theme Song And Lyrics

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Song TitleWithout Us
PerformersJohnny Mathis & Deniece Williams
ComposerTom Scott
LyricsJeff Barry
Original Air DateSeptember 22, 1982 (USA) / July 6, 1985 (UK)
Episodes / Seasons176 Episodes (7 Seasons)
NetworkNBC
LanguageEnglish

Theme Song Lyrics

I bet we’ve been together for a million years And I bet we’ll be together for a million more Oh, it’s like I started breathing on the night we kissed And I can’t remember what I ever did before What would we do, baby, without us? What would we do, baby, without us? And there ain’t no nothing We can’t love each other through What would we do, baby, without us? Sha-la-la-la!

Behind the Tune: Meaning & Story

The Family Ties theme song, titled “Without Us,” is one of the most heartwarming duets in television history. Composed by Tom Scott with lyrics by Jeff Barry, the song underwent a few changes in its early days. While the first ten episodes featured a version by Dennis Tufano and Mindy Sterling, the definitive version known to millions was performed by legendary crooner Johnny Mathis and R&B star Deniece Williams.

Premiering in the US in 1982 and later in the UK on July 6, 1985, the show explored the cultural divide of the 1980s through the Keaton family: ex-hippie parents Elyse and Steven, and their Young Republican son, Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox). The theme song acted as a unifying force, emphasizing that despite their political and social differences, the family’s love for one another was the “Family Tie” that couldn’t be broken.

Over seven seasons and 176 episodes, the show became a cultural touchstone. The closing credits often featured an instrumental version of the theme while showing a painting of the Keaton family being completed. This visual, paired with the “Sha-la-la-la” refrain, created a sense of comfort and stability that made Family Ties a staple of 1980s television until its final episode on May 14, 1989.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the famous singers of the theme song?
The most famous version of “Without Us” is performed by Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams. They are the same duo who had a massive hit with “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late.”
What genre is the Family Ties theme song?
The song is considered Adult Contemporary/Pop, typical of the melodic and soft-rock influences found in 1980s sitcom music.
Is there a connection to Kendrick Lamar?
While Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem released a popular 2021 song titled “family ties,” it is an entirely different hip-hop track and not a cover or sample of the 1982 TV theme.
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Editorial Note: Production history and musical credits for Family Ties have been verified by the ThemeSong.info Editorial Team. We ensure series milestones and performer data are accurately cited.