growing pains
Comedy Theme Song Archive

Growing Pains Theme Song And Lyrics

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Song TitleAs Long as We’ve Got Each Other
ArtistsB.J. Thomas & Jennifer Warnes (Most Famous Version)
ComposerSteve Dorff
LyricistJohn Bettis
Premiere Date24 September 1985
Final Episode Date25 April 1992
Total Episodes166 (7 Seasons)
NetworkABC

Growing Pains Theme Song Lyrics

Show me that smile again (Ooooh, show me that smile) Don’t waste another minute on your cryin’ We’re nowhere near the end (nowhere near) The best is ready to begin Oooohhh, as long as we got each other We got the world spinnin’ right in our hands Baby, you and me, we gotta be The luckiest dreamers who never quit dreamin’ As long as we keep on givin’ We can take anything that comes our way Baby, rain or shine, all the time We got each other sharin’ the laughter and love Sharin’ the laughter and love…

Behind the Music: Meaning & Story

The Growing Pains theme song, titled “As Long as We’ve Got Each Other,” is widely considered one of the most heartwarming themes in sitcom history. Composed by Steve Dorff with lyrics by John Bettis, the song evolved significantly throughout the series’ seven-season run. The most famous version—a soulful duet between B.J. Thomas and Jennifer Warnes—perfectly captured the Seaver family’s bond when it debuted in the second season.

Premiering on September 24, 1985, the show followed the lives of Dr. Jason Seaver and his wife Maggie as they raised their three (later four) children in Long Island. The lyrics, “Show me that smile again,” became a call to optimism that resonated with audiences during the show’s 166 episodes. The song emphasizes resilience and family solidarity, suggesting that as long as the family stays together, they can “take anything that comes our way.”

Interestingly, the theme saw several variations. Season 1 featured a solo by B.J. Thomas, while Season 4 introduced a version by Thomas and Dusty Springfield. Even an a cappella version was used in the final season. Despite the changes, the melodic core remained a constant comfort for fans, solidifying Growing Pains as a cornerstone of the 1980s family-centric television landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who sang the different versions of the theme song?
The song was primarily performed by B.J. Thomas. He sang it as a solo in Season 1, as a duet with Jennifer Warnes (Seasons 2, 3, 5, and 7), and as a duet with Dusty Springfield in Season 4.
Who composed the theme song?
The music was composed by Steve Dorff, a prolific songwriter who also wrote themes for Murphy Brown and Spenser: For Hire.
What was the premise of Growing Pains?
The show centered on the Seaver family, featuring a work-at-home psychiatrist (Jason) and his journalist wife (Maggie) as they navigated the “growing pains” of their children, most notably the mischievous Mike, played by Kirk Cameron.
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Editorial Note: Content for Growing Pains has been verified by the ThemeSong.info Editorial Team. Music credits for B.J. Thomas, Steve Dorff, and the production history of the ABC series have been accurately cited.