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Mary Tyler Moore Show Theme Song Lyrics
Official Theme Video
Behind the Lyrics: Meaning & Story
The Mary Tyler Moore Show theme song, “Love Is All Around,” is widely considered one of the most optimistic and empowering anthems in television history. Written and performed by Sonny Curtis, the song perfectly captures the journey of Mary Richards, a woman who moves to Minneapolis after a failed relationship to start a new life as a career-oriented independent woman.
Interestingly, the lyrics for the first season were slightly different, focusing on Mary’s “fresh start.” As the show evolved, the lyrics shifted to the more confident version we know today, ending with the iconic hat-toss and the reassuring line, “You’re gonna make it after all.”
The song’s composer, Sonny Curtis (formerly of The Crickets), wrote the track in just two hours after reading a brief description of the show. It became an instant classic, mirroring the groundbreaking nature of a sitcom that prioritized a woman’s career and friendships over finding a husband. Its legacy lives on through numerous covers and its association with the legendary “hat toss” at the corner of 7th Street and Nicollet Mall.