The Courtship of Eddie’s Father Theme Song Lyrics
Behind the Music: Meaning & Story
The The Courtship of Eddie’s Father theme song, titled “Best Friend,” is a gentle, acoustic masterpiece performed by the legendary Harry Nilsson. The song’s whimsical yet sincere tone perfectly captured the chemistry between Tom Corbett (Bill Bixby) and his young son, Eddie (Brandon Cruz). Unlike many high-energy sitcom intros of the late 60s, “Best Friend” offered a tender, conversational look at a singular father-son bond.
Premiering in 1969 on ABC, the series was adapted from the 1963 film starring Glenn Ford. The show was groundbreaking for its realistic portrayal of a widowed father and the emotional intelligence of the young Eddie. The lyrics “Whether we’re talkin’ man-to-man or whether we’re talking son-to-son” highlighted the show’s focus on open communication and mutual respect. The musical score was directed by George Tipton, a frequent collaborator of Nilsson, who helped weave the theme’s motifs throughout the series’ 73 episodes.
The song became so synonymous with the show that it remains one of Nilsson’s most recognizable works, despite his massive pop hits like “Everybody’s Talkin’.” The opening montage, featuring Bill Bixby and Brandon Cruz playing on a beach or walking through a park to Nilsson’s scat-singing and whistling, stands as one of the most heartwarming sequences in television history.