Theme Song Lyrics
Behind the Tune: Meaning & Story
The Love Boat is a classic TV institution, and its theme song is one of the most recognizable melodies in television history. Composed by Charles Fox with lyrics by Paul Williams, the song perfectly captures the show’s spirit of romance and high-seas adventure. The most famous version was performed by Jack Jones, though Dionne Warwick took over the vocals for the final season.
The series, produced by the legendary Aaron Spelling, was based on Jeraldine Saunders’ book The Love Boats. Premiering on September 17, 1976, on ABC, the show became a massive hit by blending romantic comedy with a revolving door of famous guest stars. For nine seasons and 250 episodes, the theme song served as a weekly invitation for viewers to “set a course for adventure.”
The track’s upbeat, lounge-pop arrangement mirrored the optimism of the series, where every passenger’s problem—be it romantic or personal—was usually resolved by the time the ship returned to port. Even decades after the final episode aired on May 24, 1986, the song remains an enduring symbol of 1970s and 80s television charm.
