Roseanne Theme Song

1988–1997

Whoa, this show lasted a lifetime. So, where is Roseanne Barr now? And also, I can’t believe Johnny Galecki, Leonard from The Big Bang Theory, started his career in this show.

The theme song for Roseanne is one of those untitled originals that people simply refer to as (in the format of) “Show-name Theme”. It was composed by W.G. “Snuffy” Walden, whom we previously encountered for the themes of My So-Called Life and Hawthorne. However, I think composers Dan Foliart and Howard Pearl are also credited for the theme song.

As we all know, the “Roseanne Theme” is an instrumental, for the most part at least, featuring a solo saxophone for the main melody. However, in the ninth and final season, the theme became a full-blown song with lyrics. It still followed the basic melody though.

The theme with lyrics was performed by Blues Traveler featuring their trademark distorted harmonica. The lyrics are credited to John Popper, frontman for Blues Traveler, so he sang it as well.

Below are the lyrics.

Roseanne theme song lyrics (season 9 theme)

If what doesn’t kill us is making us stronger,
We’re gonna last longer
Than that greatest wall in China
Or that rabbit with the drum

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned
While waiting for my turn,
It’s that in each life some rain falls
But you also get some sun

And we’ll make out better than okay
Hear what I say
Hey, any day

Below is the intro for season 9 featuring the Blues Traveler theme song.

Below is the original opening title sequence for season 1. The music below is what was used for seasons 1 to 8.

I’m pretty sure the series did not release an official soundtrack. However, the theme song is available from some TV theme song compilations like this one.

3 thoughts on “Roseanne Theme Song”

  1. Actually throughout the series the theme did change between a few seasons, not just for season 9. I don’t remember how many times it changed, but if you compare the theme for the pilot with the theme for season 8 you’ll notice changes in instrumentation and build up.

    I’ve always wondered what kind of acoustic guitar was used in the earlier versions before there was no longer acoustic guitar in the theme. I’ll probably never find out!

  2. On one of the episodes a woman sang a very nice blues or jazz rendition of the theme. It was later in the series, I think. Is that on the Internet anywhere so I can hear it again?

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