The Addams Family Theme

The theme for the 1964 TV series The Addams Family was written and arranged by longtime Hollywood film and television composer Vic Mizzy. The song's arrangement was dominated by a harpsichord and featured finger-snaps as percussive accompaniment.[1] Actor Ted Cassidy, reprising his "Lurch" voice, punctuated the lyrics with words like "neat," "sweet," and "petite." Mizzy's theme was popular enough to enjoy a single release, though it failed to make the national charts.

The closing theme was similar, but was instrumental only and featured such instruments as a triangle, a wooden block, a siren whistle and a duck call.

Other appearances (related to the show and franchise)
  • The theme appears on the 1965 soundtrack by Mizzy Original Music From The Addams Family[2]
  • An alternate version of the theme, with a slightly different melody, was used for the 1977 TV special Halloween with the New Addams Family, which reunited most of the original cast from the 1964-66 TV series.
  • The original theme appeared in the films The Addams Family (as well as "Addams Groove" by MC Hammer) and its sequel Addams Family Values.
  • An electronic version of the theme appears in the 1991 pinball machine based on the above mentioned original film.
  • The 1992 animated adaptation of the series used the theme as its theme song, re-recorded with a basso profondo lead but otherwise faithful to the original arrangement.
  • An a cappella R&B cover of the theme was heard in Addams Family Reunion, performed by the Los Angeles-based Strate Vocalz. A music video was made and appeared on the film's VHS release, as well as promos for the then-upcoming Fox Family series The New Addams Family.
  • The song was briefly revived in 2007 for a series of Addams Family TV commercials for M&M's candies.
  • The theme appears in The Addams Family stage musical and is included on the original cast recording.
  • It was used in a series of early 90s commercials for the now-defunct HomeClub Warehouse chain.
  • The song was used in the mid 90s as the commercial jingle for Nestle Buncha Crunch.
  • For many years, the intro to the song has been a staple at sporting events across Canada and the United States.
  • A version of The Simpsons' theme arranged in the style of The Addams Family theme was used as the closing music for the Simpsons episode "Treehouse of Horror IV", which was also played in the credits of "Treehouse of Horror XVIII".
  • A jazz combo/lounge music version by Joey Gaynor appears on the compilation album Elvira Presents Monster Hits.
  • The key part of the theme was used as the chorus for a Horrible Histories sketch on the Borgia family.
  • Many Christian summer camps have changed the lyrics, and tend to sing it before each meal as a grace: "We thank you Lord for giving, The things we need for living, Like food and fun and friendship, We thank you Lord for these."
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References
  1. McLellan, Dennis (October 20, 2009). "Vic Mizzy dies at 93; film and TV composer wrote 'Addams Family' theme song". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 21 October 2018.
  2. "Vic Mizzy – Original Music From The Addams Family". discogs. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
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