Theme from The Jeffersons
Janet Dubois & Oren Waters Lyrics
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To the east side
To a deluxe apartment in the sky
Movin' on up
To the east side
We finally got a piece of the pie
Fish don't fry in the kitchen
Took a whole lotta tryin'
Just to get up that hill
Now we're up in the big leagues
Gettin' our turn at bat
As long as we live, it's you and me baby
There ain't nothin' wrong with that
Well we're movin' on up
To the east side
To a deluxe apartment in the sky
Movin' on up
To the east side
We finally got a piece of the pie
The song "The Jeffersons" by Janet Dubois and Oren Waters is the iconic theme song for the television show of the same name, which aired from 1975 to 1985. The lyrics reflect the central theme of the show, which is about the upward social and economic mobility of an African American family, the Jeffersons, who move from a modest neighborhood in Queens to a luxurious apartment in Manhattan's Upper East Side.
The opening lines, "Well we're movin' on up, to the east side, to a deluxe apartment in the sky," signify the family's relocation to a higher social and economic status. "Movin' on up" represents the Jeffersons' upward progress and aspirations for a better life. The "east side" refers to the affluent and prestigious area of New York City where they settle. The phrase "deluxe apartment in the sky" emphasizes the luxurious living arrangements they achieve as a result of their hard work and determination.
The lyrics also hint at the challenges the family faced to reach their newfound success. The lines "Fish don't fry in the kitchen, beans don't burn on the grill" metaphorically allude to the difficulties and struggles encountered along the way. It implies that the Jeffersons had to overcome various obstacles and put in a lot of effort represented by "a whole lotta tryin'" to achieve their goals.
The chorus repeats the idea of moving up to the east side and celebrates the family's achievement of finally getting "a piece of the pie." This phrase symbolizes their share of the American Dream and the prosperity they have attained.
Overall, "The Jeffersons" theme song highlights the Jeffersons' journey from a lower socioeconomic position to an affluent lifestyle, emphasizing hard work, determination, and the rewards of success.
Line by Line Meaning
Well we're movin' on up
We are making progress and advancing in life
To the east side
To a better and more prosperous neighborhood
To a deluxe apartment in the sky
To a luxurious and high-rise living space
Movin' on up
Continuing to improve our circumstances
We finally got a piece of the pie
We have achieved success and gained our fair share
Fish don't fry in the kitchen
Difficulties and obstacles can be overcome
Beans don't burn on the grill
Hard work pays off
Took a whole lotta tryin'
It required significant effort and perseverance
Just to get up that hill
To overcome obstacles and reach a higher level
Now we're up in the big leagues
Now we have achieved a higher status or level of success
Gettin' our turn at bat
Having the opportunity to showcase our abilities and succeed
As long as we live, it's you and me baby
We will face life's challenges and enjoy success together
There ain't nothin' wrong with that
There is nothing negative about our situation
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Janet Dubois, Jeff Barry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@daviddaniel4687
This song lifts me up every time. Wow! what a talented woman she was.
@MUSIC-MARY
Lβ₯οΈVE IT!!!
@JC11378
I grew up in the 80s and grew up on reruns on all of these classics. I wonder if she knew that for an Italian family from Queens sang this song as an anthem, a goal, an inspiration that we could move on up too considering money was always tight and life got pretty rough at times. RIP Ms. Dubois and thank you for the song! β€
@blackcommunion3820
ππ½ππ½ππ½
@D_Phlebnursingstudent
I never knew it was JaβNet DuBoise that sung this song
That was the theme song to the Jeffersons!π
@chrismulwee4911
The first hint that I got that it was Ms. DuBois, was when I saw her listed as cowriter of the theme. The MAIN writer is Jeff Barry. Now you may not know his name, but you, no doubt, have heard his work, He wrote Leader Of The Pack, for the Shangri-La's, Da Doo Ron Ron for The Crystals, Chapel Of Love for Darlene Love, but covered by The Dixie Cups, River Deep Mountain for Ike and Tina, and Sugar Sugar for the Archie's. His usual co writer was his late wife Ellie Greenwich
@Boycott-Ai-NOW
It was a Gen X thang... We ALL knew by the voice alone!!!
@MJones-nr1wd
I Knew it was Ja'net Dubois even before seeing the credits because I recognized her voice. She used to sing sometimes when she played Willona Woods on Good Times. She was such a talented and beautiful lady.
@GalaxyNexus1
Jeff Barry was not the main writer. The song was Ms Dubois' idea and she wrote the lyrics.β@@chrismulwee4911
@LivingToLiveAgain3055
This is sooo churchy!!!! ππΎπ©