Wagner composed some wonderful music like the Ride of the Valkyrie, but he also came up with the concept of the leit motif. Every time one of his major characters came on stage, there would be a brief snippet of that character’s basic theme music–often, just enough to remind the audience who that character was.
In modern music, Bob Hope’s “Thanks for the Memories” became familiar to audiences worldwide. Every time he went on a talk show like Carson, the band would play it as he went on stage. Kenny Rogers’ was, of course, “The Gambler.” If you can remember live TV, I’m sure you can think of others.
I’ve always thought this was a really cool idea and wished I could arrange to have some song or musical passage played as I entered a room. How cool would that be? I think it’d be awesome. But, I’d never figure out what to have them play, and I’d keep changing it every few days. No doubt the bandmaster would simply shoot me about the middle of the second week.
If you had a themesong, what would it be? Why that one?
Definitely “Sunrise, Sunset” from Fiddler on the Roof. I am always shocked by how “swiftly fly the years, one season following another, laden with happiness and tears.”
i was going to suggest happy by Pharrell Williams but 3rd party advice (from hubby ) says if I feel something is unfair or unjust this is far more appropriate
That’s life
(That’s life)
That’s what all the people say
You’re riding high in April, shot down in May
But I know I’m gonna change that tune
When I’m back on top, back on top in June
I said that’s life
(That’s life)
And as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks
Stomping on a dream
But I don’t let it, let it get me down
Cause this fine old world, it keeps spinnin’ around
I’ve been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet
A pawn and a king
I’ve been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing
Each time I find myself
Flat on my face
I pick myself up and get
Back in the race
That’s life
(That’s life)
I tell you, I can’t deny it
I thought of quitting, baby
But my heart just ain’t gonna buy it
And if I didn’t think it was worth one single try
I’d jump right on a big bird and then I’d fly
I’ve been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet
A pawn and a king
I’ve been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing
Each time I find myself layin’
Flat on my face
I just pick myself up and get
Back in the race
That’s life
(That’s life)
That’s life and I can’t deny it
Many times I thought of cutting out but my heart won’t buy it
But if there’s nothing shaking come this here July
I’m gonna roll myself up
In a big ball and die
My, my
