To Tell The Truth Theme 1969

To Tell the Truth is owned by FremantleMedia, so this isn't my crap.

[@gailanderson1543]

Too bad that this was never released as a single on the radio. It has a great 1960s sound, and it could have been a huge hit!

[@altfactor]

And by releasing it as a single, it also could have promoted the show.

[@roman14032]

you cant go wrong with the electric twelve string and tambourine combo and the association style vocal arrangement its also got some very rockin drums

[@djdon60]

As a retired radio announcer, I'll, heartily, concur, Ms. Anderson. I'd have purchased the single, immediately!

[@bassclef41]

It is campy cool and would have been a hit ...... funny as its on my music play list

[@drewconway4362]

This is only To Tell the Truth I was watching because of the theme. All others can't compare to this one

[@tw1404]

As I recall, Thursdays were the day the games would run short so all the credits would roll. That’s when you got the full themes of these shows. This was one of the best. (Drove my parents nuts that I wouldn’t come in to do the dishes until the theme was done 😊.)

[@David-yw2lv]

My parents made me do dishes and miss shows I liked.

[@NSurffan101]

From what's shown up in searches, it was sung by the Charles Fox Singers, as mentioned here, who are also known as the Ron Hicklin Singers- voices behind many commercials in the 60s/70s, some Monkees/Partridge Family backing vocs, and the singers of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid's "South American Getaway" (not the Swingle Singers) They also featured in themes from Happy Days, Love American Style (as mentioned in these comments) and Batman, as well as really propping up Gary Lewis' voice on the Playboys records and those prominent backups in Ringo's "Oh My My". The singers were LA-based, so the musicians were most likely Wrecking Crew members- the drums certainly sound like Hal Blaine's playing, and since they were going for a Fifth Dimension/Jimmy Webb feel here, I bet Hal was hired for this. The theme to To Tell The Truth was written by Charles Fox and Paul Alter, director of many Goodson/Todman game shows. Any corrections or confirmations are most welcome!

[@ModSquads]

I'm good, with your wealth of info. Thank you for it.

[@Kevin-hw3pn]

Oh, this is the Charles Fox singers. Didn't know that. They did the backing vocals on "Making our Dreams come True", the theme from Laverne and Shirley.

[@finster1968]

Thanks! This is a great amount of information.

[@jacobtoadstool492]

Interesting.

[@ChuckD79]

Fascinating...I knew this classic theme was a Fox/Alter composition, but little else. Thanks for the info!

[@christianlorre]

This is so underrated. I find this song so addictive.

[@cutemimi25]

Nipsey Russell, Peggy Cass, Bill Cullen, and Kitty Carlisle. R.I.P. to all 4 and Gary Moore

[@djdon60]

This is a treat! I've, always, wanted to hear the entire(great)theme song; so, many thanks, for sharing it! Of the same era, this ranks, right up there, in theme music, with "Love, American-Style!"(vocals, eerily, are similar, in sound, also!)Anyone, agree?

[@mikebode7560]

Both were composed by Charles Fox, and used the Ron Hicklin singers.

[@ccie12933]

Man, I love this tune.

[@georgeshelton6281]

I first hand off; never knew the lyrics, to this TV show game's theme song. I still had a black and white TV set; in those days back then during the entire 1970s. My old black and white TV set, was also a radio and a record player. It was all 3 in one.📺🖥📺✋

[@ModSquads]

Hearing this is the meat and potatoes, or tv dinner, of my childhood nostalgia. The music era was loaded with well placed harmony and instrumentals. Another favorite nostalgia song is by the Addrisi brothers for "Nanny And The Professor" Thank you very much for posting this.

[@David-yw2lv]

In 1987,I tried to get romantically involved with a pathological liar.The sickening part of it was I listened to her fibs and forced myself to believe her when every instinct in my mind kept saying get away from her NOW!

[@justinbishop1193]

It was keeping up with the times...lets all go back to the '60s

[@ClassiCole]

One of my favorite To Tell the Truth theme songs.

[@thattimestampguy]

0:00 It's a lie, lie 0:06 You're telling a lie I never know why you don't know how To tell the truth, truth, truth, truth You don't know how to tell the truth Yeah I'm a fool, fool 0:24 I've been such a fool I'm blowing my cool with you right now To tell the truth, truth, truth, truth (Bridge) 0:35 You say you went home early last night The book you read's outta sight (some sources say "Brought a smile", but writer Paul Alter says it's "outta sight") And that's why you took your phone off the hook I never did get my call It's a lie, lie 0:47 [Key Change] I should say goodbye But I'm gonna try to teach you how To tell the truth, truth, truth, truth You don't know how to tell the truth (break) 1:04 It's a lie, lie 1:17 You're telling a lie I never know why you don't know how To tell the truth, truth, truth, truth You don't know how to tell the truth Yeah I'm a fool, fool 1:36 I've been such a fool I'm blowing my cool with you right now To tell the truth, truth, truth, truth You don't know how to tell the truth (To tell the truth) You don't know how to tell the truth (To tell the truth) You don't know how to tell the truth (To tell the truth) You don't know how to tell the truth (To tell the truth) (fade)

[@PF5andtheFleckBeats]

Bless you TimeStampGuy! I've tried to figure out the "sight vs. smile" issue for so long! Thanks for the clarification. Sure does sound like "brought a smile" on the recording -- but "outta sight" rhymes and makes more sense.

[@Tmanaz480]

Budgets were very tight and studio time was very expensive in those days. This may have been a very quick one-and-done project. Maybe it was just a slip from one of the singers. If the real lyric is "out of sight," I could imagine someone singing "out of style" by accident.

[@michaelhaynes3776]

@@Tmanaz480 That's exactly what it sounds like, now that you mention it! 👍

[@modernherbal6764]

One of the great TV theme songs of all time.

[@steveperry1344]

i still like that sound.

[@kpenguins48]

I thought I was the only nut who loves this song. I guess not. :)

[@roman14032]

its a super hooky tune, i wonder who played drums on it

[@rockhard2654]

sounds like hal blaine, id be shocked if it isnt

[@richard_the_piano_man]

No, I love it too - stands on its own outside of TTTT!

[@spideraxis5582]

You are neither a nut nor the only person who likes this theme. Those of us who grew up in the 1960s remember it well.

[@maxwellsmart36]

This was my first favorite song. I was 10. To bad the new TTTT doesn't use it. I'd watch it just for the song.

[@jeffkilpatrick6204]

Gotta love how there's 5/8, 6/8, and 7/8 slipped in at the right moments.

[@MrTrashcan1]

I know it's mixed time signatures, but I don't hear 6/8. The bridge is definitely 4/4.

[@altfactor]

A sound very reminiscent of the late 1960's singing group The Association (although they did not record this song).

[@roman14032]

good ear, it also is reminiscent of status quo's pictures of matchstick men with the strings in the bridge is a great great bit of sixties pop rock arrangement,electric twelve string guitar,tambourine, multipart vocals sounds like the wrecking crew (the top LA studio musician click) to me they played on literally everything

[@BuddyBoy600alt]

It sounds more like The Cowsils (who did Love American Style!)

[@JasonFeinman]

Both - a little of each in there

[@BigG833]

@@BuddyBoy600alt This theme should have been a radio hit around my birth year (1970).

[@tamaraclaw]

Sounds like the Cyrkle to me ( Red rubber ball, Turn down day)

[@zq9m3xh8]

What a superb era for pop music! When a game show theme is BETTER by FAR than all the latest pop music today (2017) you know music has gone way down hill!

[@djdon60]

I believe this is called, a " +1", Mr. Wise.

[@danecranberry6025]

I couldn't agree more. There are still monstrously talented featured acts, but almost none of their songs properly use their talents.

[@ralphabreu5022]

I here you Much better music back then...

[@d.a.elliottjr.367]

Music was so good back then even many TV theme shows & commercial jingles were great.

[@danwicht4990]

Probably one of the best game show themes in my opinion. It's the only one I can think of that has lyrics.

[@tomace4898]

This song is an absolute banger.

[@NicolaS-nu6gh]

TO TELL THE TRUTH…… this is simply a great song!!!

[@andrewgarin2486]

Those horns!!...and that picky guitar riff. Wow. Is this Folk+Rock?...I'm truly trying to give it a definition for the era. And I know they absolutely had to be the band for 'Love American Style'....the voices and the picky guitars are just incredible..and the drummer.

[@thezenitsufan1249]

Not only is this theme stellar but this is quite possibly the best version of To Tell The Truth

[@MKIVWWI]

This great theme is tied for my All-Time Favorite game show theme; tied with "Password" of the same era. Once again, we see how the Sixties Ruled!

[@tw1404]

One of the best and certainly an American original!

[@Patrick-tx9rh]

“Ladies and gentleman. Garry Moore!”

[@Barking914]

Love this classic 60's version with words. Thanks for Posting!! My favorite MC was Bud Collier with his bow tie, ha, ha great game show!

[@MrTrashcan1]

Bud Collyer was a delightful show host--witty with a great sense of humor, and well-loved by the panels and those who knew him. Garry Moore was a good host and also witty, (had known him from I've Got a Secret) but just not as polished as Bud. They wanted to bring Bud back for the syndicated shows (which started with this theme in 1969) but he was too ill, and I believe he died on the day the '69 series debuted. And to tell the truth--I don't think Bud would have blended in well with the psychedelic set.

[@Barking914]

Thanks for the background info! Always an entertaining show.@@MrTrashcan1

[@sexymama1966]

very danceable! and the instrumental version could have been used on a "Love American Style" episode as The Charles Fox Singers performed this song for the show.

[@Jack21Spades]

I'll be damned... I never thought of that- That IS the same people who did Love, American Style! THANK YOU!

[@Hanoveur]

@@Jack21Spades The Cowsills did Love American Style

[@ModSquads]

@@Hanoveur They surely did!

[@MrTrashcan1]

@@Hanoveur I believe they did the full version of LAS, but I don't believe it they sang during the credits of the show.

[@Heres_Johnny.]

Catchy tune

[@markbrown4039]

"Catch Me If You Can" brought me here.

[@johnkarpiscak1134]

Brings back fond memories. Thanks for posting!

[@user-yn1yj5hz3l]

Groovy theme song 👍

[@stevekoenig3684]

Whoever didn't like this song must have been a contestant who didn't fool the panel.

[@drcrumpler]

This was a show I loved way back when. Even remember an episode where the man whose voice is on the tape instructing Peter Graves on Mission: Impossible was one of the three who was trying to fool the panel.

[@southpark1029384756]

This and Hawaii five o best theme songs!

[@georgeshelton6281]

This TV game show theme song, had sure brought back memories; of when I used to have a black and white TV set. It was also a radio and a record player/a phonograph.This appliance was a 3 in one thing. ▶️ ⏯️ 📻 🙂

[@janfromnycsavesmoney8723]

Best game show theme ever! Oh so late 60s and early 70s soinds

[@masterbondofox8982]

My gawd, I remember this!! In fact to this day, where they sing "Do you know how to tell the truth, yeeeaaah" is still a freaking earworm!

[@brucewilson6781]

Or just the opening fanfare. Ba,Ba,Ba,Ba,Ba,Ba,Ba,Baaa.

[@finster1968]

The lyrics are actually “You don’t know how to tell the truth, yeeeaah!

[@masterbondofox8982]

@@finster1968 Did I misremember that? Darn it!

[@finster1968]

@@masterbondofox8982 - Close enough. Either lyric works. 😉

[@paul8926]

I always thought this would make a great single.

[@patszer8314]

Thank you, Wreaking Crew. ❤

[@Yugi880]

Omg this song will get stuck your head when is coming 10/1 on buzz

[@peterketterer4687]

Great song should have been a hit on the radio teenagers would have loved this

[@gpk1027]

Great Song

[@panowa8319]

I had to listen to the lyrics again. at 0:50. At first, I thought the singer said "the shits going to fly", but he said "I should say goodbye".

[@TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods]

I hadn't realized how lowkey dark this theme was.

[@mediacreationsusa]

wait - real instruments played be real musicians and actual vocals with harmony? needed 1/2 a building to record this back then, but so worth it - miss the 60's/70's

[@ralphabreu5022]

Live from New York City Joe Garagiola.

[@herbertturner8808]

This is the first time I could clearly hear the lyrics to this song. This could have been a hit single or a movie theme back in the day.

[@allenjones3130]

This is the theme song to the version hosted by Garry Moore.

[@MrTrashcan1]

And Joe Garagiola in the last year.

[@ralphabreu5022]

This sounds like the Cowsils. The guy singing is Bob Cowsil. Correct me if I'm wrong

[@godovermoney1124]

great harmony !!!

[@kelli217]

Is it my faulty recollection, or was there a scat version of the title line, "baa bapa ba ba bapa baaaaa!"

[@roman14032]

that was the "bumper" version that the played while gary moore was being announced. coming back from commercials and while they brought the guests out it was a different bit of music cue they only actually played the vocal lyric version while the panel was being announced(which was only up to the first yeah!!) and closing credits

[@ellenshamas-brandt7620]

That's the version I remember, too.

[@Jack21Spades]

No, that was NOT a faulty recollection, that was the beginning fanfare. You remember it.

[@davidbyrd4318]

Why is this song in my head!!!!

[@BigSCTVfan]

David Byrd I don't know but it has an annoying habit of staying in my head too.

[@excrono]

+David Byrd Because it is a hallmark of quality songwriting and vocal performances.

[@roman14032]

this tune is like ear crack

[@9tomato9]

It's in your head because it has clever music, real lyrics and vocalists, no auto-tune, and real musicians playing instruments. Before "digital" ruined music performances.

[@9tomato9]

and not a computer in sight.....

[@douglasgriffiths3534]

I like this theme the best. Should have been released as a real song. Has a bubblegum pop feel to it. (Jan Griffiths).

[@TheWayneBethanisShow]

Love this.

[@markferry2195]

great theme song and the best game show ever!

[@robertminet4824]

Love it

[@dixgun]

A bit like “Love American Style” 😊

[@BuddyBoy600alt]

This is by The Cowsills.

[@mikebode7560]

Both were composed by Charles Fox.

[@dixgun]

Mike Bode good point 👍

[@jaycee330]

Both themes written by Charles Fox, that's why.

[@johnlewinski6359]

Well, I guess almost the same era.

[@MrTrashcan1]

I like how he showed the four different sets used during this period. As to it being a released single, it might have been considered too short. As to the lyrics and the word "sight" sounding like "sile" it makes you think the singers might have been unclear as to the words, and they just did one take and said to hell with it.

[@michaelkurutz872]

As the song's lyrics were mixed down in the outro and replaced with non-lexical vocables (ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba) elsewhere, I believe Goodson never thought the tune had a value outside its most basic function. Did the producers actually specify a theme that included lyrics or was it just a bunch of session musicians who got a great sound and added lyrics as a lark? I don't recall any other gameshow with a theme that included a full set of lyrics! Regardless of intent, it's a punchy, fun example of the Sunshine Pop era typified by groups like the Fifth Dimension and the Cowsills.

[@TailsFan369no2]

My name is Frank William Abagnale

[@davidbenedettoWHS]

Sounds like a Burt Bacharach-style orchestration. This would have fit in great with the musical "Promises, Promises" - something along the lines of "Where Can You Take a Girl." Needless to say, this qualifies as groovy. Also, spot-on observations to the commenters who noticed similarities to "Windy" by The Association and the music of "Love, American Style."

[@johnlewinski6359]

It's the era

[@ralphabreu5022]

Maybe the Cowsills or Ron Dante You know who would know Phalsh Phelps Or Shotgun Tom Kelly.....

[@bluebear1985]

"This is Bill Wendell speaking for To Tell the Truth, a Mark Goodson-Bill Todman production."

[@briandennison5308]

I was born. Wendsday June 11 1969

[@ADAMSIXTIES]

Best theme song of the best game show! The theme is by Bob Israel, Paul Alter, and Charles Fox.

[@kennethhuang371]

GARY MOORE: LET’S MEET THE PANEL ON “TO TELL THE TRUTH”. KH: BILL CULLEN, PEGGY CASS, GENE RAYBURN, AND KITTY CARLISLE! Kenneth Huang 6/8/23.

[@tomrichards3869]

I hope they use this for the new to tell the truth. with Anthony Anderson

[@cutemimi25]

They didn't sadly.

[@garyseiter3722]

I was lucky too see thi show in person at nbctv here in New York City 1977 💕💕

[@Lambert1386]

Cool!!

[@bradsolberg2952]

I can almost see the white go-go boots and frosted lipstick when I hear this song. *And in my mind the girls are dancing like Nancy Sinatra in "These Boots Were Made For Walking" Classic 60's groovy sound.

[@Perririri]

and the *me so horny* scene in _Full Metal Jacket_

[@ralphabreu5022]

Live from New York, Joe Garagiola

[@christopherthorkon3997]

I like this theme song.

[@user-sg9mr8xu3d]

knew this song from the movie ‘catch me if you can’

[@bentmo]

"My name is Frank William Abagnale"

[@stephenholloway6893]

As much as the original instrumental version is good, this version is arguably the best theme of the show. Which apparently is why elements of the theme was used after the series ended. Especially the 1990 version.

[@zymurgynet]

My ex-wife sang this to me during our wedding. :D

[@vividwatch47]

Probably the only game show in history to have a theme song with lyrics (though heard over the end credits).

[@Cjnw]

The moment when you find out that #SuicideIsPainless has lyrics 🙎

[@mikebode7560]

There have been a few others, most notably "Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?".

[@patszer8314]

I was hoping I would find this song. It's one of those songs that takes me back to a time in my life when I was happy.

[@TheORIGINALBrentTheGent]

You can "PONY" to the Theme Song !!!!!

[@benjaminkellog7311]

Haven't seen the 2016 version yet, but if it isn't using this theme, someone at Fremantle best fix that if there's a season 2 in future!

[@tuxtommy69]

The "new" 2016 version is absolutely DREADFUL! Horrible host (can't control the flow & why his mother is on the sidelines is unexplainable!) Panelists (except Betty White) who have no clue what questions to ask (Mike Tyson was unbelievably bad!) Contestants with ridiculous achievements (#1 drag queen Tupperware sales"lady"! Really, seriously?) Don't be concerned about a Season 2.....there won't be one!

[@robertminet4824]

60,s baby

[@David-yw2lv]

If any game show producers are watching,I have an idea for a quiz show that would be a mirror image of To Tell the Truth,called To Tell a Lie .If you're interested,get in touch with me and I can tell you about it.

[@Swampzoid]

Who's singing this song ? Was it written and recorded especially to be the game show theme ?

[@souixlineman8298]

Great theme. Wish I could have the lyrics, though.

[@minniebradley7755]

Good ok days

[@jessyleppert2]

Who sings this? It's a mystery

[@robphilll22]

Where is the baba in the song?

[@PatrioticPirate]

+Robert Goldman That fanfare played in my head from 1974 to 1Apr'01... I always new it, but never heard it until the day I got the Game Show Network... my heart stopped when I heard it! LOVE it!

[@PREGO1966]

I have an audio file of ba ba that someone I was buddies with on the GSN message board created. No idea how he did it, but be glad to email it to you. If you have a real player

[@PatrioticPirate]

+PREGO1966 I'm short on internet access. I'm using my cell phone...

[@PREGO1966]

it's just sound file in wav format not sure if it will work on your file

[@PatrioticPirate]

Ok, let's give it a try... [e-mail]

[@longevitee]

I came here looking for the Ace Attorney song...

[@dixgun]

Ron Hicklin Singers

[@bored_person]

George Santos's theme song

[@finster1968]

Biden theme

[@bored_person]

@@finster1968 go away

[@finster1968]

@@bored_person - Never.

[@CKyIe]

@@finster1968 Very true! Don't listen to bored person. Bored person? More like stupid person! Am I right?!

[@marmaly]

Great tune, but it's a clear reworking of other period hits like Georgie Girl.

[@meyerj75]

Is that the same lead singer that also did the theme song to "Dusty's Treehouse"?

[@mjjm5511]

But who sang it?

[@ClassiCole]

Paul Alter, director of Goodson-Todman productions.

[@hunterwilliams1512]

Who is the singer to this?

[@johnlewinski6359]

Did you scroll the comments?

[@ralphabreu5022]

Maybe Ron Dante, or the Cowsills...

[@rmartin7558]

Kinda disappointed. I always thought the line was, "You've gotta lie to tell the truth."

[@Clovershroom]

I personally heard it as "You are allowed to tell the truth."

[@johnlewinski6359]

@@Clovershroom But what are they saying after "the book you read?"

[@garrygriffy1866]

@@johnlewinski6359 the book you reads out of sight and thats why you took your phone off the hook never to get my call

[@ebf1957]

Don't it sound like The Association singing the theme?

[@zazaranger5]

ebf1957 It almost does

[@armorybrunotjr.3204]

Almost, but that is not The Association.

[@BuddyBoy600alt]

@@armorybrunotjr.3204 Nope, It's The Cowsills.

[@johnlewinski6359]

Does anyone know for sure what they're saying after "You went home early last night, the book you read..."

[@mirobbins6998]

I believe it is "got a smile and that's why you took the phone off the hook."

[@Perririri]

LOL, ur name!! 😘🙃😂

[@Werewolf0216]

The book you read is outta sight

[@FrancescoLucchetta]

Wait This isn't Ace Attorney...

[@bored_person]

Walter White's theme song.

[@altfactor]

I heard an urban legend that the longtime director of "To Tell The Truth", Paul Alter, wrote the lyrics (and I think Edd Kahelloff wrote the music). Is this true??

[@dan4341]

According to Wikipedia it's Charles Fox (who has extensive jingle, theme and song credits)

[@mjb1124]

Charles Fox wrote the music, Paul Alter wrote the lyrics.

[@tamaraclaw]

So cheesy, trying to be hip...but I still like it.

[@saml760]

This is for Donald Trump his family and ALL Republicans!!!!

[@LARSAKER-tr1mw]

NOW. IF. YOU. REALY. LISTEN. THIS. IS. EARLY. ROCK. & ROLL. BEGING USED. AT. ITS. BEST😮😮😮😮😮😮😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉IS 😮😅😮😢😮😅😮😢😂😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮