“Love Is All Around” is a nostalgic ode to the simple, enduring power of love.
In the mid-1970s, as the world moved at a pace that seemed both frantic and yet somehow slower than today, a gentle melody found its way into the hearts of millions. It was the theme song for The Mary Tyler Moore Show, a sitcom that, much like the song itself, radiated warmth and a certain kind of enduring optimism. “Love Is All Around,” penned and performed by the talented singer-songwriter Sonny Curtis, wasn’t just background music; it became a cultural touchstone. It perfectly encapsulated the show’s spirit of friendship, independence, and the simple joys of life. While the show’s later, more famous version was sung by Joan Jett, it’s the original, with Curtis’s earnest vocals, that truly evokes a sense of wistful nostalgia for a bygone era.
When it was first released as a single in 1970, “Love Is All Around” didn’t set the charts on fire in the United States, but it was a quiet success, much like the show it accompanied. Its initial run was more about its consistent presence on television screens than a meteoric rise on the charts. However, it did enjoy significant chart success in other parts of the world. The song’s simple, heartfelt message transcended borders. It was a song that you heard week after week, a familiar comfort that became part of the fabric of our lives. It was a testament to the fact that not every great song needs to be a chart-topper to be a masterpiece; sometimes, its greatness lies in its ubiquity and its ability to become a part of our collective consciousness.
The story behind the song is as charming as the melody itself. It was reportedly written in just a few hours. Curtis was a member of The Crickets, a band originally formed by Buddy Holly, and he was approached to write the theme song for a new sitcom. The producers initially had another song in mind, but they were so taken with Curtis’s simple, melodic tune that they chose it instead. The song’s lyrics, “You’re gonna make it after all,” became an anthem for a generation, a gentle reminder that no matter what life throws at you, there’s always hope. It was a song about resilience, about finding strength in yourself and in the love of those around you. It wasn’t about a grand, romantic love; it was about the everyday, quiet love of friends and a supportive community.
For those of us who grew up with The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the song is more than just a melody. It’s a key that unlocks a treasure trove of memories. It’s a reminder of a time when the world felt a little less complicated, a time when we gathered around the television set to watch Mary navigate the ups and downs of life in Minneapolis. It’s a song that speaks to the simple, profound truth that love, in all its forms, is indeed all around us. It’s a gentle whisper from the past, a warm embrace that reminds us of the power of friendship and the enduring human spirit. This isn’t just a song; it’s a feeling, a memory, and a timeless piece of Americana.