“Movin’ On Up” (The Jeffersons Theme Song) by Ja’net Dubois and Oren Waters

The song “Movin’ On Up” is based on the ascension of a pair “moving on up” from one economic class to another. Or put differently, they are now richer than they were before and in response are moving into a “deluxe apartment” on the “east side”. And this track serves as a celebration of their success through the application of hard work.

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Ja'net Dubois's Movin’ On Up” (The Jeffersons Theme Song) at Lyrics.org.

 The relationship of the singer to the person she is mutually referring to as “we” is not specified, though within the context of The Jeffersons, the television show this track faithfully served as the theme song to for a decade, they would be spouses. We also know from that sitcom that the “east side” referred to in the lyrics is actually the swanky East Side of Manhattan, New York City. Moreover the references to ‘frying fish’ and ‘burnt grilled beans’ are likely intended to be direct allusions to African-American culture. And again, The Jeffersons were an African-American couple who, through the success of the husband’s dry-cleaning business, were able to move from the suburbs of Queens into a high rise in Manhattan. In fact such was the premise of the entire program.

Lyrics of "Movin' On Up"

Who wrote “Movin’ On Up”?

This song was written by actress/songwriter/singer Ja’net Dubois, perhaps best known for her role as “Willona” in the 1970’s sitcom Good Times). She wrote the song in conjunction with Jeff Barry, a very-successful pop music writer whose heyday was during the 1960s.

Vocals on “Movin’ On Up”

 Ja’net Dubois sings the lead vocals on “Movin’ On Up”. She is backed up by a 35-member church choir as well as Oren Waters.

Song’s Inspiration  

Dubois’ inspiration for writing this song were actually her own experiences, as she recounts being able, through her success, to ‘move her whole family’.

 A truly popular song

“Movin’ On Up” is one of the most-beloved television theme songs of all time and still holds a place in popular American culture. For instance, a number of other artists, including Azealia Banks and 50 Cent, have dropped their own tracks entitled “Movin’ On Up”.  Moreover the original is sometimes played at sports stadiums when the home team launches a comeback. It was also featured on a popular television commercial aired during the 2016 Super Bowl. And rapper Ludacris has stated that the song is especially appreciated by African-Americans.

A sign of the affection African-Americans hold for this track was displayed by rapper Nelly, who heavily sampled “Movin’ On Up” on his track “Batter Up” from his Diamond-certified album, Country Grammar (2000). 

 This song was also featured on the television sitcom Scrubs. It appeared on the sitcom during its second season. It also appears on the soundtrack of the movie Tropic Thunder (2008).

4 Responses

  1. RM says:

    The song was also featured and performed twice, during season 7, episode 16 of the hit television show, “King of Queens”.

  2. Anonymous says:

    The theme songs for both Jeffersons and Amen were great. Loved the songs, loved both series, loved Sherman Helmsley, RIP.
    I’m a 70 y.o white. woman and these were two.of my most fave shows back in the days

  3. Chris Demis says:

    Do a show on local cable tv tonight’s show features this wonderful theme. Love this theme

  4. Cathy Viviano says:

    I loooooooooove the Jeffersons theme song.

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