Bosom Buddies

1980-1982

Wow, imagine Tom Hanks in a 1980s television series (he looks very young) with Boso, Buddies Theme Song!

Bosom Buddies might well have been Tom Hanks’ big break; the show is about two men (the other being Peter Scolari) who disguise themselves as women to live in a women-only apartment because of the dirt-cheap rent.

The show had a good theme song. Why? Because it is a Billy Joel song. “My Life,” which was originally from Billy’s 1978 release 52nd Street. In 1978, it reached #2 on the U.S. adult contemporary chart, and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

First, enjoy the video of bosom buddies theme song:

Additional

The version of “My Life” used in the show is not the Billy Joel original. As for who performed the song, it is not confirmed, but rumor has it that Tom Hanks himself sang the song with the rest of the cast doing backup.

The ending theme of the song is entitled “Shake Me Loose,” performed by American R&B and soul singer Stephanie Mills. Due to copyright issues, all DVD releases of Bosom Buddies used “Shake Me Loose” for its opening theme.

Lyrics

First, the narration.

Henry: When we first moved to New York we had a great apartment that was dirt cheap.
Kip: And we found out why it was so cheap.
Henry: Our friend Amy said there was a great apartment in her building.
Kip: Dirt cheap, but it’s a hotel for women. Okay, we made one adjustment.
Henry: Now these other ladies know us as Buffy and Hildegarde.
Kip: But they also know us as Kip and Henry, Buffy and Hildy’s brothers.
Kip: I am crazy about the blonde.
Henry: This experience is gonna make a great book.
Kip: See? It’s all perfectly normal.

Now, the song (show edit)

I don’t need you to worry for me cause I’m alright
I don’t want you to tell me it’s time to come home
I don’t care what you say anymore, this is my life
Go ahead with your own life, leave me alone

I never said you had to offer me a second chance
(I never said you had to)
I never said I was a victim of circumstance
(Of circumstance)
I still belong, don’t get me wrong
You can speak your mind
But not on my time

I don’t care what you say anymore, this is my life
Go ahead with your own life, leave me alone