Man shares the delightful reason Mr. Rogers’ theme song was different in every episode

When the world gets heavy and humanity seems like it’s struggling more than usual, so many of us wish Fred Rogers was here to offer his signature comfort and calm. For millions of Americans, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was more than just an educational show; it was—and still is—a wholesome example of genuine human goodness and a hopeful reminder of what each of us can be.

Mr. Rogers was beloved for many reasons, one being how he honored and celebrated the uniqueness and creativity of every person. And he lived that value right down to the smallest details that most people might overlook—like the piano part of his opening theme song.

At the beginning every episode, after a brief piano intro, Rogers would enter through the front door singing, “It’s such a good feeling to know you’re alive…” He followed the same basic routine through the theme song—set down what he was carrying, go to the closet, change from his suit jacket to his cardigan sweater, sit down to change his dress shoes to sneakers (always tossing a shoe from one hand to the other), ending with “Please, won’t you be my neighbor?”