Tales from the Darkside was a horror anthology television series that aired from 1983 to 1988. The show was created by George A. Romero, known for his work in the horror genre, and it featured a different story in each episode, often exploring supernatural or macabre themes. Tales from the Darkside was known for its chilling storytelling and twist endings, and it gained a dedicated fan base during its run.
The theme song for Tales from the Darkside, if you could call it that, was composed by Donald Rubinstein and Erica Lindsay. Donald Rubenstein is said to have performed the theme. The same song (or melody) is also used in the end credits.
But of course, more iconic than the music is probably the narration, which goes as follows:
Man lives in the sunlit world of what he believes to be reality. But, there is, unseen by most, an underworld—a place that is just as real, but not as brightly lit. A dark side.
The narration is performed by Paul Sparer; it was written by show creator George A. Romero.
Thoughts on the theme
The song is a haunting and atmospheric piece of music that perfectly captures the eerie tone of the show. The theme starts with a somber piano melody accompanied by synthesizers and other electronic sounds, creating a sense of foreboding and mystery. As the theme progresses, it builds in intensity with the addition of percussion and strings, creating a more suspenseful and unsettling atmosphere.