The opening Theme song - different each season?

[Buttmunker]

from IMDB:
Originally the theme tune was going to be performed by an orchestra. However, due to budgetary concerns it was decided that series stars Carroll O'Connor and Jean Stapleton perform the song seated at the piano. The two stars updated their rendition each year.

is this true? I did notice that the first season was different from the 3rd season, but the 3rd and 4th season was the same.

How about the 5th season?

[Brian Damage]

I remeber one year they did it in front of a studio audience and one year, it had a laugh track behind it.

[Mikado]

I read they rerecorded it every year, partly to keep it fresh, partly because of complaints that the words were hard to understand, so they sang the words more clearly...by the end, the only part people still couldnt figure out were " Geeareollasallerangrate" ( Gee our old LaSalle ran great )*
* LaSalle was a car built by Cadillac for people who wanted Caddy style , but couldnt afford a Caddy price...in one ep, its infered that Archie lost this car early in the marriage when he was a chronic gambler

[TVFactFan]

The Opening Theme Song was recorded in the 1975-76 season because Carroll O' Connor felt that he had gained weight Jean Stapleton felt she didn't look the same. Also it was said that the New Recording solved a nagging problem of viewers understanding the last line which was-"Gee, our old Lasalle ran great."

TV Guide, Feb 21-27, 1976

[Justwondering]

I was watching a program such as "The E! True Hollywood Story," and I believe it was stated that Carroll and Jean re-recorded the opening theme every year.

[treky]

yes they did; and I think they didn't accept payment for it. That's why, in the first season the audience laughs when Edith sings "and you knew where you were then"!
and in the later seasons, Archie's wearing a sweater.