The plot of Defenders of the Earth, produced in 1986, is set in the year 2015. So really, this is our faith in four years time.
For this theme, our information is limited to the composers and the lyrics. Tips say that music is credited in the closing of the show, so, let’s check if there’s any truth to this. See below.
Well, well, what do you know. At 14 seconds in the video above, main title music is credited to Rob Walsh and Tony Pastor. Below that, something interesting: “Main Title Lyrics by: Stan Lee”.
Stan Lee!? Cool! I didn’t know he had it in him. Anyway, as for the other guys, Rob Walsh is Robert J. Walsh, a composer with a very colorful resume that includes music for The Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Jem among others. On the other hand, Tony Pastor is still virtually unknown as of the moment.
Below is the theme song and intro of Defenders of the Earth.
And now the lyrics.
Defenders of the Earth theme song lyrics
Defenders of the Earth, Defenders!
Out of the sky his rockets ignite!
Jets into battle, flies faster than light!
Flash Gordon!
Lord of the jungle, the hero who stalks!
The beasts call him brother, the ghost who walks!
Phantom!
Defenders of the Earth, Defenders!
Master of magic, spells and illusion,
Enemies crumble in fear and confusion!
Mandrake!
Defenders of the Earth, Defenders!
His strength is a legend, his skills conquer all,
Armed with his power, we never will fall!
Lothar!
Defenders of the Earth, Defenders!
With our new young hero’s, proving their worth,
Four become eight, defending the Earth!
Defenders of the Earth, Defenders!
This is for the HBO and Channel 4 animated series, of course, that premiered in 2010, and not the audio series.
The only available information for the opening and closing theme song (same) of The Ricky Gervais Show is its composer. The song was composed by a certain Glyn Hughes, who also happens to be one of the many producers of the show. As for his musical resume, he also did some work for another Ricky Gervais show—Extras—and one episode of The Office.
The song remains untitled as of the moment, you can just unofficially refer to it as “Theme from The Ricky Gervais Show” or something to that extent. It also remains unreleased, and there are no official soundtracks (or the like) whatsoever. So your best bet would be just to go back here and relive the theme as often as you’d like. Will update this post if Mr. Hughes decides to release a full version.
I guess that is it for this one. Below are the opening and closing credits so you can listen to happy-sounding tune.
This next theme is yet another HBO series, but an animated one at that. The Life & Times of Tim seems to be making a lot of waves in its short life span. Late last year HBO almost canceled the series only to revert its original decision, so now everyone is currently awaiting the premiere of the third season.
The title theme for the show, as the lyrics suggest, is entitled “I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive.” The song dates back nearly 60 years; it was released in 1952 as a Hank Williams song. Hanks Williams, if you do not know, is one of the most important and influential American country artists ever. He lived a short life—29 years—and died a tragic and mysterious death which has since been widely accepted as from a heart attack.
Now, “I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive” also happens to be the very last single released in his name. In fact, it reached #1 in the charts a couple of days after he died. The song was composed by Fred Rose—a known songwriter—who then died a year after the song was released (1954). Creepy.
Below is the full version of the song.
Now, we all know the song is used in both the intro and the end titles. Below showcases the intro and the end, so we’ll make do with it for now.
The Life & Times of Tim theme song lyrics
These are just some of the verses used in the show.
Now you’re lookin’ at a man that’s gettin’ kind-a mad
I had lot’s of luck but it’s all been bad
No matter how I struggle and strive
I’ll never get out of this world a-live.
My fishin’ pole’s broke the creek is full of sand
My woman run away with another man
No matter how I struggle and strive
I’ll never get out of this world alive.
I believe these are the next ones are used in the end credits.
These shabby shoes I’m wearin’ all the time
Are full of holes and nails
And brother if I stepped on a worn out dime
I bet a nickel I could tell you if it was heads or tails
I’m not gonna worry wrinkles in my brow
‘Cause nothin’s ever gonna be alright nohow
No matter how I struggle and strive
I’ll never get out of this world alive
Hung is a fairly-new comedy series on HBO which premiered in 2009 and is now on its way to a third season. It stars actor Thomas Jane, known best as the original The Punisher, but its biggest star (cast) may still well be Anne Heche.
As with most HBO originals, this series has a proper (classic) opening sequence and theme. The song is entitled “I’ll Be Your Man” and is an original by the band The Black Keys—a duo based in Akron, Ohio, formed in the early 2000s. The song is originally from their 2002 debut album The Big Come Up. It (full version) lasts 2:20 in the album.
Below is the album version of “I’ll Be Your Man.”
And below is the official intro of Hung.
Hung theme song lyrics
This is the show-edit version, which is actually just the first three lines of the full song and the final chorus.
Need a new love—I’m ready
Want my time—I’m willing yeah
Cause I’m the one who’s gonna show when there’s nobody
I’ll be your man
Yeah I’m the one who’s gonna show when there’s nobody
I’ll be your man
I’ll be your man
Alright
Another HBO original you should check out, especially if you like Shannyn Sossamon.
Alright, proper titles, and proper, proper theme song on this one. The opening theme for How to Make It in America is a song entitled “I Need a Dollar” (quite obvious, isn’t it?). It is by American soul and hip hop singer Aloe Blacc (yes, that’s his name). Mr. Blacc has actually been around for quite some time now, but I think this is his biggest claim to fame. Excellent song though. (But why does it feel like a cover to me?).
Song is actually credited to the following composers: Leon Michels, Nathaniel Hawkins, Nick Movshon, and Jeff Dynamite. And, it is part of Aloe Blacc’s 2010 release (and secold full-length) Good Things.
I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(Hey hey)
Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(Hey hey)
And I said I need dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
And if I share with you my story would you share your dollar with me
Bad times are comin’ and I reap what I don’t sow
(Hey hey)
Well let me tell you somthin’ all that glitters ain’t gold
(Hey hey)
It’s been a long old trouble long old troublesome road
And I’m looking for somebody come and help me carry this load
I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(Hey hey)
Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
Well I don’t know if I’m walking on solid ground
Cause everything around me is falling down
And all I want is for someone to help me
I had a job but the boss man let me go
(He said)
I’m sorry but I won’t be needing your help no more
(I said)
Please mister boss man I need this job more than you know
But he gave me my last paycheck and he sent me on out the door
Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(Hey hey)
Said I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(Hey hey)
And I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
And if I share with you my story would you share your dollar with me
Well i don’t know if I’m walking on solid ground
Cause everything around me is crumbling down
And all I want is for someone to help me
What in the world am I gonna do tomorrow
Is there someone whose dollar that I can borrow
Who can help me take away my sorrow
Maybe it’s inside the bottle
(Maybe it’s inside the bottle)
I had some good old buddy his names is whiskey and wine
(Hey hey)
And for my good old buddy i spent my last dime
(Hey hey)
My wine is good to me it helps me pass the time
and my good old buddy whiskey keeps me warmer than the sunshine
(Hey hey)
Your mama may have, bless the child that’s got his own
(Hey hey)
if god has plans for me i hope it ain’t written in stone
(Hey hey)
because I’ve been working working myself down to the bone
and i swear on grandpa’s grave I’ll be paid when i come home
(Hey hey)
Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(Hey hey)
Said need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need
(Hey hey)
Well I need a dollar dollar, a dollar is what I need hey hey
And if I share with you my story would you share your dollar with me
come on share your dollar with me
go ahead share your dollar with me
come on share your dollar give me your dollar
share your dollar with me
come on share your dollar with me
Below is another music-only video of the song because the official video transitions into this weird song/scene.
And finally, below is the official opening sequence.
So, what do you think? Premiere was shown just last Sunday so I guess it’s too early to judge. But expectations are definitely high for this one.
Good thing about HBO though is they know just how to promote their originals “just right.” Like the video below for example—uploaded by the official HBO channel—which is one of the first results you get when you search.
It does not get more official than this. Below is the opening sequence (and theme song) of Game of Thrones.
Cool, right?
Series original music was tasked to Ramin Djawadi, composer extraordinaire. Although just to be careful—and because our only concern is the opening theme—I still have not found a reference that credits him for the main titles (yes, it’s possible it might be a different composer), but I’ve written enough about theme songs to bet that he composed the titles as well.
So far, we have credited Mr. Djawadi for the themes of Prison Break and FlashForward—two excellently-scored shows.
That’s it for now. Show is really young but at least we have some information already. As always, will update this post when something new surfaces.
This is the one played by the band at the very beginning—when Wayne Brady is introduced by the announcer.
The tune is actually very short (in the show) as it is just a riff played over and over—but a memorable one at that. It is because it is a popular song by the band The Doobie Brothers, entitled “China Grove.” The song is over 40 years old; it was part of their 1973 album The Captain and Me.
In Don’t Forget the Lyrics!, of course it is played by the band led by Rickey Minor. We all know who Rickey Minor is, right? American Idol, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, etc.
First let’s listen to the original recording of “China Grove.”
Now the part where it is played in the show. (And maybe watch a little En Vogue at that.)
Oh, the “China Grove” was once featured as a song choice in the game. Very inside joke-y.
Alright, another new show with a proper opening theme. Things are looking good.
The theme song for The Chicago Code—that crime series starring Flashdance goddess Jennifer Beals—is a piece by Canadian composer Robert Duncan. So far we have credited Mr. Duncan for the themes of The Unit, Terriers, and Castle, for which he received an Emmy nomination.
Now, about that where-did-I-hear-that-before voice. Still don’t know? That distinct voice is Billy Corgan’s—Smashing Pumpkins; Billy is an Illinois native.
I know for a fact that the Billy Corgan opening theme is already an updated version, but for now we don’t have any references to the original one.
Below is the Chicago-montage opening sequence and the theme.
And the lyrics.
The Chicago Code theme song lyrics
Who’s gonna hear you cry,
when there’s more of them than there are of you?
Who’s gonna hear you cry,
when the high winds come and it takes your breath?
Who’s gonna hear your voice,
when fallen men wanna cut you down,
and the sun is gone in the dead of night in this town?
Who’s gonna hear you cry?
People have asked for it, but no, there is still no full version of this song, nor is it properly titled yet. As always, I will be updating this post when anything new comes to light.
Sounds cool, right? But it is way too short—especially considering this is a David E. Kelley creation.
Now, original music for Harry’s Law is credited to the Transcenders. We encountered them earlier from the Gossip Girl theme, so just to recap, they are a music production team based in Los Angeles. It is not yet officially written—that they created the main title—not even on their official site, but I would not bet on anyone else.
Back then I knew they made great music—I mentioned they co-wrote “Let’s Get It Started” by The Black Eyed Peas—but I didn’t know they were the founding members of The Black Eyed Peas! Yes, Terence Yoshiaki, Brian Lapin and Mike Fratantuno (collaboratively the Transcenders), could have been will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo. And these faces would have been the ones on album sleeves (and everywhere).
So, there you go. Just to recap, rockin’ theme song for Harry’s Law but we want more (or just maybe an album/full version). And, still untitled and unreleased (commercially) for now.
This post may well be about our disgust in the lack thereof—a proper theme song and opening for Law & Order: Los Angeles. The series actually started with one of those ten-second titles, which still stands as an appalling trend for new shows.
Below is the disappointing ten-second stint.
It does have a short background tune and all series original music is credited to Icelandic composer Atli Örvarsson. However, Wikipedia credits Mike Post for the “theme,” which kind of makes sense because it does resemble the melody of the original theme (which was composed by Mike Post). It does not even matter, really.
Also, I’m not 100% sure but I think this already-short non-theme was even entirely removed after like the sixth episode.
Seriously though, Mr. Dick Wolf, true Law & Order fans expect nothing short of a proper and memorable opening theme and narration. You owe it to the originals.
Check out how this guy even made a video just to vent out his frustration.
