For fans of The Big Bang Theory, the Barenaked Ladies’ catchy theme song is instantly recognizable. It’s the perfect upbeat intro to the sitcom’s quirky world. However, for its prequel spin-off, Young Sheldon, producers opted for a different vibe, and an even more surprising artist.
The Young Sheldon theme song is “Mighty Little Man,” an indie rock track by musician Steve Burns. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because before his indie rock days, Steve Burns was the beloved host of the children’s show Blue’s Clues.
Yes, Steve from Blue’s Clues sings the Young Sheldon theme song. After leaving Blue’s Clues in 2002, Burns shifted his focus to music. His debut album, Songs for Dustmites, released in 2003, features “Mighty Little Man” as its opening track. The lyrics, including lines like “A sudden crash, a sonic boom/Changes everything he knew,” might seem fitting for a superhero origin story or, indeed, a young, scientifically-minded prodigy like Sheldon Cooper.
The choice of “Mighty Little Man” perfectly encapsulates the tone of Young Sheldon. While The Big Bang Theory theme is energetic and fast-paced, Young Sheldon‘s theme is more reflective and whimsical, mirroring the show’s focus on childhood and discovery. The indie rock sound provides a sense of warmth and nostalgia, fitting for a coming-of-age story set in the late 1980s.
Steve Burns hasn’t left music behind. He continues to create music, even returning to children’s entertainment in recent years. His more recent album, Foreverywhere, a collaboration with Steven Drozd of The Flaming Lips under the name STEVENSTEVEN, is described as a family-friendly “part concept album, part legend, all play.” Drozd even appears in the “Mighty Little Man” music video, playing drums.
So, the next time you hear the Young Sheldon theme song, remember it’s not just a catchy tune – it’s a piece of indie rock history sung by a familiar face from childhood, adding another layer of charm to the show.
