For fans of the hit legal drama Suits, the opening theme song is more than just background music – it’s an instantly recognizable, foot-tapping anthem that perfectly encapsulates the show’s energy and sharp wit. Even years after the series concluded its nine-season run on USA Network and found a new streaming home on Peacock, the Suits intro song remains as captivating as ever. But what exactly makes this song so memorable, and what’s the story behind it?
This article delves into everything you need to know about the iconic Suits theme song, “Greenback Boogie,” exploring its origins, lyrics, and the crucial role it played in setting the stage for the captivating world of Harvey Specter and Mike Ross. Get ready to have this infectious tune stuck in your head all day!
Harvey Specter, Louis Litt, and Mike Ross stand confidently in their law firm library, showcasing the intellectual and sophisticated atmosphere of Suits.
Unpacking the “Suits” Theme Song: “Greenback Boogie” by Ima Robot
The song that blasts through your speakers at the start of each Suits episode, setting the tone for the high-stakes legal battles and power plays to come, is “Greenback Boogie.” This energetic track is performed by the American band Ima Robot, a group hailing from Los Angeles.
Released in 2010, “Greenback Boogie” was actually a bonus track, a hidden gem found on Ima Robot’s album Another Man’s Treasure. Interestingly, the band’s frontman at the time was Alex Ebert, who later achieved further acclaim as the charismatic lead singer of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, a band known for their folk-infused indie anthems. This connection adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Suits intro song, linking it to a diverse musical lineage.
The Accidental Anthem: How “Greenback Boogie” Was Chosen
While “Greenback Boogie” now feels inseparable from Suits, its selection as the theme song was somewhat serendipitous. According to Suits creator Aaron Korsh, the credit for choosing this perfect track goes to Kevin Bray, the director of the show’s pilot episode.
In responses on social media, Korsh has repeatedly acknowledged Bray’s pivotal role in picking “Greenback Boogie.” Apparently, another song was initially considered, but ultimately, Bray’s instinct led him to Ima Robot’s catchy tune. This decision proved to be a stroke of genius, as “Greenback Boogie” instantly resonated with viewers and became an integral part of the Suits experience. Even Korsh himself admits to enjoying the song immensely, often singing along with his daughter, even if the lyrics remain a bit of a mystery at times!
A dynamic montage showcasing intense courtroom scenes from Suits, highlighting the drama and legal battles central to the series.
Decoding the Lyrics: Money, Power, and the “Greenback Boogie” Meaning
The lyrics of “Greenback Boogie,” or at least the portion featured in the Suits intro, are surprisingly straightforward and thematically aligned with the show’s focus on ambition, success, and the pursuit of wealth in the high-stakes world of corporate law.
The opening credits of Suits treat viewers to the song’s first verse:
See the money wanna stay, for your meal
Get another piece of pie, for your wife
Everybody wanna know, how it feel
Everybody wanna see, what it’s like.
These lines speak directly to the allure of wealth and the curiosity it evokes. They hint at the desire to not only possess financial success but also to understand the lifestyle and experiences that come with it – themes that are constantly explored throughout Suits.
The Suits intro then jumps to another catchy section of the song, skipping over some more explicit lyrics in the full version:
I’ll even eat a bean pie, I don’t mind
Me and Missy is so very busy busy making money.
This section reinforces the hustle and dedication to making money, even embracing tasks one might not typically enjoy (“eat a bean pie”). The focus is clear: relentless pursuit of financial gain.
Finally, the intro culminates in the energetic chorus:
Alright…
All step back, I’m ’bout to dance
The greenback boogie.
This chorus is an outright declaration of confidence and swagger. The “greenback boogie” itself can be interpreted as a metaphor for the dance of wealth and power, a performance of success in the financial world. It’s an invitation to step aside and witness the moves of those who are masters of this game.
The Legacy of a Theme Song: “Greenback Boogie” and the Suits Vibe
“Greenback Boogie” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s become synonymous with the entire Suits brand. The song’s driving rhythm, bluesy guitar riffs, and confident lyrics perfectly capture the show’s fast-paced energy, sharp dialogue, and the characters’ unwavering ambition.
The intro sequence, set to “Greenback Boogie,” with its montage of iconic New York City imagery and glimpses of the main cast, further solidified the song’s place in Suits lore. It became a Pavlovian trigger for fans, instantly transporting them to the world of Pearson Specter Litt (and now, Pearson Hardman, Specter Litt, etc.!).
As Suits expands with the new spin-off Suits LA, the question on every fan’s mind is: will “Greenback Boogie” make a comeback? While there’s no official confirmation yet, the enduring popularity of the original theme song suggests it would be a welcome return, instantly connecting the new series to the beloved legacy of Suits. Whether it returns or not, “Greenback Boogie” will forever be known as the Suits Intro Song, a testament to the perfect marriage of music and television.
To relive the magic of Suits and its iconic intro, you can stream all nine seasons now on Peacock. Get ready to boogie!
