The legal drama Suits captivated audiences for nine seasons with its sharp writing, compelling characters, and undeniably stylish aesthetic. But before Harvey Specter delivered his first power move or Mike Ross wowed with his photographic memory, viewers were hooked by something else entirely: the show’s infectiously catchy theme song. “Greenback Boogie” isn’t just background music; it’s an integral part of the Suits experience. Let’s delve into the Suits song lyrics and explore why this tune became so synonymous with the show.
The Anthem of Ambition: Unpacking “Greenback Boogie”
For anyone who tuned into Suits between 2011 and 2019, the opening bars of “Greenback Boogie” are instantly recognizable. This high-energy track, by the Los Angeles-based band Ima Robot, provided the perfect sonic backdrop to the show’s opening montage of New York City’s corporate landscape and the charismatic cast. But what exactly is this song, and how did it become the soundtrack to Pearson Specter Litt’s high-stakes world?
The image features Michael Ross (Patrick J. Adams), Louis Litt (Rick Hoffman), and Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) from Suits Season 4, showcasing the main characters associated with the Suits Song Lyrics and theme.
“Greenback Boogie” was released in 2010 as a bonus track on Ima Robot’s album Another Man’s Treasure. Interestingly, Alex Ebert, the band’s frontman and later the voice of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, lends his distinctive vocals to this track. Initially a b-side, the song’s fate changed when it caught the ear of Kevin Bray, the director of the Suits pilot episode.
According to Suits creator Aaron Korsh, Bray was instrumental in selecting “Greenback Boogie” as the theme song. Korsh revealed in a social media interaction that while another song was considered, Bray ultimately championed “Greenback Boogie,” a decision that proved to be a stroke of genius. The song’s raw energy and confident swagger perfectly mirrored the show’s fast-paced legal world and the ambitious personalities of its characters. Fans have even shared stories with Korsh about their enthusiastic reactions to the theme song, highlighting its immediate and lasting impact.
Decoding the Suits Song Lyrics: It’s All About the Money
The lyrics of “Greenback Boogie” are as direct and to the point as Harvey Specter himself. The version used in the Suits opening credits features a selection of lines that immediately establish the show’s central themes: ambition, success, and, of course, money.
Here are the Suits song lyrics featured in the opening sequence:
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 lyrics, though brief, encapsulate the driving force behind many of the characters in Suits. The pursuit of wealth, the desire to maintain a luxurious lifestyle (“money wanna stay, for your meal”), and the inherent curiosity about the lives of the successful (“Everybody wanna know, how it feel”) are all woven into the fabric of the show. The lyrics speak to the aspirational nature of Suits, drawing viewers into a world of high stakes and even higher rewards.
The full version of “Greenback Boogie” expands on these themes with further verses that reinforce the focus on financial success and the relentless drive to “making money.” Even the chorus, with its declaration “All step back, I’m ’bout to dance / The greenback boogie,” exudes confidence and a sense of taking charge – qualities perfectly embodied by the characters of Suits.
This image titled “Most Unforgettable Courtroom Moments| Suits | NBC” highlights intense courtroom scenes from Suits, reflecting the drama and high stakes associated with the Suits song lyrics and the show’s narrative.
The Legacy of “Greenback Boogie” and the Future of Suits Music
“Greenback Boogie” became more than just a theme song; it became an anthem for Suits fans. Its energy and lyrical themes perfectly complemented the show’s tone, contributing significantly to its overall identity and appeal. As Suits expands with the upcoming spin-off Suits LA, questions arise about the music that will accompany this new chapter.
While it remains to be seen whether “Greenback Boogie” will make a return in Suits LA, its impact on the original series is undeniable. The song is a testament to the power of a perfectly chosen theme song to elevate a show’s impact and create a lasting connection with its audience. Whether Suits LA adopts a new musical identity or nods to its predecessor, “Greenback Boogie” will forever be associated with the sharp suits, sharp minds, and sharp deals of the Suits universe.
Relive the iconic moments and music of all nine seasons of Suits, now streaming on Peacock.
