“Our whole universe was in a hot dense state…” Just hearing those opening words instantly transports millions of viewers back to apartment 4A at 2311 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, California, the setting of the beloved sitcom, “The Big Bang Theory.” Since its debut in 2007, the catchy and informative theme song, performed by Barenaked Ladies, has been an integral part of the show’s identity. This theme song, specifically crafted for the CBS hit series, is more than just a memorable tune; it’s a mini-history of the universe set to music.
Ed Robertson and Tyler Stewart of Barenaked Ladies have expressed feeling deeply connected to “The Big Bang Theory,” especially to its creators, Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady. In an interview with CBSNews.com, Robertson remarked, “They’ve been so great with us, too — Chuck and Bill. First of all, Chuck Lorre is a great musician, too, and Bill Prady has been probably involved in all the sitcoms I ever liked.” This mutual respect and admiration fostered a strong bond between the band and the show’s production team.
Stewart echoed this sentiment, highlighting the positive atmosphere surrounding the show. “Everybody on the show — all the actors and the crew, the writers and stuff — they’ve been really kind to us. We visited the set a few times. We’ve played a couple of their parties, but they’re having such a great time. I guess a massive mega-hit TV show will have everyone having a great time. It’s just great energy to be around and super to be involved.” The band’s involvement extends beyond just recording the theme; they’ve become a part of the extended “Big Bang Theory” family.
The popularity of the theme song isn’t limited to the show’s opening credits. A full-length version of this now-iconic TV theme song was released in 2007, allowing fans to enjoy the complete musical journey through the cosmos. In 2011, it further solidified its place in Barenaked Ladies’ discography by being included on their greatest hits album, “Hits from Yesterday & the Day Before.” This inclusion demonstrates the song’s significance not only as a sitcom intro but also as a standalone piece of music in the band’s repertoire.
While some fans might affectionately (or mistakenly) refer to it as the “Bange Bange Song” due to the repeated phrase in the lyrics, the official title remains “The Big Bang Theory Theme Song.” Regardless of what you call it, the song’s impact is undeniable. It’s a testament to the successful collaboration between Barenaked Ladies and the show’s creators, resulting in a theme song that is as scientifically informative as it is catchy and entertaining.
To delve deeper into the story behind the song’s creation and learn about the near-miss that almost prevented it from happening, you can watch the full video interview with Barenaked Ladies. Discover the behind-the-scenes details of how this iconic piece of television history came to be and appreciate the artistry that goes into crafting a truly memorable TV theme.
