Garry Shandling, a comedic icon who passed away at 66, is best remembered for his groundbreaking HBO series, The Larry Sanders Show. However, delving into his YouTube presence reveals another gem in his career: the brilliantly underappreciated Theme Song from his 1980s Showtime series, It’s Garry Shandling’s Show. This theme song is not just catchy; it’s a masterclass in self-aware comedy and a perfect introduction to Shandling’s unique style.
While many may not immediately recall specific episodes of It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, its impact on comedy is undeniable. Comedy authority SplitSider hailed it as “the show that perhaps more than anything else truly exhibited the heart of Garry Shandling’s comedic sensibilities,” calling it his “greatest achievement.” A 1987 New York Times review described the show, and its memorable theme song, in this way:
His show, complete with a dopey theme song, is a loose affair, allowing the comedian to slip in and out of his sitcom character, who also happens to be named Garry. He can talk directly to the camera, commenting on the supposed action, and he can even walk into the studio audience, gathering reactions and shaking hands. Yes, I know, George Burns did something similar on his old show with Gracie Allen, but this is far more sophisticated, almost post-modern, if you’re partial to buzz-words.
This description perfectly encapsulates the show’s innovative spirit, mirrored in its equally inventive theme song. After listening to this theme song repeatedly, it’s clear why it stands out. To borrow from the sentiment often misattributed to E.B. White (and correctly attributed to James Thurber), dissecting humor might be like dissecting a frog, but the brilliance of this theme song deserves a closer look.
Firstly, the theme song is undeniably catchy – as infectious as any popular tune you might hear today, yet with a crucial difference: it’s brilliantly self-aware. Unlike typical pop music, this theme song winks at the audience from the very beginning. The opening lines immediately set the stage:
This is the theme to Garry’s show/The theme to Garry’s show/Garry called me up and asked if I would write his theme song.
These lyrics are a straightforward explanation of the song’s purpose, but they are also much more. They break the fourth wall right from the start, mirroring the show’s own comedic approach. The theme song becomes interactive, directly addressing the viewer, much like Garry Shandling himself did on screen. This meta-narrative was groundbreaking for its time and paved the way for the wry, single-camera style of comedy that is now commonplace. Further emphasizing this playful interaction, the lyrics continue:
I’m almost halfway finished/How do you like it so far?/How do you like the theme to Garry’s Show?
This direct address to the audience is not just clever; it’s inviting, drawing the viewer into the comedic world of Garry Shandling. It’s a theme song that’s not just introducing a show; it’s having a conversation.
Finally, the theme song concludes by clearly outlining what’s to come, both in the song itself and in the viewing experience. Again, simplicity is key, but the effect is ingenious:
We’re almost to the part/Of where I start to whistle/Then we’ll watch It’s Garry Shandling’s Show
Despite its undeniable brilliance and innovative nature, this classic theme song has been regrettably overlooked in many lists celebrating the greatest TV theme songs of all time. Perhaps the understated genius of this tune is best explained by the words of Bill Lynch, the song’s performer, in a 2007 interview. He recounted how he was chosen to sing this iconic theme song:
I went up to this recording studio in a house in the Hollywood Hills. Joey Carbone, who wrote the song, was there. So was producer Brad Grey, who is now the head of Columbia Pictures. … They told me here’s how it goes, here’s what we want. I go into the studio and put these headphones on and they said, “Let’s get a level.” I sang the thing, then sat there about 30 seconds waiting. Then they said, “Thank you. We’ve listened to it a couple times, and this is exactly what we wanted.” Then I walked out of the studio, stopped and turned around and said, “Excuse me, but who is Garry Shandling anyway?”
This anecdote perfectly encapsulates the unassuming genius of the theme song. It’s simple, effective, and instantly memorable, much like Garry Shandling’s comedy itself. While Garry Shandling’s legacy extends far beyond this single theme song, it remains a testament to his innovative comedic spirit and a reminder of his underappreciated brilliance. This theme song is more than just an introduction to a TV show; it’s a miniature comedic masterpiece in its own right.
