Feature Photo: Robert Plant by Sterling Munksgard / Shutterstock.com
When compiling this list of the Top 10 Rock Songs Used Perfectly for TV Show Themes, the first decision we made was to exclude songs that were written specifically for television. After all, these songs have an inherent advantage, crafted with the sole purpose of becoming memorable themes. So, you won’t find classics like “Welcome Back” from Welcome Back, Kotter, the instrumental theme from Hawaii Five-O, or even The Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There for You” from Friends. Instead, this list celebrates the inspired decisions made by television producers who chose classic rock songs that aligned perfectly with the themes and tone of their shows.
The idea behind this list was to identify songs that not only fit seamlessly into the opening credits but also added depth, character, and mood to the drama or comedy of their respective shows. We sought out a variety of tracks, spanning different styles and decades, and also deliberately steered clear of the more obvious choices, like The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” for CSI. Our aim was to highlight songs that might be a bit more unexpected, yet no less impactful, in their contribution to television history.
We spent a lot of time curating this list, delving into the finer details of each song and its usage, to deliver a compelling read that offers new insights into some of your favorite shows. We hope you enjoy revisiting these classic tunes and maybe even discover a few new favorites along the way.
# 10 – Cleveland Rocks – Ian Hunter (The Drew Carey Show)
# 9 – Funk 50 – Joe Walsh – ESPN
“Funk 50” by Joe Walsh, a high-energy instrumental track, revives the classic Walsh sound with a fresh twist, capturing the spirit of sportsmanship and adrenaline that makes it the perfect theme for ESPN’s sports broadcasts. Released in 2012, “Funk 50” is a playful nod to Walsh’s own iconic “Funk #49,” originally recorded with the James Gang in 1970. With its driving beat, sharp guitar riffs, and funky undertones, the song is a modern reinterpretation of a rock classic, breathing new life into the sounds that made Walsh a household name in the rock world.
Recorded at the iconic Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, “Funk 50” was produced by Jeff Lynne and Joe Walsh himself. The track features Walsh on guitars and vocals, with Lynne handling bass and keyboards and Joe Vitale on drums, a longtime collaborator from Walsh’s solo career. The result is a lively, groove-laden piece that combines the signature slide guitar work and quirky humor Walsh is known for with a contemporary production sheen. The song encapsulates a sense of fun and irreverence, capturing the essence of rock with an unmistakable Walsh twist, making it an ideal soundtrack for the fast-paced, unpredictable world of sports.
ESPN adopted “Funk 50” as one of its primary themes, giving the network’s programming an injection of rock authenticity. Used across various sports broadcasts, particularly during NFL highlights and promotional spots, the song’s vibrant energy and infectious rhythm provided an immediate hook for viewers, setting the tone for the intensity and drama of live sports. The marriage of Walsh’s upbeat, riff-driven track with ESPN’s dynamic coverage created a memorable blend that both music and sports fans could appreciate. It reinforced the idea that sports, much like rock and roll, is about emotion, momentum, and moments of pure, unbridled excitement. In the context of our list of the Top 10 Rock Songs Used for TV Show Themes, “Funk 50” stands out for its seamless integration into the sports world.
Read More: Top 10 Joe Walsh Songs
# 8 – Jessica – The Allman Brothers Band – (Theme for the UK Show Top Gear)
# 7 – Lawyers, Guns and Money – Warren Zevon – (2006 TV series Justice)
# 6 – Paint It Black – The Rolling Stones – Tour Of Duty
“Paint It Black,” by The Rolling Stones was chosen as the theme song for the CBS television series Tour of Duty. Originally released in 1966 on the album Aftermath, “Paint It Black” became an anthem of disillusionment and despair in the late 1960s, a time of deep societal upheaval and conflict. Recorded at RCA Studios in Hollywood in March 1966 and produced by Andrew Loog Oldham, the track features Mick Jagger on lead vocals, Keith Richards on guitar, Brian Jones on sitar, Bill Wyman on bass, and Charlie Watts on drums. With its distinctive use of the sitar, driving percussion, and Jagger’s raw, introspective vocals, the song broke new ground for the band and became one of their most enduring hits.
The show Tour of Duty, a CBS drama series that aired from 1987 to 1990, which depicted the experiences of a U.S. Army platoon during the Vietnam War, needed a theme song that could instantly evoke the conflicted emotions and raw realities of that time. With its dark, moody tone and lyrics that spoke to the futility and horror of war, “Paint It Black” set the perfect tone. The show’s opening sequence, underscored by the song’s unmistakable opening chords and hypnotic sitar line was meant to bring viewers back to the chaos and intensity of the Vietnam War era, mirroring the internal battles faced by soldiers on the front lines and those left waiting at home.
In the context of our Top 10 Rock Songs Used for TV Show Themes, “Paint It Black” stands out for its ability to encapsulate the complex emotions of a generation haunted by conflict. While other entries on our list, like Warren Zevon’s “Lawyers, Guns and Money” for Justice or Joe Walsh’s “Funk 50” for ESPN, bring a sense of irreverence or adrenaline, “Paint It Black” is unflinching in its reflection on loss, despair, and the search for meaning amidst chaos.
Read More: Top 10 Rolling Stones Songs of the 1960’s
# 5 – Stuck In The Middle With You – Stealers Wheel (Them from the Netflix Show Grace And Frankie)
“Stuck in the Middle with You,” the quirky and infectious hit by Stealers Wheel, found a new lease on life as the theme song for the Netflix series Grace and Frankie. Originally released in 1972 on the band’s self-titled debut album, “Stuck in the Middle with You” was recorded at Apple Studios in London and produced by the legendary Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Featuring Gerry Rafferty on lead vocals and guitar, Joe Egan on harmonizing vocals and keyboards, and a host of session musicians, the song was a tongue-in-cheek satire of the music industry that quickly became an unexpected smash hit, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100. Its catchy chorus and light-hearted rhythm made it one of the most memorable tracks of the 1970s, celebrated for its playful take on the absurdities of life.
Lyrically, “Stuck in the Middle with You” is a wry commentary on the confusion and contradictions of the music business, as the protagonist finds himself metaphorically “stuck in the middle” between various industry figures. Lines like “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right” have become iconic, encapsulating a feeling of bemusement and bewilderment that transcends its original context. Musically, the song draws from folk rock and pop, with a melody that is as danceable as it is singable. Rafferty’s laid-back vocal style, combined with the jaunty acoustic guitar and easy-going rhythm, creates an enduring feel-good vibe, making it an ideal choice for any show that aims to blend humor with a touch of irony.
When Grace and Frankie adopted “Stuck in the Middle with You” as its theme, it brought a new dimension to the song’s legacy. However, the show did not use the original recording but rather a remake by Grace Potter. The show, which premiered on Netflix in 2015, stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as two women whose lives are turned upside down when their husbands reveal they are in love with each other. With its comedic exploration of aging, friendship, and reinvention, Grace and Frankie needed a theme that captured its mix of humor, resilience, and a touch of chaos. “Stuck in the Middle with You” proved to be a perfect match. The upbeat melody and playful lyrics mirrored the show’s lighthearted approach to serious themes, while the phrase “stuck in the middle” spoke directly to the characters’ predicament as they navigated their unexpected new reality.
In the context of our Top 10 Rock Songs Used for TV Show Themes, “Stuck in the Middle with You” stands out for its ability to convey both levity and depth. Unlike the darker tones of The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” for Tour of Duty or the rebellious edge of Warren Zevon’s “Lawyers, Guns and Money” for Justice, this song brings a sense of fun and relatability that aligns seamlessly with Grace and Frankie’s unique blend of comedy and drama.
Read More: Top 10 Stealers Wheel songs
# 4 – “Way Down in the Hole” – Tom Waits – (HBO Show The Wire)
“Way Down in the Hole,” written and originally recorded by Tom Waits, became the unmistakable theme song for HBO’s gritty crime drama The Wire, underscoring the show’s exploration of the complexities of urban life in Baltimore. Released in 1987 on Waits’ album Franks Wild Years, the song was recorded at Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood, California. Produced by Waits and his longtime collaborator Kathleen Brennan, “Way Down in the Hole” features Waits’ gravelly voice, backed by Marc Ribot’s bluesy guitar, Larry Taylor’s upright bass, and Stephen Hodges’ minimalist percussion.
Lyrically, “Way Down in the Hole” is a spiritual, almost gospel-like plea for redemption and protection against the forces of evil. The repeated invocation to “keep the devil down in the hole” speaks to a constant struggle against darkness, whether external or internal. With its minimalistic arrangement and Waits’ raw, impassioned delivery, the song captures a sense of urgency and unease, evoking both the personal battles and larger social conflicts that define The Wire’s narrative. Tom Waits’ version, used in the show’s second season, is the original and perhaps the most evocative of all the renditions, perfectly reflecting the series’ undercurrent of desperation, hope, and the fight to survive against all odds.
The Wire ran from 2002 to 2008, and each of its five seasons opened with a different version of “Way Down in the Hole,” performed by various artists, each bringing their unique flavor to the song. Season 1 featured The Blind Boys of Alabama’s soulful, gospel interpretation, while Season 2 kept Waits’ original version, with its gritty, world-weary resonance. Season 3 saw The Neville Brothers bring their New Orleans funk and rhythm, Season 4 introduced DoMaJe, a group of Baltimore teenagers whose rendition added a fresh, raw authenticity, and finally, Steve Earle, a cast member and respected songwriter, delivered a stripped-down country-rock take for Season 5. This choice to use multiple versions of the same song mirrored the series’ narrative approach, which shifted perspectives with each season to examine different facets of Baltimore’s socio-political landscape.
The video below has all the different versions of the song….
# 3 – Thank You For Being A Friend – Andrew Gold (Theme song from Golden Girls)
“Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down,” a hauntingly beautiful reinterpretation of a traditional American gospel song by Robert Plant, became the atmospheric theme for the Starz political drama Boss. Originally released on Plant’s 2010 album Band of Joy, the song was recorded at Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, with Plant co-producing alongside Buddy Miller, who also played guitar on the track. The lineup on this hauntingly sparse yet evocative song includes Darrell Scott on mandolin, Byron House on bass, Marco Giovino on drums, and Patty Griffin providing background vocals. Together, they craft a sound that is raw and intimate, merging blues, folk, and gospel elements into a modern-day lament that is both ancient and timeless.
The lyrics of “Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down” are minimal yet powerful, calling for the downfall of evil forces and the restoration of righteousness. Plant’s delivery is subdued, almost whispered, giving the song a chilling quality that lingers long after the last note fades. “I heard the voice of Jesus say / Satan, your kingdom must come down,” he intones, drawing from the rich tradition of American spirituals that seek solace and redemption amid turmoil. The instrumentation is equally sparse—a lone mandolin plucked over a steady, ominous rhythm, evoking a sense of dread and quiet determination. It’s a track that speaks to deep, existential struggles, and Plant’s interpretation finds new depths in the old words, giving them fresh meaning.
Boss, which aired from 2011 to 2012, stars Kelsey Grammer as the ruthless and morally conflicted mayor of Chicago, Tom Kane. The show delves into the dark underbelly of political power, corruption, and the human cost of ambition. Choosing “Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down” as its theme song was a masterstroke. The track’s eerie, almost spectral sound perfectly encapsulates the show’s dark, tense atmosphere, reflecting the moral ambiguities of its protagonist and the city he seeks to control. The opening credits, set against a backdrop of Chicago’s steel-grey skyline, with Plant’s mournful voice echoing over the scenes, set the stage for a series that explores the high price of power and the inevitability of reckoning.
In our list of the Top 10 Rock Songs Used for TV Show Themes, “Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down” stands out for its stark, haunting simplicity and its profound sense of foreboding. Unlike the playful charm of Andrew Gold’s “Thank You for Being a Friend” for The Golden Girls or the jaunty irony of Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle with You” for Grace and Frankie, Plant’s song offers no comfort or levity. Instead, it serves as a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lie beneath even the most polished surfaces. It is both a warning and a prophecy, fitting for a show like Boss where the lines between right and wrong are blurred and where every action has a consequence. Through his reimagining of this gospel standard, Plant provides the perfect soundtrack for a tale of ambition, power, and the inevitable downfall that follows.
Read More: Top 10 Robert Plant Songs
# 1 – God Only Knows – The Beach Boys – (HBO television series Big Love)
Top 10 Rock Songs Used Perfectly For TV Show Themes article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
