The Big Bang Theory theme song is well known by just about anyone. We all know the signature voices of the Barenaked Ladies that show up after the cold open of every episode. In fact, if you went up to the average person and sang the first line of the song, chances are they’ll know the next one. If anything, they’ll at least know what you’re talking about. We’re also willing to bet that you’ve had the song stuck in your head at least once in your lifetime.
With such a catchy theme song, it’s no surprise there are some fun behind-the-scenes tidbits you probably don’t know. Here are some of the secrets.
IT’S CALLED ‘THE HISTORY OF EVERYTHING’
According to Ed Robertson, the Barenaked Ladies’ singer-songwriter, the Big Bang Theory producers asked him to essentially write “a short history of everything… in about 32 seconds.” This is where the namesake comes from. However, there might be another source of inspiration.
In 2003, non-fiction writer Bill Bryson published a book called A Short History of Nearly Everything, which is exactly what it sounds like. It basically told the history of the world in short, generalized explanations. This book was likely a big source for Robertson’s material and probably gave him a lot of helpful hints. The book is even mentioned in the Big Bang Theory Wiki entry for the song.
CHUCK LORRE AND BILL PRADY ARE BIG BARENAKED LADIES FANS
Some people are probably wondering why the producers picked this particular band to write the theme song. Well, the reason that the Barenaked Ladies were approached in the first place was that the producers were fans.
And it worked out because it turns out the band is all fans of their work, too. Robertson told CBS News that he basically likes every sitcom Prady has been involved with. It’s truly the perfect match.