Batman Theme

David McCallum

About Batman Theme

"Batman Theme", the title song of the 1966 Batman TV series, was composed by Neal Hefti. This song is built around a guitar hook reminiscent of spy film scores and surf music. It has a twelve bar blues progression, using only three chords until the coda. The eleven cries of "Batman!" are sung by a chorus of four tenors and four sopranos (performed by The Ron Hicklin Singers). A long-held myth purports that the chorus is actually a group of horns. Adam West's book Back to the Batcave also fuels this rumor by claiming the chorus is instrumental, not vocal. However, Neal Hefti, the writer of the theme, stated that the chorus was made up of eight singers, one of whom jokingly wrote on his part, "word and music by Neal Hefti". TV's Biggest Hits by Jon Burlingame, published in 1996, focuses exclusively on TV theme songs, and includes an interview with Hefti about the creation of the Batman theme song. According to Burlingame, the song consisted of "bass guitar, low brass and percussion to create a driving rhythm, while an eight-voice chorus sings 'Batman!' in harmony with the trumpets."In addition to Neal Hefti's original version, and the television soundtrack version by Nelson Riddle, versions were covered by The Marketts (single "Batman Theme" and album The Batman Theme by The Marketts), The Ventures (The Ventures Play the "Batman" Theme, Dolton BST8042, 3/1966), Al Hirt, The Standells and actor/musician David McCallum. 


2:10
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Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
 
Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
 
Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
 
Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman

Da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da

Batman!

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David McCallum

David Keith McCallum, Jr. (born 19 September 1933) is a Scottish actor and musician. He is best known for his roles as Illya Kuryakin, a Russian-born secret agent, in the 1960s television series The Man from U.N.C.L.E., as interdimensional operative Steel in Sapphire & Steel, and for his current role as NCIS Medical Examiner, Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard in the series NCIS. more »

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Written by: NEAL HEFTI

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

Song Background and Composition
The "Batman Theme" is a song associated with the superhero character, Batman, from the DC Comics. - Neal Hefti, a renowned jazz musician, originally composed the theme song for the 1966 Batman television show. - The song is notable for its distinctive "na na na na na na na na... Batman!" chorus.
David McCallum's Version
David McCallum, a Scottish-American actor and musician, recorded the Batman Theme. - His version of the song appeared on his album "Music: A Part of Me" (1966). - McCallum's version is remembered for its pleasing trombone and trumpet scores.
Link Wray's Version
Link Wray, a rock and roll guitarist known for his technique of generating distortion, covered the Batman Theme in the late 1960s. - Wray's rendition of the song incorporates the distinctive surfing guitar sounds of the 60s, giving it a unique flavor.
Neal Hefti's Original Version
Hefti’s version of the Batman Theme won him a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Theme in 1966. - This initial version was performed by an 18-piece big band ensemble.
The Jam's Version
The Jam, an English band, recorded a live version of the Batman Theme song. - It featured in their live album "Dig The New Breed" released in 1982. - The Jam’s modulation of the theme with their punk rock style marks it as significantly different from other covers.
The Marketts' Version
The Marketts, known for their surf rock sonic, also recorded a version of the Batman Theme. - Their version was featured on "The Batman Theme Played by The Marketts" album in 1966.
The Ventures' Version
The Ventures, an influential instrumental rock band, covered the Batman Theme on their album, "The Ventures Play the 'Batman' Theme", in 1966. - Like other versions of the song during the same era, The Ventures' version features distinctive guitar sounds that reflect the surf rock musical aesthetic of the mid-1960s.
Cultural Impact
Over the years, the Batman Theme has become synonymous with the character, Batman, and it is often used in various Batman adaptations. - It has also been repeated, referenced, and parodied in numerous television shows, films, and music tracks. - Despite being over half a century old, the song remains very popular with the fans of the superhero.

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