Boss of Me

They Might Be Giants

About Boss of Me

"Boss of Me" is a song by alternative rock band They Might Be Giants. The song is famously used as the opening theme song for the television show Malcolm in the Middle, and was released as the single from the soundtrack to the show. In 2002, "Boss of Me" won the band their first Grammy Award, in the category of Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media. The song was one of the band's most commercially successful singles and is one of their best-known songs. The song was originally written with the chorus "Who's gonna guess the dead guy in the envelope" for a contest presented by the Preston and Steve show during their Y-100 days. 


Year:
2005
2:59
617 
#3

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Yes, no, maybe 
I don't know
Can you repeat the question?
 
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now, and you're not so big
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now, and you're not so big
 
Life is unfair, so I just stare at the stain on the wall where
The TV'd been, but ever since we've moved in it's been empty
 
Why I, why I'm in this room 
There is no point explaining
 
You're not the boss of me now, and you're not so big
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now, and you're not so big
 
Life is a test, and I confess
I like this mess I've made so far
Grade on a curve and you'll observe
I'm right below the horizon
 
Yes, no, maybe, I don't know
Can you repeat the question?
 
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now, and you're not so big
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now, and you're not so big
 
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now, and you're not so big
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now
You're not the boss of me now, and you're not so big
 
Life is unfair

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They Might Be Giants

They Might Be Giants (sometimes abbreviated as TMBG) is an American alternative band formed in 1982 by John Flansburgh and John Linnell. During TMBG's early years Flansburgh and Linnell were frequently accompanied by a drum machine. In the early 1990s, TMBG became a full band. Currently, the members of TMBG are Flansburgh, Linnell, Marty Beller, Dan Miller, and Danny Weinkauf. They are best known for an unconventional and experimental style of alternative music. Over their career, the group has found success on the modern rock and CMJ charts. More recently they have found success in children's music, and in theme music for several television programs and films. more »

1 fan

Written by: JOHN FLANSBURGH, JOHN LINNELL

Lyrics © FOX MUSIC, INC.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Creation Context
"Boss of Me" was recorded by American alternative rock band They Might Be Giants in 2001.
Popular Exposure
The song is best known as the opening theme for the American television show "Malcolm in the Middle."
Achievements
"Boss of Me" won a Grammy award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.
Charts Performance
The song peaked at number 21 on the UK Singles Chart and also charted in Australia, where it reached number 160.
Song Style
Like much of They Might Be Giants' work, the "Boss of Me" features oddball lyrics over catchy, upbeat rock music.
Album Inclusion
"Boss of Me" appears on the compilation album "They Might Be Giants-Idlewild: A Compilation", released in 2014.
Songwriters
The song was written by John Linnell and John Flansburgh, the two main members of They Might Be Giants.
Commercial Use
The song was not only used on Malcolm in the Middle but also in advertisements for the show.
Music Video
The music video for "Boss of Me" was directed by Joey Garfield and featured clips from Malcolm in the Middle as well as footage of the band playing in a living room.
Pop Culture
The phrase "You're Not the Boss of Me" has become a part of popular culture after the success of the song and the TV show.
Musical Structure
Although a rock song, "Boss of Me" features extensive use of brass instruments and has been described as "fanfare rock".
Conceptual Theme
The song's theme is about rebelling against authority and asserting one's independence, making it fitting for the TV show.
Band Trademark
The quirkiness and humor embodied in the "Boss of Me" lyrics reflect the whimsical, idiosyncratic style that They Might Be Giants is known for.
Release Medium
The song was released on CD and as a digital download, but not on vinyl.
Recognition
In 2018, Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Boss of Me" as one of the 50 best TV show theme songs of all time.

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