The Story Behind BoJack Horseman Theme Song: Back In The 90’s by Grouplove
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The Rise of BoJack Horseman
In 2014, Netflix took the digital world by storm with the release of BoJack Horseman. The animated sitcom, created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, follows the life of an anthropomorphic horse named BoJack, who was once a famous TV star but has now fallen from grace. BoJack is flawed, self-destructive, and has a twisted sense of humor. It didn’t take long for BoJack’s fans to become addicted to the show’s unique blend of satire, humor, and emotional complexity.
One of the significant factors that set BoJack Horseman apart was its opening theme song – “Back in the 90’s” by Grouplove. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the song played a massive role in making BoJack a pop culture phenomenon.
The Backstory of Back in the 90’s by Grouplove
Grouplove is an American indie rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2009. Known for their upbeat anthemic tunes, the band comprises lead vocalists Christian Zucconi and Hannah Hooper, with Sean Gadd (bass), Ryan Rabin (drums), and Andrew Wessen (guitar). The band has released four albums to date and garnered a considerable following of their own.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Christian Zucconi revealed that they wrote “Back in the 90’s” in a single day. The song was initially a 20-second demo, which they created for their friend’s TV pilot. Nevertheless, the producers liked the demo so much that they requested Grouplove to expand it into a full-length song.
The Lyrics of Back in the 90’s
The lyrics of “Back in the 90’s” are deceptively simple but carry a deep meaning. The song opens with an upbeat guitar riff, followed by Hannah Hooper’s catchy vocals:
“Back in the 90’s, I was in a very famous TV show.”
The lines refer to BoJack’s past when he was a TV star and his life was all about the glitz and glamour of show business. However, Grouplove doesn’t romanticize it, as the chorus states:
“But now I’m jaded, but cynical.”
These lines foreshadow BoJack’s present state, where he’s a washed-up has-been with a broken soul.
The Significance of the Song
Music plays a big role in BoJack Horseman’s narrative, and the show has never shied away from using it to its advantage. The opening sequence perfectly encapsulates the show’s themes of fame, fortune, and loneliness. The lyrics and visuals blend together truthfully, highlighting how BoJack’s past haunts him like a ghost. The upbeat music, combined with the dark visuals, creates a lasting impression, leaving viewers with a feeling of melancholy.
In an interview with NPR, an associate producer of BoJack Horseman, Kate Purdy, said that the show’s creative team chose Grouplove because they wanted an upbeat, catchy song that would contrast BoJack’s miserable existence. They aimed to “elevate the show’s sense of irony” and “challenge people’s assumptions about what the show was.”
The Legacy of Back in the 90’s by Grouplove
Today, “Back in the 90’s” has become synonymous with BoJack Horseman, and fans cannot imagine the show without it. The song has been praised by fans and critics alike for its clever lyrics and infectious beat.
In an interview with Business Insider, Raphael Bob-Waksbeg said, “There’s something so perfect about their energy and that highlight reel. It’s a pretty good encapsulation of the show’s tone and energy.”
Conclusion
The significance of “Back in the 90’s” to BoJack Horseman’s success cannot be overstated. The song creates a sense of nostalgia but also a feeling of sadness. It is a testament to Grouplove’s songwriting talent that they were able to create a catchy tune that captures the essence of a show that deals with deep emotions such as loneliness, depression, and addiction.
In retrospect, it’s evident that the BoJack Horseman theme song was a masterstroke – it’s a catchy tune that stays with the listener, but it’s also a deep meditation on fame and failure. It’s an opening sequence that sets the stage for a show that’s filled with contrasting elements – and somehow, it all fits together perfectly.
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