When you flew out of the nest, you made a mistake
Flew all the way back
When you got back to your den, one minute too late
Was already wrecked
I, I…
It’s a fraction of a whole, but it’s so hard to control
I, I… get this straight:
You can’t, can’t count on a second chance
The second chance will never be found
You can’t, can’t count on a second try
The second try will never come ’round
You stick to what you knew before
Don’t know what you like, just made up your mind
The picture still hangs on the wall
From back in the day when you had it all
I, I…
It’s a fraction of a whole, but it’s so hard to control
I, I… get this straight:
You can’t, can’t count on a second chance
The second chance will never be found
You can’t, can’t count on a second try
The second try will never come ’round
Behind the Music: Meaning & Story
The 2 Broke Girls theme song, “Second Chance,” is performed by the Swedish indie rock band Peter Bjorn and John. The track features the band’s signature punchy percussion and upbeat alternative sound, which provided a modern, high-energy contrast to the gritty Brooklyn setting of the show. While the series uses a shortened instrumental riff for its opening title card, the full song tells a much deeper story about missed opportunities and the harsh reality of starting over.
Created by Whitney Cummings and Michael Patrick King, the sitcom follows Max Black and Caroline Channing as they work as waitresses while trying to raise $250,000 to start a cupcake business. The lyrics, “The picture still hangs on the wall / From back in the day when you had it all,” specifically mirror Caroline’s journey from a wealthy socialite to a penniless waitress after her father’s Ponzi scheme was exposed. The “second chance” mentioned in the title refers to their shared dream of a better life through their entrepreneurial efforts.
Throughout its 138 episodes on CBS, the show’s musical identity remained tied to this infectious indie track. The show’s premiere on September 19, 2011, marked the beginning of a six-season run that blended traditional multi-cam sitcom humor with a sharp, modern edge. Even though the series concluded on April 17, 2017, the theme song continues to be a nostalgic anthem for fans of the girls’ spirited journey from rags to (hopefully) riches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the band famous for besides this song?
Peter Bjorn and John are best known for their 2006 global hit “Young Folks,” which featured an iconic whistling hook that became a staple of indie music in the late 2000s.
Is the theme song played in full during the show?
No, the broadcast version is a very short edit of the main guitar riff and drum beat, usually lasting about 5 to 10 seconds during the title card. The full version can be found on their album Gimme Some.
Why did 2 Broke Girls end after Season 6?
Despite consistent ratings, the show was cancelled due to a combination of high production costs and the fact that Warner Bros. TV (not CBS) owned the show, making it less profitable for the network to keep on the air.
