All but one man died
There at Bitter Creek
And they say he ran away
Branded!
Marked with a coward’s shame
What do you do when you’re branded
Will you fight for your name?
He was innocent
Not a charge was true
But the world will never know
Branded!
Scorned as the one who ran
What do you do when you’re branded
And you know you’re a man?
And wherever you go
For the rest of your life
You must prove
You’re a man!
Stripped of all his rank
Stripped of all his pride
Still he held his head up high
Branded!
Friends are a thing unknown
What do you do when you’re branded
Can you go on alone?
Of his Gen’ral Reed
And the men who died
He can never speak the truth
Branded!
That’s not the way to die
What do you do when you’re branded
Can you live with a lie?
Branded!
Behind the Music: Meaning & Story
The Branded theme song is widely regarded as one of the most memorable and dramatic openings in the history of TV Westerns. Composed by Dominic Frontiere with lyrics by Alan Alch, the song provides a vivid narration of the show’s premise, instantly setting a somber and heroic tone for the audience.
Airing on NBC from 1965 to 1966, the series stars Chuck Connors as Captain Jason McCord. The opening sequence is legendary, featuring McCord being ceremoniously cashiered from the U.S. Army—his saber broken and his insignias ripped off—while the chorus belts out the heavy-hitting lyrics. The song tells the tragic story of the “Battle of Bitter Creek,” where McCord was the sole survivor and subsequently branded a coward, despite his innocence.
Over 48 episodes, the show explores McCord’s journey through the Old West as he seeks justice and redemption. The lyrics, “What do you do when you’re branded / Will you fight for your name?” summarize the moral core of the series. Even decades later, the theme song remains a cultural touchstone, perfectly capturing the essence of a man fighting to regain his honor in a world that has turned its back on him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the Branded theme song?
The music was composed by Dominic Frontiere, with the stirring lyrics written by Alan Alch. Frontiere was a prolific composer also known for his work on The Outer Limits.
Why was Jason McCord “branded”?
McCord was the only survivor of the Battle of Bitter Creek. Because he survived while all others died, he was falsely accused of deserting his post and cowardice, leading to his dishonorable discharge.
How many seasons of Branded were produced?
The series ran for two seasons on NBC, totaling 48 episodes. The first season was filmed in black and white, while the second season was filmed in color.
