Jake Black, Rob Spragg, Simon Edwards, Piers Marsh
Show Creator
David Chase
The Sopranos Theme Song Lyrics
Well you woke up this morning
Got yourself a gun
Your mama always said you’d be the chosen one
She said you’re one in a million, you’ve got to burn to shine
But you were born under a bad sign with a blue moon in your eyes
And you woke up this morning
All that love had gone
Your papa never told you about right and wrong
But you’re looking good baby, I believe you’re feeling fine
(Shame about it)
Born under a bad sign with a blue moon in your eyes
(Woke up this morning…)
The world turned upside down
Lord above, things ain’t been the same since Howlin’ Wolf walked into your town
But you’re one in a million, you’ve got that shotgun shine
Born under a bad sign with a blue moon in your eyes
When you woke up this morning everything was gone
By half past ten your head was going ding-dong
Ringing like a bell from your head down to your toes
Like a voice trying to tell you there’s something you should know
Last night you were flying but today you’re so low
Ain’t it times like these that make you wonder if you’ll ever know
The meaning of things as they appear to the others?
Wives, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers…
Woke up this morning, got yourself a gun!
Behind the Lyrics: Meaning & Story
The Sopranos, a groundbreaking crime drama, is renowned for its captivating theme song. The track “Woke Up This Morning,” composed by Jake Black and his band Alabama 3 (known as A3 in the US), sets the perfect tone for the show’s exploration of organized crime and psychological turmoil.
Spanning six seasons and 86 episodes, the series masterfully weaves crime drama with black comedy. Created by David Chase, the show premiered on January 10, 1999, and the theme song quickly became synonymous with Tony Soprano’s iconic drive from Manhattan to his home in North Caldwell, New Jersey. Interestingly, the song wasn’t written for the show; it was inspired by a real-life court case involving a woman who killed her abusive husband.
The powerful, bluesy lyrics about being “born under a bad sign” resonate deeply with the character of Tony Soprano, a man trapped between the expectations of his “family” and the reality of his own mental health. Decades later, the opening chords remain a signal to viewers that they are entering the dark, complex world of the New Jersey mafia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the band that sings the Sopranos theme?
The song is by the British band Alabama 3. In the United States, they are sometimes credited as A3 to avoid legal conflict with the country group Alabama.
Who is the “Howlin’ Wolf” mentioned in the lyrics?
The lyrics refer to the legendary Chicago blues singer and guitarist Howlin’ Wolf, nodding to the song’s deep blues and roots influences.
