[Instrumental Opening]
The haunting fado melody of “Canção do Mar” serves as the backdrop for the Southland title sequence.
Originally a Portuguese classic, this version emphasizes the accordion and strings, creating a melancholic yet driving rhythm that mirrors the relentless nature of the Los Angeles streets.
The music swells as the gritty, hand-held camera footage introduces the ensemble cast, signaling the shift from the polished Hollywood version of policing to the raw reality of the LAPD.
Official Opening Sequence
Behind the Music: Setting the Tone
The Southland theme song is an instrumental take on “Canção do Mar” (Song of the Sea), a legendary Portuguese fado song. By choosing a melody rooted in “saudade”—a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing—the show creators Ann Biderman and John Wells immediately established that Southland would be more than a standard procedural; it was a character study on the weight of the badge.
The theme accompanies a visceral opening montage that features real-life LAPD artifacts and cinematic street shots. The production, moving from NBC to TNT, maintained this musical identity throughout its five-season run, becoming synonymous with the show’s commitment to authenticity and the personal “wreckage” often mentioned in gritty urban dramas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the music playing in the Southland intro?
It is an instrumental version of “Canção do Mar,” originally performed by Dulce Pontes.
Who composed the original song?
The music was composed by Frederico de Brito and Ferrer Trindade.
Where was Southland filmed?
The series was filmed on location in Los Angeles, California, to maintain its gritty realism.
