South Park Theme

Album: Chef Aid: The South Park Album (1997)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • With songs like "Wynona's Big Brown Beaver" and "Tommy The Cat," it's no surprise that Primus are favorites of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of the TV series South Park. After creating some widely circulated shorts featuring the exploits of Stan, Cartman, Kyle and Kenny (and Jesus... and Santa...), Parker and Stone got a deal from Comedy Central to create the show, which first aired in 1997. Their choice for the theme song was Primus.

    In our interview with Les Claypool of Primus, he explained that he saw the Spirit of Christmas South Park short before writing the theme. He quickly came up with the "Going down to South Park, going to have..." idea, and filled it in from there, building a call-and-response with the kid characters into it.
  • The original theme song Primus submitted for the show was about 30 seconds long, which was deemed too lengthy. Parker and Stone simply sped up the song to make it shorter, later having Claypool re-record his vocals. The slower version can be heard in instrumental form over the closing credits. The full original version was used in a pilot created to demo the show.
  • When Kenny sings his line, he does so in his trademark mumble. What he sings is likely not suitable for broadcast.
  • The theme has been altered from time to time with different characters sometimes getting a line. In the 2013 "Dawn of the Posers" episode, the theme is sung by the Goth kids.
  • This was included on the 1998 compilation Chef Aid: The South Park Album, which tied into an episode of the show where Primus, Ozzy Osbourne, Elton John and several other acts participate in a benefit concert for the character Chef.

Comments: 1

  • Cara from WalesI love South Park.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.