There are good songs. There are great songs. Then, there are nerd songs. Songs that, no matter their origin, exemplify the nerd way of life. Whatever the style of the music, the songs listed here all fit the bill. These 10 songs represent just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to nerd/geek music, and include both some well known works, and some less well known.
All of them have one thing in common, they bring out the inner nerd in all of us, and isn’t that what life is all about?
10. Ultimate Showdown by Lemon Demon
Any song that can take as many different characters and pitch them into a death match has to be on this list. Originally posted to YouTube in 2008, some of the references are a little dated, but, for the most part, this song stands the test of time.
9. It Is Dark by MC Frontalot
A greater portion of my early PC gaming was dedicated to the fantastic text-based games by Infocom. Apparently MC Frontalot spent his fair share of time playing Zork as well, as evidenced by this ode to the bane of all adventurers everywhere.
8. All Along the Watchtower by Bear McCreary
From the moment we first heard this version of ”All Along the Watchtower” from the season three finale of Battlestar Galactica, Bear McCreary’s almost haunting arrangement of the Jimi Hendrix tune became ingrained in our consciousnesses. The piece was then used throughout season four of the show, becoming one of the main musical themes of the series.
7. Jimmy Olsen’s Blues by The Spin Doctors
After this minor hit became popular, Jimmy Olsen, as drawn by Jon Bogdanove, took to wearing Spin Doctors tee shirts occasionally.
6. Magic Dance by David Bowie, From Labyrinth
If you can’t dance along with this song, you have no soul. Ok, that might be going a bit far, but it certainly is a very catchy tune, from an incredible movie. Throw in choreography by Gates McFadden and what is there not to love about this?
5. The New Dork – Entrepreneur State of Mind By Grasshopper.com
A nifty little parody of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ Empire State of Mind, dedicated to all the “dorks” who are driving the new media of today.
4. Why Does the Sun Shine by They Might Be Giants
With lyrics swiped almost word for word from a 1951 textbook titled “Stars: A Guide to the Constellations, Sun, Moon, Planets and Other Features of the Heavens” written by professors Herbert Zim and Robert Baker, this cover of a 1959 song provides a science lesson you can jam out to.
3. White & Nerdy by “Weird Al” Yankovic
Weird Al’s brilliant parody of Ridin’ Dirty by Chamillionaire (Remember him? Me neither.) touches every aspect of nerd culture from Trek to Renfests. With a video featuring cameos by Seth Green and Donnie Osmond, this song is a must for any nerd’s collection.
2. Re: Your Brains by Jonathan Coulton
Honestly, you should have EVERY song by Jonathan Coulton on your mp3 player, but that would make this a very, very long list. JoCo’s unique take on the upcoming zombie apocalypse will have you singing along while protecting your loved ones from the oncoming horde.
1. I’m the One That’s Cool by The Guild
It should surprise nobody that Felicia Day and the rest of the cast over at The Guild were a bit of the nerdy side growing up. Well, they aren’t now, and this song is an anthem to nerds everywhere, and for future generations needing reassurance that things will get better.
About Mark Driscoll
When not ranting about the current state of his favorite comics or working on L33t, Mark spends a majority of his time renovating his newly purchased, 120 year old Victorian house. Badly. He is very bad at talking about himself in the third person, as he thinks it make him sound pretentious.
A good list, but it could have been made better with some Kirby Krackle. Have you listened to any of their music?
I have, and I must admit, it was a tragic oversight on my part not to include them!
Minor point of order – Ultimate Showdown was written and performed by Lemon Demon, same guy responsible for Potter Puppet Pals and many other songs of a more or less nerdy ilk.
ACK! Correct you are sir! FIXED!
I would have loved to seen Galactic Empire State of Mind on that list. I love the Empire State of Mind song, and with Star Wars added to the mix, it can’t be beat.
Due to comments I’ve received here and on Facebook, I’ve already got a good portion of “10 more songs” compiled!
Bless you, sir, for including Jonathan Coulton. Where is “Still Alive” from Portal?! I also enjoy “It’s All About the Pentiums” by Mr. Yankovic.
I’ve actually got both of those lined up for future themed installments! Stay tuned!!!