While attending a Sixth Form College in Luton, Arnold became friends with director Danny Cannon. Cannon initially created short films for which Arnold was asked to write the music. The two made their respective major film debuts with The Young Americans. "Play Dead", a song from the film with singer BjΓΆrk, charted #12 in the UK. The following year he scored Stargate and Last of the Dogmen, with excerpts from the former ranking third in the most commonly used soundtrack cues for film trailers.
Arnold then composed music for Stargate director Roland Emmerich's next two movies, Independence Day and Godzilla, as well as four movies for director John Singleton. In addition, he has scored various comedies, dramas, and nineteenth-century period pieces, as well as providing music for several British television shows including the 2000 remake of Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) and Little Britain. During film production, his compositions are conducted by Nicholas Dodd. In 2010, he composed the music for Come Fly With Me, a British television series from the producers of Little Britain.
He is a member of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA). On Thursday 29 November 2012, Arnold received an honorary degree from University of West London. Now a university honorary, he will work closely with the University in particular London College of Music, a faculty within the institute. In 2014, he appeared as himself in The Life of Rock with Brian Pern.
He has collaborated with such musical acts as Cast, Kaiser Chiefs, Massive Attack, and Pulp, and solo artists Natasha Bedingfield, Melanie C, BjΓΆrk, Chris Cornell, Shirley Manson, Mark Morriss, Nina Persson and in 2009 produced Shirley Bassey's album The Performance.
In 2001, he provided a new arrangement of Ron Grainer's Doctor Who theme music for the Eighth Doctor audio dramas from Big Finish Productions. His version was used as the Eighth Doctor theme starting with 2001's Storm Warning until 2008, when it was replaced with a new version arranged by Nicholas Briggs starting with Dead London. Arnold's theme returned to the Eighth Doctor releases with the 2012 box set, Dark Eyes.
Arnold is the second cousin of Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice, and is an ambassador for aid agency CARE International in the UK. He has made minor appearances in two different episodes of Little Britain as separate characters.
In February 2011, it was announced that he was appointed Musical Director for the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.
In May 2011, he was part of the United Kingdom's jury for the Eurovision Song Contest 2011.
Arnold took part in a tribute to John Barry on 20 June 2011 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, singing a song that was composed by Barry and playing the guitar part of the James Bond theme.
In 2014, Arnold teamed up with Richard Thomas, to write the music and lyrics for the new West End musical Made in Dagenham.
In October 2015 he collaborated with Lethal Bizzle and Sinead Harnett to create a song combining orchestral, grime and soul elements. The song, 'Come This Far', was performed live at a special event at One Mayfair, as part of Bulmers Cider's LiveColourful LIVE promotion, and made available as a free download from Bulmers' website. He and Sherlock co-composer Michael Price also composed the music for ITV's Jekyll and Hyde television series which premiered in October 2015.
In September 2016 the Royal Albert Hall hosted an orchestral performance of Independence Day with the score performed live to picture, David Arnold gave a pre-show talk.
The Name's Bond... James Bond
David Arnold Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As the title suggests, "The Name's Bond... James Bond" is the iconic signature song for the James Bond movie franchise. The instrumental piece was composed by David Arnold, a British composer and producer, for the 1997 film "Tomorrow Never Dies." The song perfectly captures the sense of intrigue, sophistication, and danger that comes with being a Bond character. The arrangement of the song is intricate, with a mix of brass and string instruments that create a dramatic, suspenseful atmosphere.
The song begins with a slow and steady build-up of the orchestra, and then the brass section kicks in. The composition is charged with energy and drama, representing the intensity of Bond's character. It also includes a recurring motif that is synonymous with the Bond legacy. It's a simple yet effective arrangement that instantly takes the listener into the world of Bond, making them feel like they're part of the mission. The lack of lyrics allows the listener to create their own narrative and vision of the story, capturing the essence of Bond's adventures.
Line by Line Meaning
Bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah-bah-ba-da-da-da
The iconic James Bond theme song begins with this instrumental melody, letting the audience know that the super spy is about to make his grand entrance.
My name is Bond, James Bond
The first line of the song introduces us to the singer, James Bond, and confirms the iconic phrase that has been heard in numerous movies.
And I was always fascinated by your quarterdeck shuffle
James Bond is often fascinated by the dangerous games of his enemies, and the 'quarterdeck shuffle' refers to the risky maneuvers that they take.
Come on, you gotta admit though, it's pretty good this.
Despite the danger, Bond acknowledges that his enemies are skilled in their tactics, and he may even admire their abilities.
Bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah-bah-ba-da-da-da
The instrumental melody returns, heralding the return of the spy we all know and love.
There is no point in living if you can't feel alive, so I make my job so exciting.
James Bond is fueled by adrenaline, and he knows that if he is not living life to the fullest, there is no point in it. Thus, he makes his job as a secret agent incredibly exciting.
A few little tricks of the trade, then a car chase...
Bond often relies on the experience he's gained from his profession and quickly springs into action, perhaps running after his enemies in a car chase.
Wind in my hair...
As Bond speeds down the road or escapes from a dangerous situation, he feels the wind in his hair, which is an exhilarating sensation for him.
Making the most of the journey, bearable in small doses
Bond understands that it's not easy to take on dangerous assignments all the time, so he tries to make the most out of his experiences, no matter how small.
Bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah-bah-ba-da-da-da
Again, the instrumental score appears, indicating the audience will experience more action and adventure from the world's favorite super spy.
Contributed by Peyton O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@samuelbarber6177
Probably my favourite version of the Bond theme ever
@tommytaylor1945
The best song ever made no one should hate this
@bimapringgo
they're spectre agents
@MA-rf6bu
@@bimapringgo they should be assassinated !
@govetter
Best version EVER!
@vetterburns1048
Modern Bongos (?)
@TheJuancar0000
i agree
@thehalfdutchman-dutch1211
Yes
Totally
@myownruin187
This is my ring tone., best .99 cents I ever spent.. 007
@thebritishbulldoghd4858
When you stop the microwave at 0.1 second and get back to bed without waking anyone up....