He began arranging professionally in his teens, when he wrote charts for Nat Towles. He became a prominent composer and arranger while playing trumpet for Woody Herman; while working for Herman he provided new arrangements for "Woodchopper's Ball" and "Blowin' Up a Storm," and composed "The Good Earth" and "Wild Root." After leaving Herman's band in 1946, Hefti concentrated on arranging and composing, although he occasionally led his own bands. He is especially known for his charts for Count Basie such as "Li'l Darlin'" and "Cute".
In the 1960s and later he composed and arranged mainly for movies and television. He wrote the background music for movies such as Sex and the Single Girl, How to Murder Your Wife, Synanon, Boeing Boeing, Harlow, Lord Love a Duck, Duel at Diablo, Oh Dad Poor Dad Mama's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feelin' So Sad, and Barefoot in the Park.
His best-known contributions of this period are the theme of the TV series such as Batman and The Odd Couple.
In 2018 (upon the death of playwright Neil Simon), critic Terry Teachout wrote "I wonder why Neal Hefti's "Odd Couple" theme never became a jazz standard. It has a great minor-key tune, tasty changes, and a nice-and-easy swing."
Batman
Neal Hefti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
Batman, Batman, Batman
Da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da
Batman!
The lyrics to Neal Hefti's song "Batman" are quite minimalistic with the repetition of the word "Batman" throughout the song. However, the intention behind the lyrics is to establish the iconic and heroic presence of the character, Batman. The repetition of his name creates an intense and almost endless aura to the audience, emphasizing the power and importance of the character. The famous "da da da da" melody further sticks this song in the minds of the listeners even after the song is done.
The lyrics are directly synced with the instrumental music played alongside it to enhance the overall mood of the song, creating a perfect match between the lyrics and music with mood and energy. Without the lyrics, the music itself sounds incomplete, depicting the importance of the words. Overall, the repetition of the name "Batman" in the lyrics reflects the aura and heroic image of the character, making him a symbol of power, action, and adventure.
Line by Line Meaning
Batman, Batman, Batman
Emphasizing the repetition of Batman's name, portraying the idea of his unstoppable presence.
Batman, Batman, Batman, Batman
Further emphasizing the repetition of Batman's name, instilling his name in the listener's mind.
Da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da
Musical expression to denote the mystery and anticipation surrounding Batman.
Batman!
The climax of the song, signifying the arrival of Batman himself.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NEAL HEFTI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheTsar1918
I don’t care how many versions of Batman are made, this will always be the theme.
@lindacase8847
Yes!
@wanderborges2888
Agree!!!
@philipjohnson6583
GOTTA, GOT, TO, have that spinning transition sound ^^. Nostalgia for the win!
@wildforthecats661
It’s another sun drenched day in Gotham City.
@ephosr
Danny legman👏
@howardmccormack9871
This is the greatest Batman
theme song version ever,
an absolute classic for
the ages
@LeotheTiger1234
I have to second you on that.
@GenGamesUniverse
"And how come Batman doesn't dance anymore?! Remember the Batusi!?" - Adam West
@johntate5722
I remember the batdance - was it episode one with jill st john as molly?
I was so bloody embarrassed.