The Wire

2002–2008

I really like the idea behind the theme song for this one.

If you really liked The Wire, you would know that the theme song was sung by a different group or artist in each season. The song stays the same, though. “Way Down in the Hole” is the name of the song. It was written and first recorded by American musician Tom Waits for his album Franks Wild Years, which came out in 1987.

As for the version for each season and a little bit about it.

Season 1 of “The Blind Boys of Alabama”

The gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama sings “Way Down in the Hole” in season one. Yes, they can’t see. They’ve been around since 1939, and yes, their members have changed over the years. They did a cover of “Way Down in the Hole,” and it was on their Spirit of the Century album from 2001. Their version was also played over a montage in the last episode of the show. Here are the credits for the first season.

Season one theme music and intro to HBO’s drama series “The Wire”.

Music by The Blind Boys of Alabama – Way Down in The Hole.

Season 2 by Tom Waits

The theme song for the second season of The Wire is Tom Waits’ original recording of “Way Down in the Hole.” It’s on his album Frank’s Wild Years, as was already said. Here is the first scene of the second season.

Season 3 by The Neville Brothers

Season three’s rendition is by New Orleans, Louisiana-based soul group The Neville Brothers. Unfortunately, I do not know if they included it in an album/official release as of this time. Some help, maybe? Below are the third season’s opening credits.

Season 4 by DoMaJe

People in the cast are said to have worked together on DoMaJe. This version was made especially for the show. It was recorded and put together. Ivan Ashford, Markel Steele, Cameron Brown, Tariq Al-Sabir, and Avery Bargasse, all from Baltimore, sing on the record. Here is the beginning of season 4.

Season 5 by Steve Earle

Steve Earle, an American country music artist, sings the theme song for the fifth and final season. This version is on his CD, Washington Square Serenade, which came out in 2007. Steve is also part of the cast. He plays Walon, a former drug addict who is now clean. This is the beginning of the fifth season.

Lyrics

When you walk through the garden

You gotta watch your back

Well, I beg your pardon

Walk the straight and narrow track

If you walk with Jesus

He’s gonna save your soul

You gotta keep the devil

Way down in the hole

He’s got the fire and the fury

At his command

Well, you don’t have to worry

If you hold on to Jesus’ hand

We’ll all be safe from Satan

When the thunder rolls

Just gotta help me keep the devil

Way down in the hole

All the angels sing about Jesus’ mighty sword

And they’ll shield you with their wings

And keep you close to the lord

Don’t pay heed to temptation

For his hands are so cold

You gotta help me keep the devil

Way down in the hole.