Even if you don't watch Game of Thrones, you're probably familiar with its opening credits sequence. In addition to the sex, the violence and the killing off of everyone's favorite character, the Game of Thrones intro has become one of the most iconic parts of the show.
That's probably because it's pretty darn epic. In addition to telling viewers who stars in the series and setting the tone for the show, as most opening credit sequences on TV do, the Game of Thrones intro is even more important to watch each week because its 3D-animated diorama tells you what's been going on in the seven kingdoms of Westeros. It acts as a sort of primer for each episode, which is especially helpful for a series as complex as this one.
The Game of Thrones theme song, written by Emmy-nominated composer Ramin Djawadi, is a fittingly grand accompaniment. It's exactly the kind of music you would expect to provide the soundtrack to a political medieval fantasy show like this one. It is majestic, yet melancholic, with a march-like drum beat that is reminiscent of the battle hymns of war.
It's hard to imagine any other song opening this show, but that hasn't stopped others from trying. Well, sort of. Plenty of people — and even animals — have put their own unique spin on both the Game of Thrones theme song and the opening credits sequence since the show premiered on HBO in 2011, making for some awesome covers that rival the original. Here are 11 that will make you hear Game of Thrones in a whole new way.
1. TV on the Radio
If Game of Thrones was actually a chill show, this recent cover by indie band TV on the Radio would make for a perfect opener. However, it's not, so maybe you should just listen to it to help you calm down a bit after watching this high-intensity show.
2. The Simpsons
For 26 seasons, The Simpsons has parodied the latest and greatest in pop culture, so it's no surprise that a couch gag for one 2012 episode got the Game of Thrones treatment. In it, Springfield and its denizens look like they could fit right in with the people of Westeros, although I'm not sure how long Homer Simpson would survive if he just sat around drinking beer in a hammock all day.
3. The Queen's Guard
Queen Elizabeth II of England's affinity for Game of Thrones is sort of worrisome but altogether amazing. Photos of the monarch visiting the Iron Throne on the show's set in Northern Ireland last June went viral, even if we didn't get the pleasure of actually seeing her sit in it. She also mentioned Game of Thrones in her Christmas speech last year. To top it all off, the Queen's Guard performed the theme song during a changing of the guard ceremony last July. When you play the Game of Thrones theme song to a bunch of tourists, it's always a crowd-pleaser.
4. "Game of Goats"
If shrieking sheep, goats and rams are as much of your kryptonite as they are mine, this compilation of those animals "singing" along to the Game of Thrones theme song will have you laughing out loud for a reason you can't even explain yourself.
5. Jason Yang
Jason Yang performs every part in this violin arrangement of the Game of Thrones theme song to create one stunning rendition guaranteed to give you chills.
6. Super Mario
It seems like anything in the pop cultural zeitgeist gets its own 8-bit version these days. However, this reimagining of the Game of Thrones opening credits sequence as if it was a part of the world of Super Mario still feels fresh and clever.
7. Armin van Buuren
Ain't no party like a Westeros party because a Westeros party now has a banging EDM anthem. Dutch music producer and DJ Armin van Buuren recently released the official remix of the Game of Thrones theme song, and if there ever was actually a celebratory occasion in Westeros, this is the song that would accompany it.
8. "The Pugs of Westeros"
This parody doesn't look much like the real Game of Thrones opening credits sequence, but it features pugs, and that's really all you need to know.
9. Eight Floppy Drives
Who knew old computer hardware could sound so good?
10. Weird Al Yankovic and Andy Samberg at the 2014 Emmy Awards
A list of covers and parodies wouldn't be complete without a mention of the king of them, Weird Al Yankovic. Yankovic performed his own version of the Game of Thrones theme song live at the 2014 Emmy Awards as part of a medley of parodies of other contemporary TV themes. It was cute, but the real highlight was seeing Andy Samberg's surprisingly earnest portrayal of King Joffrey. Just don't get too attached.
11. Chvrches
The Game of Thrones theme gets the synthpop rendition you never knew you wanted.
Be sure to follow T-Lounge on Twitter and visit our Facebook page.
