It plays during the opening sequence and was composed by Danny Elfman in 1989, after series creator Matt Groening approached him requesting a theme.

Several versions of the saxophone solo riff, ostensibly played by character Lisa Simpson in the animated sequence, have been created over the course of the series.

The season 20 episode ”Father Knows Worst” features a live recording of the singing group Canvas performing the theme at the Washington Acapella Showcase in November 2000.

[8] Other performers include Tito Puente, NRBQ, Fall Out Boy, The Supersonicos, and an a cappella version by Canvas.

In 2007, Green Day recorded a cover version of the theme song for The Simpsons Movie and also released it as a single.

In 2020, in the 21st episode of season 31 entitled "The Hateful Eight-Year-Olds", Weezer performed their own cover version of the instrumental theme, along with three other songs.