Rush Limbaugh's Unforgettable Theme Song: 'My City Was Gone'

Rush Limbaugh, the iconic radio personality, is no longer with us, but his legacy endures in many ways, including his beloved theme song. While it's easy to imagine a fitting song for him, let's explore the reality.

The Perfect Match: 'I'm Waiting for the Man'

One could argue that the song 'I'm Waiting for the Man' by The Velvet Underground would have been a perfect fit for Rush Limbaugh. This song's rebellious and edgy tone might have resonated with his audience. However, the reality is a bit more complex. The song has always been more of a cultural artifact and would not have fit the image or persona that Rush cultivated over the years.

The Evolution of a Theme Song

When Rush Limbaugh first started syndicating his show in 1988, he didn't have a fixed theme song. It was a bit of a trial-and-error process before he settled on 'My City Was Gone' by the Pretenders. This choice was interesting as it was a departure from the Top 40 music that many DJs were playing at the time.

Pretenders and Political Humor

The Pretenders, led by Chrissy Hynde, were selected for their song 'My City Was Gone,' and while Chrissy Hynde is known for being a Democrat, her decision to license her song to Rush Limbaugh speaks volumes about his impact. The song's lyrics, which question the nature of American cities and society, take on a new layer of meaning when associated with Limbaugh.

Interestingly, Chrissy Hynde has stated that the royalties from the licensing agreement were a big chunk of her earnings during that period. Moreover, her father was a big fan of Rush Limbaugh. This connection speaks to the cultural zeitgeist of that time, where political satire and media personalities intersected in significant ways.

The Significance of 'My City Was Gone'

The choice of 'My City Was Gone' as the theme song was strategic. It was a Top 40 hit in the 1980s and had a memorable chorus that stuck with listeners. By choosing this song, Rush Limbaugh was signaling his roots in popular culture and his ability to connect with his audience on a more personal level.

When one hears 'My City Was Gone' today, the first association is no longer the Pretenders or Chrissy Hynde. Instead, it is with Rush Limbaugh and the era of talk radio that he helped define. The music has become a symbol of the influence that Limbaugh had on American politics and media.

Legacy and Reflection

It's important to reflect on the impact of the music associated with influential figures. For Rush Limbaugh, 'My City Was Gone' was more than just a theme song; it was a marker of his era. When people mention the song today, they often transition to conversations about Limbaugh, his influence, and the changes he brought to the political and media landscape.

The song's legacy is intertwined with Limbaugh's, marking a pivotal moment in American cultural and political history. As we remember Rush Limbaugh, we can honor him not just as a radio personality but as a figure whose impact resonates through the music he chose to represent him.