Wonderboy (Tenacious D song)


"Wonderboy" is the debut single by American rock-comedy duo Tenacious D. It was released in September 2001 on the same day as their self-titled debut album. The song peaked at number 36 in the UK and number 44 in Australia; the video, directed by Spike Jonze, was also well received. The song is also the entrance theme for UFC fighter Stephen Thompson whose nickname is "Wonderboy".

Structure

Strings were played by Andrew Gross, a classmate of Jack Black, who penned the orchestral score for Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny. He also played strings on several songs on this album.
Jack Black's friend, Buckethead, occasionally covered the song when playing live.

Music video

The lyrics of the song tell the tale of the superhero Wonderboy as he forms an alliance with his lute-wielding arch-rival Young Nasty Man and forms the band Tenacious D. Wonderboy's powers are not revealed in the song but according to the lyrics we know that Young Nasty Man has powers that are "comparable" to Wonderboy's. Young Nasty Man has a variety of seemingly telekinetic powers, such as flight via levitation, "mind bullets" via telekinesis, and "the power to move you". The song also mentions Wonderboy's castle made of clouds, the use of swords, and an attempt to destroy a hydra, which is not seen in the video, but is mentioned in the song.
In the video, Wonderboy and Young Nasty Man are portrayed as Medieval/Mythological skill-and-strength heroes, climbing a snowy mountain. At the end of the video they fight a monster and Wonderboy perishes, having been run through by his own sword. The fates of Young Nasty Man and the monster remain unknown.
The video was directed by Spike Jonze under the alias of Marcus Von Bueler. The producer was Vincent Landay and K. K. Barrett was the stunt director. The production company was Satellite Films. The music video was first aired during the week beginning October 29, 2001.
In 2002, Spike Jonze won an award from the MVPA for the "Best Direction of a New Artist" for his work on "Wonderboy".

Track listings

US CD single
  1. "Wonderboy" – 4:07
  2. "Cosmic Shame" – 4:28 Recorded at Cox Arena in San Diego on November 20, 2001.
  3. "Kyle Quit the Band" – 2:10
  4. "Wonderboy– – 4:07
Australia and New Zealand CD single
  1. "Wonderboy" – 4:07
  2. "Tribute" – 4.34
  3. "Tribute" – 4:08
UK CD single
  1. "Wonderboy" – 4:07
  2. "Jesus Ranch" – 2:14
  3. "Tribute" – 4:08
Promotional CD
  1. "Wonderboy" – 4:07

Personnel