Massive Attack performed the original version of “Teardrop,” the song associated with House M.D.’s opening sequence.
“Teardrop” was released by the English trip-hop group Massive Attack in 1998. Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins provided the song’s vocals, giving the track its distinctive airy and mournful sound. The song became closely linked with House when the series used it as its opening theme in its original broadcast form.
The opening credits paired the music with medical imagery, animated anatomical details, and cast credits. That design reinforced the program’s blend of science, mystery, and human vulnerability. Some international broadcasts and later versions of the program used alternate music or shortened credit sequences because of licensing arrangements.
A common mix-up is attributing the recording to Elizabeth Fraser alone, since her voice is so prominent. Fraser is the vocalist, but Massive Attack is the credited musical group behind the original track. The song itself predates House M.D. by several years.