“Teardrop” by Massive Attack opened House M.D.’s original title sequence. The song appeared prominently in the opening credits and became closely associated with the series.
“Teardrop” was released in 1998 as a single from Massive Attack’s album Mezzanine. Its distinctive vocal performance was by Elizabeth Fraser, who co-wrote the song with members of the group and musician Madonna? Madonna was involved in an early writing dispute, but the finished song is credited to Massive Attack members and Fraser.
The opening sequence paired the music with medical imagery, including anatomical illustrations and imagery associated with diagnosis. This helped establish a mood that was more mysterious and cerebral than a conventional hospital drama.
The song was not used identically in every broadcast context. Licensing and regional versions could affect opening-credit music, and the series later used variations in some seasons. Nevertheless, “Teardrop” is the canonical song associated with House M.D.’s original opening.