What is the Silent Witness theme song?

BBC's long-running crime drama Silent Witness is back for it's 26th season.

Aside from all the crimes and characters, some fans are curious to find out more about the haunting opening theme song. 

1

What is the Silent Witness theme song?

The haunting Silent Witness theme song is called Silencium and is performed by John Harle and written by the BAFTA-nominated composer Sheridan Tongue.

It features on Harle's album Silencium: Songs of the Spirit, which was released in 1997.

The music was first introduced as the theme tune for the hit BBC drama during the second season in 1997.

It replaced the original theme tune from season one which was composed by Geoffrey Burgon. 

Read More on Silent Witness

FOXY ACTRESS

A look at the incredible career of Emilia Fox

crime suspect

Find out who Tom Faulkner is on Silent Witness

The memorable song was given a subtle makeover back in 2018 for season 21 - offering audiences the delightful voice of new vocalist Sarah Leonard, equipped with a fresh arrangement. 

Composer Harle is an English saxophonist and composer.

He has worked as an artistic adviser to Paul McCartney, and has collaborated with Elvis Costello, Herbie Hancock and Elmer Bernstein.

Harle's arrangement of Silencium was originally performed as part of the Canterbury Festival in 2011.

Most read in Drama

doors open

Channel 4’s raunchiest drama ever The Couple Next Door lands second series

gotcha hooked

Line of Duty must return to BBC to unmask REAL 'H' - but risks killing show

SEEING THE LIGHT

Oscar winner ‘set to play’ Dumbledore in new Harry Potter TV series

in the club

Sex Education beauty lands new BBC comedy alongside Doctor Foster star

The Silent Witness theme tune is available to listen to on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.  

What does the Silent Witness theme song lyrics mean?

The song is performed in Latin, and the lyrics are:

Testator silens
Costestes e spiritu
Silencium

Angeli silens
Costestes e spiritu
Silencium

But if we translate this to English, the lyrics mean:

Silent witness
The spirits who also bear witness
In silence

Silent angels
The spirits who also bear witness
In silence

What have fans said about the Silent Witness theme song?

Fans have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts on the theme song, with one saying: "I’d forgotten how much fun I have trying to sing the theme tune #SilentWitness."

Another tweeted: "I’ve only been able to muster the enthusiasm to sing the Silent Witness theme tune in a half-hearted way because there’s no-one here to annoy."

"The Silent Witness theme song gives me nightmares," another one added.

A third added: "How I've missed the Silent Witness theme tune.''

Another wrote: ''Tell me a more intense theme tune than Silent Witness.''

When is Silent Witness on TV?

The new season of Silent Witness begins on BBC One on Monday, January 2, 2023, at 9pm and continues on Tuesday, January 3 at the same time.

Episodes will also be available to stream online via iPlayer.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

OH BABY

My baby was bigger than a 10-person Xmas turkey - people think I'm having twins

FROCK ON

I've found the perfect Xmas party dress from Asda - the sleeves cover up fat arms

The series is the 26th season to air on BBC One.

All previous series and episodes can also be found via the BBC iPlayer.