Why Panic Song Has One Of Their Most Underrated Bass Intros

March 21, 2025

In the heart of a bustling city, a small music venue was packed with eager fans, their energy buzzing like electricity in the air. This was where Panic! At The Disco would unveil a song that would soon become a hidden gem among their catalog. The lights dimmed, and the crowd hushed, awaiting the first notes of a bass intro that had a story all its own. It wasn’t just music; it was a moment that would become a defining chapter in the band’s journey, a testament to resilience and the power of creativity.

The song, “The Ballad of Mona Lisa,” began with an unexpected, plucky bass intro that seemed to speak directly to the audience. It was catchy yet haunting, drawing everyone in and setting the stage for the emotional lyrics that would follow. But this bass intro almost didn’t exist. Lead singer Brendon Urie, who had experienced the highs of touring and the lows of personal turmoil, was feeling particularly vulnerable while writing this song. He had just come off a difficult breakup and was wrestling with feelings of loss and uncertainty about his future in music.

As the band rehearsed, Brendon struggled to find the right sound, the right melody that would capture his emotions. It was during one late-night jam session, under the flickering lights of their dim rehearsal space, that bassist Jon Walker broke out that now-famous intro. It was a simple, rhythmic line that seemed to weave together Brendon’s melancholy and the band’s infectious energy. The moment filled the room with an unexplainable magic, and everyone knew they had stumbled upon something special. The energy shifted, and for a while, their troubles melted away, replaced by the harmony of their shared passion.

When “The Ballad of Mona Lisa” was finally released, it didn’t immediately gain the attention it deserved. Many fans overlooked that bass intro, not realizing the emotions that birthed it. However, those who did listen closely felt the depth and vulnerability in every note. They could sense Brendon pouring his heart into the lyrics, his resilience shining through despite the challenges he faced. This small yet powerful opening became a rallying cry for those who also felt lost, a reminder that light could emerge from darkness.

The intro eventually gained a life of its own, championed by fans who began to share their love for it online. It became a symbol of how a moment of creativity during a tough time could lead to something beautiful, uniting listeners in unexpected ways. Brendon, now aware of the impact that even the simplest parts of a song could have, felt invigorated. This experience fueled his passion for music, reminding him why he started creating in the first place: to connect with others through shared experiences.

Panic! At The Disco continued to grow, but in many ways, that underrated bass intro was a turning point. It was a reflection of their journey—a reminder that even in the darkest moments, inspiration could arise. And to this day, whenever the opening notes play, the crowd responds like a wave, feeling the connection, the story, and the triumph of resilience that flows through every beat. That bass intro isn’t just an introduction to a song; it’s a testament to the power of creativity and the unbreakable spirit of a band that refused to give up on their dreams.