Karnov is the specialized boss theme heard when you're fighting Karnov in Bad Dudes, the boss of stage 1. The song is nearly identical to the Dragon Ninja tune heard for every other boss, but the melody of this track uses a tune very similar to the one heard in the stage music of the game Karnov (ARC).
Title
The official title come from the Deco History: Data East Game Music Scene One album where the song is named 忍者火流野夫 (Ninja Hi Ryu No Otto). This doesn't have a known translation, but the words mean "ninja fire style field husband." A ninja using the fighting style of fire certainly fits Karnov, but the last two words don't make sense. They may be a name or figure of speech that doesn't translate to English. For now, the title remains based on who the boss is rather than the official wording.
Games
Bad Dudes vs. Dragonninja (ARC)
This is the original version of the song. It is rendered on the game's YM3812.
Dragonninja vs. Dragonninja (AMI)
Dragonninja vs. Dragonninja (AST)
Bad Dudes (NES)
The NES port is nearly identical to the arcade version, only it's a bit louder.
The song is track 2 in the NSF file.
Other Ports
The Amstrad, C64, and Spectrum ports have different soundtracks that don't include this song. The Apple II, DOS, and MSX ports do not have music.
Links