TV series are often praised for their acting and writing, but sometimes people forget how much of an impact chosen songs can have on their favorite shows.
Videos by American Songwriter
Music can make a devastating scene even more so, add levity to a serious moment, or become an anthem for a show’s fans.
Some series are known to lean into music’s impact, while others have singular moments that stand out as perfect in retrospect.
Keep reading for five pop songs that backed pivotal TV moments.
“Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol — Grey’s Anatomy
Snow Patrol‘s track is essentially synonymous with heartbreak for many Grey’s Anatomy fans. The track has backed several devastating moments on the medical drama.
It first appeared during the show’s season 2 finale when a wrecked Izzie (Katherine Heigl) learns that her love, Denny (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) had died. She proceeded to climb into his hospital dress and hold him, all while wearing a ball gown for the hospital’s prom-themed event.
The song also appeared in the show’s controversial musical episode in season 7. The cast began singing the track after Callie’s (Sara Ramirez) terrifying car accident.
Then there’s Derek’s (Patrick Dempsey) death. The Snow Patrol track played as Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) sat by her husband’s bedside while he was taken off of life support.
“Hide and Seek” by Imogen Heap — The O.C.
On the teen drama’s season 2 finale, Ryan (Ben McKenzie) went to confront his brother, Trey (Logan Marshall-Green). Trey upped the ante by pulling a gun and the men proceeded to wrestle until Marissa (Mischa Barton) burst into the room.
At that point, Trey had the upper hand on Ryan and was close to killing his brother. Marissa eventually spotted the forgotten gun on the floor and shot Trey to save Ryan. As Marissa realized what she’d done and Trey dropped to the floor and died, “Hide and Seek” played. Imogen Heap‘s lyrics were seemingly speaking directly to the shooter herself.
“Mm, what’d you say? / Mm, that you only meant well / Well of course you did / Mm, what’d you say? / Mm, that it’s all for the best / Of course it is/ Mm, what’d you say? / Mm, that it’s just what we need / You decided this / Mm, what’d you say? / Mm, what did she say?” Heap sings.
“I Don’t Want to Be” by Gavin DeGraw — One Tree Hill
Perhaps the most obvious example of a song being tied to a show is Gavin DeGraw‘s “I Don’t Want to Be.” The track served as the teen drama’s theme song for most of its nine seasons. DeGraw himself guest starred on the show several times to perform the track.
The most notable use of song came in the show’s series finale. DeGraw himself performed the song at the group’s club, Tric, at its10th anniversary party. There could have been no more fitting ending to the show than that.
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston — Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls‘ much maligned seventh season featured at least one moment all fans can agree was spectacular. That came when Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory (Alexis Bledel) stepped out to attend a Stars Hollow karaoke night.
Lorelai decided to hit the stage in an effort to cheer up Rory. However, her rendition of Whitney Houston‘s “I Will Always Love You” ended up being directed at her on-and-off love, Luke (Scott Patterson), when he showed up halfway through her performance.
Lorelai and Luke didn’t speak during the scene. However, there was a lot said for both of them. The song was an apology from the former and an acceptance by the latter.
“Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” by Kate Bush — Stranger Things
Stranger Things‘ use of “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” sent Kate Bush‘s ’85 song to the top of the charts decades after its release. It’s no secret how that happened. The song had a big role on Netflix series’ fourth season. Max (Sadie Sink) listened to the track on repeat following her half-brother, Billy’s (Dacre Montgomery), death.
The song’s lyrics perfectly spoke to Max’s struggles during the season.
“In the face of Max’s painful isolation and alienation from others, a ‘deal with god’ could heart-wrenchingly reflect Max’s implicit belief that only a miracle of unlikely understanding and show of support could help her climb the hills of life before her,” Nora Felder, the show’s music supervisor, told Variety. “In Max’s situation, the need for a ‘deal with god can perhaps be metaphorically understood as a desperate cry for love—to manifest the extraordinary understanding and support Max needed while feeling so painfully alone.”
The song even ended up saving Max’s life. As she became trapped in the Upside Down, it was that song that played. It pushed Max to break free and run back to her friends and to safety.
“The strength Max derives from the unwavering love, understanding and care of her friends may suggest a sort of god-like spirit in a much more general sense,” Felder said. I”t shows itself through the undeniable love and understanding teens need from others in order to climb their enormous life hills.”
Photo by Scott Garfield/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.