As a long-time fan of Grey’s Anatomy, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to these songs and the moments they evoke from the show. Each tune transports me back to the emotional rollercoaster that is the life of Meredith, Derek, and the rest of the characters at Seattle Grace Hospital.
Beyond its twists both on-screen and off (like Ellen Pompeo’s exit), Grey’s Anatomy has always stood out for its exceptional soundtrack and the clever way music intertwines with the storyline. Here’s a sneak peek at some songs from Grey’s Anatomy and how they were incorporated, so grab your tissues!
Grey’s Anatomy is well-known for its distinctive music selections, with certain pieces even composed specifically for this medical drama series. In fact, you could purchase the official soundtrack from the early seasons, which included artists such as Snow Patrol, Ingrid Michaelson, and Tegan and Sara. Here are some songs that significantly enhanced scenes within Grey’s, while also shaping pop culture in their unique ways. Be warned, there may be spoilers ahead for the show’s extensive run on television, since many of the most impactful Grey’s Anatomy songs were played during pivotal moments throughout its broadcast history, particularly during character deaths.
Chasing Cars, Snow Patrol
The song “Chasing Cars” has featured in some episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, being the opening number for the contentious musical event titled “Song Beneath the Song”. However, it was first introduced in Season 2, where the track played as Izzie lay with a deceased Denny. Later, Alex carried her away to the tune of the same song. The music continued as Izzie confessed to severing Denny’s LVAD wire and ultimately decided to resign from Seattle Grace Hospital.
Cosy in the Rocket, Psapp
In its debut season on television, Grey’s introduced a comprehensive opening sequence accompanied by the tune “Cosy in the Rocket” by Psapp. This sequence provided glimpses of surgeons both at work and play, subtly hinting at the show’s ongoing themes. Although the opening credits are no longer played, the instrumental version of “Cosy in the Rocket” remains a staple in the end credits of each episode, thus earning a prominent place among the series’ iconic music.
Portion for Foxes, Rilo Kiley
One of the earliest songs played on Grey’s Anatomy was titled “Portion for Foxes.” This tune was featured in the show’s very first episode, appearing after Meredith and Derek had their one-night stand, unbeknownst to them that they would later be colleagues at Seattle Grace. Hearing this song immediately transports some viewers back to Season 1.
Where Does the Good Go, Tegan and Sara
Among Grey’s Anatomy’s most memorable tunes, this track holds a significant place in the show’s history. Originally played during Meredith and Derek’s initial date, it resurfaces in Sandra Oh’s final appearance as Cristina Yang in Season 10. Here, Cristina and Meredith share one last dance to the song. Watching these two close friends dance, even without their usual tequila, was an ideal farewell for a cherished character.
Somewhere Only We Know, Keane
In the first season of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Somewhere Only We Know” was played for the very first time at the end of the second episode. During this moment, Derek and Meredith exchanged flirtatious banter while attending to patients, and later, they left the hospital with Cristina, Izzie, and George – reminding us of simpler times. Ah, those were the good old days.
You Got What I Need, Joshua Radin
In Season 7, the Ortho team and Callie find themselves treating a young ballet dancer named Jake Fisher. Initially, they consider amputation as a life-saving measure, but Jake is determined to preserve his leg instead of using a prosthesis so he can continue dancing. To illustrate the significance of this, he performs a dance routine to “You Got What I Need”, with his supportive parents watching on, filled with pride.
In My Veins, Andrew Belle
In Season 6 of Grey’s Anatomy, a remarkable two-part finale unfolded, with a gunman infiltrating the hospital and fatally shooting several surgeons. During the second part, as Dr. Bailey frantically attempts to save Percy, the song “In My Veins” is played. This music begins when she comprehends that the elevators aren’t functioning, meaning she can’t transport him to the operating room in time to save his life. Accepting this grim reality, Dr. Bailey and guest star Mandy Moore hold hands with Percy as he slips away.
Keep Breathing, Ingrid Michaelson
As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but notice the frequent appearances of Ingrid Michaelson in the soundtrack of Grey’s Anatomy. Truth be told, she’s become quite a staple! Among all her tracks, my personal favorite has got to be when “Keep Breathing” was dropped during the Season 3 finale, “Didn’t We Almost Have It All?”
Breathe (2 AM), Anna Nalick
One of the most iconic songs in Grey’s Anatomy’s past is “Breathe,” sung by Lexie Grey during a musical episode, but originally played during the second part of the tense episodes titled “As We Know It.” The song is heard as Meredith carefully extracts a bomb from a patient, tears streaming down her face. She narrowly escapes with her life, only for the bomb to detonate moments later, carried away by Kyle Chandler’s character, Dylan.
Silent Night, Sara Ramirez
Sara Ramirez portrayed the beloved character Callie Torres, a symbol of bisexuality, in Grey’s Anatomy, for quite some time. Prior to a notable musical performance, they performed a rendition of “Silent Night” that was highlighted in the Season 6 episode “Holidaze”. In this particular scene, Bailey confronted her father during Christmas at Meredith’s house, defending her choice to leave her initial husband Tucker and prioritizing her career.
How To Save A Life, The Fray
This tune also strongly resonates with the series “Grey’s Anatomy”. The track “How To Save a Life” is played late in Season 2, as we witness multiple surgeries occurring simultaneously throughout the hospital. Moreover, it’s a piece that the entire cast performs during the musical episode in Season 7.
Blindsided, Bon Iver
In the fifth season of Grey’s Anatomy, viewers were taken aback when Jeffrey Dean Morgan reappeared as Denny, appearing only to Izzie in visions. Eventually, she understands that these apparitions are a result of her own illness, as Bon Iver’s “Blindsided” song softly plays in the background.
Without You, Ingrid Michaelson
Season 9 of Grey’s ends with a blackout in the hospital, which presents all sort of personal and surgical problems for the cast. Case in point: Jackson pulls a little kid out of a burning car, barely getting out before it explodes as “Without You” by Ingrid Michaelson plays.
Off I Go, Greg Laswell
For devoted Grey’s Anatomy enthusiasts, the Season 5 finale was particularly emotional. It depicted Izzie and George lying on a table, with the medical team desperately attempting to revive them. In their final moments, they envisioned each other in an elevator as the song “Off I Go” played softly. Izzie appeared in her prom dress while George wore his military uniform.
All I Want, Kodaline
In Season 9 of Grey’s, the aftermath of the dramatic plane crash is unfolded for the surgeons. During Episode 2, the song “All I Want” plays as fans witness Mark Sloan’s death in the hospital, simultaneously watching Alex perform an amputation on Arizona’s leg. What a heart-wrenching turn of events!
Turn To Stone, Ingrid Michaelson
During Season 5, when Izzie falls ill, she orchestrates a dream wedding for Meredith and Derek. However, this particular couple ties the knot on a sticky note instead, while Izzie and Alex exchange vows as “Turn To Stone” serenades them in the background.
Fidelity, Regina Spektor
One of Regina Spektor’s most well-known tracks is “Fidelity,” which was featured in Grey’s Anatomy during Season 3. In this episode, Addison discloses to Callie that she had an abortion, implying that the due date would have been on that particular day.
Running on Sunshine, Jesus Jackson
In Season 3 of Grey’s Anatomy, Meredith makes a decision to manage her romantic affairs independently. As she reveals her intentions to date both McDreamy and Finn, the song “Running on Sunshine” is heard, a tune that would later be performed by the show’s cast during their musical episode.
Love Will Come Through, Travis
In the third season’s episode “Six Days: Part 1”, titled “Love Emerges Late”, we trace several character’s storylines. Notably, Addison and Alex share a kiss, Izzie chooses to fund her patient’s operation, and she supports George as he waits for news regarding his father’s surgery.
Kiss Me, Ed Sheeran
Prior to Ed Sheeran making an appearance on “Game of Thrones”, his song “Kiss Me” was featured in the ninth season of “Grey’s Anatomy”. This particular scene depicts Bailey enjoying her wedding while Richard discloses that Adele had sadly passed away.
Holding Us Back, Katie Herzig
“Holding Us Back” plays hauntingly over the opening moments of the Grey’s two-part Season 6 finale aka the shooter episodes. As Meredith shares her love for Seattle Grace Mercy West, she ominously walks past Gary Clark, the same man who would kill and injure various characters throughout the episodes.
Suitcase, Joe Purdy
In the seventh episode of Season 1 of “Grey’s Anatomy,” which has been on the air for quite some time, a suitcase is featured. The scene unfolds through a series of sequences: Meredith attends to a teenage patient fixated on weight loss, two patients stop breathing, and George and McDreamy engage in a tense dialogue concerning George’s budding relationship with Meredith.
The Story, Brandi Carlile (cover by Sara Ramirez)
In simpler terms, I find myself secretly enjoying Season 7’s episode titled “Song Beneath The Song,” which has gained some notoriety. However, the highlight for me is when Sara Ramirez’s character Callie Torres powerfully sings “The Story” and miraculously awakens from a coma.
Total Eclipse of the Heart, Jill Andrews
During the television series Grey’s Anatomy, several memorable covers have been played, such as a rendition of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” that was featured during April’s wedding in Season 10. This scene is particularly noteworthy, as it includes Jackson interrupting the wedding and the ex-residents from Mercy West fleeing the scene together.
Swans, Unkle Bob
“In Season 3’s episode ‘Some Kind of Miracle’, the song ‘Swans’ is heard as Meredith is rescued from near-death following the turmoil of the Ferry Boat accident. A striking moment unfolds when Izzie and a spectral Denny, though he’s deceased, seemingly acknowledge each other in a hospital scene, each sensing the presence of the other.”
Nowhere Warm, Kate Havnevik
In a simpler and more conversational manner: Kate Havnevik features in this playlist, and her song “Nowhere Warm” is played during the Season 2 episode titled “Damage Case” on Grey’s Anatomy. This may remind you of John Cho’s appearance as a guest star on Grey’s, where he shed tears and apologized after dozing off while driving and resulting in a heart-wrenching accident.
Song For Zula, Phosphorescent
In the ninth season’s finale episode titled “The Face of Change,” the music continues long after dark. The narrative unfolds across several plot threads, such as a teen undergoing transition and Meredith and Alex discussing their relationship with Jo.
Life in Disguise, The Slip
In the thirteenth and fourteenth episodes of Season 3, some standout moments are worth remembering, such as “Life in Disguise” being played during Addison and Alex’s kiss at Joe’s, and McDreamy eventually giving in and using earplugs to sleep next to Meredith.
Scratch, Kendall Payne
In the second season, Meredith and Derek’s relationship experiences many twists and turns, partly due to Derek’s wife Addison showing up at the hospital. However, in Episode 15, while Kendall Payne’s song “Scratch” is playing, Derek consoles Addison as she weeps over a patient (who symbolizes her mother) instead.
Grace, Havnevik
“Grace” plays during the Season 2 finale of Grey’s, where the hospital is hosting a prom. We hear it while Derek and Meredith get romantic in an exam room, and as Katherine Heigl’s Izzie boards the elevator before learning Denny had passed.
They, Jem
In the initial episode of Grey’s, titled “A Hard Day’s Night”, there are many popular tracks from the soundtrack, and among them is Jem’s hit song “They”. This tune is played during a significant montage scene in the series, where we see the interns facing challenges on their first day, causing great irritation to character Bailey.
Breakable, Ingrid Michaelson
Indeed, another tune by Ingrid Michaelson features on this playlist. In the third season episode titled “Staring at the Sun”, the song “Breakable” is played. The melody starts when Ellis Grey weeps in her care facility, as she comes to terms with Richard Webber no longer visiting her. As the song continues, we watch Cristina engage with George’s father, grappling with guilt over hiding Burke’s tremor and keeping it a secret.
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2024-09-02 23:11