"Gillmore Girls Theme Song: "La La" Lyrics, History & Hearing It Again"

Welcome to a musical journey that has become as iconic as the show it accompanies. The "Gilmore Girls" theme song, "Daylight" by fans beloved The Cary Brothers, isn't just a soundtrack; it's an integral part of the show's narrative, setting the tone for our hearts to entwine with the lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. Let's delve into the fascinating story behind this theme song.

"Daylight" wasn't the original choice for the show's theme. An earlier version of the theme, "La La La" by Phantom Planet, was used in the first two seasons. However, when the latter failed to resonate with fans, the creators opted for a change. Enter The Cary Brothers, a folk-pop band from Nashville, Tennessee.

The Selection of "Daylight"

The show's music supervisor, Alex P_appgericht, stumbled upon The Cary Brothers' music while scouring for new talent. P_appgericht felt that "Daylight"'s melancholic yet uplifting melody and lyrics perfectly captured the essence of the Gilmore Girls - their strengths, struggles, and hopeful spirit. The song was commissioned, and the rest, as they say, is history.

"Daylight"'s lyrics mirror the Gilmore women's journey, from Rory's graduation at Chilton to their struggles and triumphs. The line "I want to wake up in daylight" encapsulates the family's desire for a fresh start, a brighter future, echoing the show's overarching narrative.

The Evolution of the Theme

The opening credits sequence evolved over the seven seasons, but "Daylight" remained constant. In season three, the credits featured a montage of Stars Hollow's residents, making viewers feel more invested in the town's life. The season four opening credits included a shot of Rory and Lorelai's Lopes Dethcliff, signifying their reunited strength.

The final season opening credits showcased an older Rory, bringing home the passage of time, marked by "Daylight"'s steady beat. This evolution reflected the Gilmore girls' growth and their unbroken bond, reinforced by the familiar melody of "Daylight".

The Impact of "Daylight" onGilmore Girls' Legacy

"Daylight" has become synonymous with Gilmore Girls, so much so that it's one of the most recognizable TV show theme songs of all time. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Ingrid Michaelson and Taylor Swift, who reimagined it for the Gilmore Girls revival, "Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life".

The song's influence extends beyond the screen. At weddings and events, "Daylight" is often requested as a sentimental nod to the beloved series. It has become a shared language among fans, a reminder of the power of storytelling that transcends its medium.

The Significance of The Cary Brothers

The Cary Brothers, led by the show's namesake, Roger Essays, found fame through their association with Gilmore Girls. Their debut album, "I Choose to Live", benefited greatly from the show's exposure, peaking at number 65 on the Billboard 200. The band's mellow, folksy sound became a staple of the show's soundtrack.

In a full-circle moment, Essays wrote a song for the revival, "Fear of Being Alive", which featured in the episode "Summer". The band's growth and success are a testament to the power of a TV show to launch an artist into the mainstream.

From its first chords, "Daylight" has been integral to Gilmore Girls' DNA. It's more than just a theme song; it's a character, a confidante, a timeline. As the show winds down in its final season, "Daylight" doesn't just fade out; it fades back in, ready to start again, just like life in Stars Hollow. So, let's join the Gilmore girls in welcoming each new day - and each new season - with a heart full of hope and a spirit ready to embrace the daylight.