The Dawson’s Creek theme song, “I Don’t Want to Wait” by Paula Cole, famously didn’t appear on streaming platforms for many years.
Dawson’s Creek aired from 1998 to 2003, starring James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams in the beloved coming-of-age drama. While Cole’s “I Don’t Want to Wait” led each live broadcast, fans weren’t able to see it when the show was syndicated on streaming platforms — until a major 2021 deal.
Keep scrolling to find out why the Dawson’s Creek theme song was changed:
What Is the ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Theme Song?
Paula Cole wrote and released “I Don’t Want to Wait” in 1996, which was used as the opening song for Dawson’s Creek.
“I don’t want to wait for our lives to be over,” she sings in the chorus. “I want to know right now what will it be / I don’t want to wait for our lives to be over / Will it be yes or will it be sorry?”
Cole eventually rerecorded “I Don’t Want to Wait” in 2015.
‘I Don’t Want to Wait’ Is Excluded From Streaming Platforms
After Dawson’s Creek was acquired by streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, the theme song was not included with each episode. The track also wasn’t featured in DVD versions of the series.
In its place, Arden’s “Run Like Mad” appeared as the theme song since it was already owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment.
James Van Der Beek and Joshua Jackson in ‘Dawson’s Creek.’ red Norris / Columbia TriStar Television/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
‘I Don’t Want to Wait’ Is Added to Netflix
Fans went wild on social media in 2021 upon the discovery that “I Don’t Want to Wait” was finally included with each episode.
“Dawson’s Creek fans, I’m thrilled to announce that — at long last — you will hear Paula Cole’s iconic song ‘I Don’t Want to Wait’ when you watch the opening credits!” Netflix tweeted in September 2021.
Deadline reported at the time that Cole reached a deal to allow streaming platforms the use of the song. According to the outlet, Sony Pictures had initially only purchased the on-air rights to the number.
What Paula Cole Has Said About the Licensing Battle
“It was really just a financial decision that was made precipitously by one executive at Sony,” Paula Cole told The Independent in January 2021. “If you start doing that with a network and with large companies, you’re throwing every artist under the bus.”
Why Did Paula Cole Re-Negotiate the Terms?
Paula Cole told The Independent that it all came down to the dutiful Dawson’s Creek viewers.
“The main thing about it all is that it was due to fan reaction,” she said in 2021. “It was due to all of their posts and their tweets and their fabulous feedback. Sony finally noticed and wanted to please their fans. I’m just really happy about that. I’m really happy that they listen and they care.”
She continued, “I’m so happy that the fans got what they wanted and that people will learn about my song and hopefully more of my music again. I just appreciate the opportunity very, very much.”
