The Dawson’s Creek theme tune, “I Don’t Need to Wait” by Paula Colefamously didn’t seem on streaming platforms for a few years.
Dawson’s Creek aired from 1998 to 2003starring James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams within the beloved coming-of-age drama. Whereas Cole’s “I Don’t Need to Wait” led every reside broadcast, followers weren’t in a position to see it when the present was syndicated on streaming platforms — till a significant 2021 deal.
Maintain scrolling to seek out out why the Dawson’s Creek theme tune was modified:
What Is the ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Theme Music?
Paula Cole wrote and launched “I Don’t Need to Wait” in 1996, which was used because the opening tune for Dawson’s Creek.
“I don’t wish to look forward to our lives to be over,” she sings within the refrain. “I wish to know proper now what is going to it’s / I don’t wish to look forward to our lives to be over / Will it’s sure or will it’s sorry?”
Cole finally rerecorded “I Don’t Need to Wait” in 2015.
Dawson’s Creek led to 2003, and for greater than 20 years, followers have been wanting a reunion — however the solid had blended emotions. OG stars James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams hinted on the risk for years, however it wasn’t till August 2025 that the solid introduced that an official (…)
‘I Don’t Need to Wait’ Is Excluded From Streaming Platforms
After Dawson’s Creek was acquired by streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, the theme tune was not included with every episode. The monitor additionally wasn’t featured in DVD variations of the collection.
As a replacement, Arden’s “Run Like Mad” appeared because the theme tune because it was already owned by Sony Footage Leisure.
James Van Der Beek and Joshua Jackson in ‘Dawson’s Creek.’
pink Norris / Columbia TriStar Tv/ Courtesy of Everett Assortment‘I Don’t Need to Wait’ Is Added to Netflix
Followers went wild on social media in 2021 upon the invention that “I Don’t Need to Wait” was lastly included with every episode.
“Dawson’s Creek followers, I’m thrilled to announce that — in the end — you’ll hear Paula Cole’s iconic tune ‘I Don’t Need to Wait’ once you watch the opening credit!” Netflix tweeted in September 2021.
Deadline reported on the time that Cole reached a deal to permit streaming platforms using the tune. In accordance with the outlet, Sony Footage had initially solely bought the on-air rights to the quantity.
What Paula Cole Has Mentioned In regards to the Licensing Battle
“It was actually only a monetary choice that was made precipitously by one government at Sony,” Paula Cole advised The Impartial in January 2021. “Should you begin doing that with a community and with giant corporations, you’re throwing each artist underneath the bus.”
Why Did Paula Cole Re-Negotiate the Phrases?
Paula Cole advised The Impartial that all of it got here right down to the dutiful Dawson’s Creek viewers.
“The primary factor about all of it is that it was because of fan response,” she mentioned in 2021. “It was because of all of their posts and their tweets and their fabulous suggestions. Sony lastly seen and wished to please their followers. I’m simply actually completely satisfied about that. I’m actually completely satisfied that they hear and so they care.”
She continued, “I’m so completely satisfied that the followers obtained what they wished and that folks will study my tune and hopefully extra of my music once more. I simply recognize the chance very, very a lot.”