Where would "Grey's Anatomy" [1] be without its iconic music tracks? Since it first came on the airwaves back in 2005, the team at "Grey's" hasn't just been serving up top-notch drama for our favorite Seattle doctors! They've also found a real knack for choosing exactly the right songs to tug at your heartstrings [2] for all of the show's most memorable and emotional moments.
"I distinctly remember discussing how important it would be that the show's music should be its own character," said Alexandra Patsavas, the show's music supervisor [3], in a 2017 post on Shondaland in celebration of the 300th episode of "Grey's." "This character would have a place in both the operating room and the break room. It would be there in elevators, bars, and homes. And, of course, it would be there for all THE BIG STUFF — for weddings and funerals, for births and deaths, for the grittiest moments and the most light-hearted."
We definitely have to say that the "Grey's" team has effortlessly incorporated this "character" into many of the show's episodes! It's impossible to imagine some of the show's most-memorable scenes without the iconic songs that accompanied them. Can you imagine "Grey's" without "Chasing Cars" or "Keep Breathing" or "How to Save a Life"? We certainly can't! After all, it's these tracks that have made audiences feel all the feelings every episode, week after week.
Over the years, we've heard so many incredible songs on the show, from new artists and music legends to creative new covers of songs we already know and love. It's hard to narrow it down to just a few of the very best songs featured on "Grey's," but that's exactly what we're going to do. Keep reading to see which songs made the cut as some of the most memorable. Is your favorite on the list?
Season 2 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Breathe (2 AM)" by Anna Nalick
The famous "code black" two-parter from the second season also features one of "Grey's Anatomy [4]"'s most memorable musical moments. Most of the two-hour event focuses on the terrifying tension when the hospital goes on a "code black" lockdown after discovering that a patient has a homemade bomb lodged in his body.
Meredith, of course, winds up being the one who has to keep her hands on the bomb the whole time to keep it from going off. As the episode nears its end, she's finally able to extract it and hand it off to Dylan, the bomb-disposal police officer who has been working with her — which is when it goes off, killing Dylan and injuring Meredith.
Season 2 of "Grey's Anatomy": "How to Save a Life" by The Fray
The other truly iconic "Grey's" track has to be this one, although longtime viewers who aren't total superfans might not remember the actual scene where it makes its debut. In one of the later episodes of season two, the interns are convinced of a superstition that surgical deaths happen in threes and sevens, so they try their best to avoid this fate for their current patients. In one montage late in the episode, several patients reach a make-or-break point, all set to "How to Save a Life."
The song returns in season seven's musical episode, with the entire cast getting in on the sing-along. A translated Spanish version of the song also plays in a Day of the Dead-themed episode in season 15, during a montage where Meredith's dead loved ones appear along the hallways of Grey Sloan.
Season 2 of "Grey's Anatomy": "How to Save a Life" by The Fray
The other truly iconic "Grey's" track has to be this one, although longtime viewers who aren't total superfans might not remember the actual scene where it makes its debut. In one of the later episodes of season two, the interns are convinced of a superstition that surgical deaths happen in threes and sevens, so they try their best to avoid this fate for their current patients. In one montage late in the episode, several patients reach a make-or-break point, all set to "How to Save a Life."
The song returns in season seven's musical episode, with the entire cast getting in on the sing-along. A translated Spanish version of the song also plays in a Day of the Dead-themed episode in season 15, during a montage where Meredith's dead loved ones appear along the hallways of Grey Sloan.
Season 2 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol
Of all the memorable musical moments on "Grey's Anatomy [5]," we dare you to find one more emotional and iconic than this track. "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol can be heard playing over the devastating final scene of season two. After what seems to have been a successful (though dangerous) gambit to save Denny's life, Izzie arrives to show her new fiancée her "prom" gown, only to find him dead. At first, she's unwilling to leave him, but eventually, she allows Alex to carry her away. This track plays as Izzie mourns her loss.
It's also worth noting that this song pops back up in later seasons. It makes a reappearance in season seven's (in)famous musical episode, and it also plays over the scene in season 11 when Meredith returns home, following Derek's death and the birth of their youngest daughter, Ellis.
Season 3 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Make This Go On Forever" by Snow Patrol
The other iconic "Grey's" moment set to another Snow Patrol song happens during the ferry accident from season three. The whole team of doctors are down at the docks, working on scene to treat the victims of this massive accident. Meredith winds up separated from her colleagues as she tries to help victims, including a little girl who isn't speaking.
This is right in the middle of Meredith's "dark and twisty" era, and this particular brush with death hits even harder. As she works to help one patient, she falls into the water. She seems to just give up and let herself slip beneath the surface as this song plays.
Season 3 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Keep Breathing" by Ingrid Michaelson
Many of "Grey's Anatomy [6]"'s most devastating moments revolve around death — unsurprising for a show about surgeons who have a knack for being around a remarkably large number of disasters and tragedies. One of the most devastating, though, wasn't a death at all.
In the season three finale, Burke leaves Cristina at the altar, not even showing up on their wedding day. As "Keep Breathing" plays, Cristina goes to his apartment and discovers that he's gone for good. After whispering, "I'm free," Cristina starts to sob and hyperventilate when she realizes that she can't get out of her wedding dress, forcing Meredith to literally cut her out of it as she cries.
Season 4 of "Grey's Anatomy": "The Quest" by Bryn Christopher
"Grey's Anatomy [7]" always knows how to do a powerful season finale. Even during the more low-key, character-driven finales (as opposed to the massive "disaster" ones), the music helps to underline exactly what we're supposed to be feeling.
The season four finale is all about taking risks on love, and the montage that "The Quest" accompanies is a perfect embodiment of that, pulling together several of the season's long-simmering romantic storylines. Meredith runs to find Derek and make a big romantic gesture, Mark encourages Callie to go for it with Erica, George impulsively kisses Lexie, Izzie tries to comfort Alex over losing Rebecca, and Richard tries to reconcile with Adele, only to be rejected.
Season 5 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Blindsided" by Bon Iver
"Blindsided" is the perfect song (and word) to describe one of "Grey's Anatomy [8]"'s biggest plot twists ever. Throughout the first half of season five, Izzie is keeping a huge secret: she's seeing and talking to Denny's ghost. Eventually, it progresses past just being able to see and talk to him, and she discovers that she can touch him (and sleep with him), too.
We all know that something must be very wrong, and "Blindsided" plays over the scene where we — and Izzie — finally realize what it is. As Denny repeats, "I'm here for you," over and over again, Izzie finally figures out he's there to help ease her because she's dying.
Season 5 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Turn to Stone" by Ingrid Michaelson
The first major onscreen wedding of "Grey's Anatomy [9]" comes in season five (and the series's 100th episode!). After discovering Izzie has another brain tumor that's currently inoperable, Meredith and Derek give up their wedding plans so that Izzie and Alex can get married. "Turn to Stone" plays over the very touching wedding montage: Izzie asks Cristina to be her maid of honor, Meredith is Alex's best woman, George walks Izzie down the aisle when she struggles to stay upright, and Alex makes incredibly touching vows.
The song makes a reappearance during a season 16 episode in which Alex reveals, via letters, that he's gone to be with Izzie and their children. A cover version of the song, by Life on Eris, plays over a hazy montage of Izzie, Alex, and their children.
Season 5 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Off I Go" by Greg Laswell
Although "Grey's Anatomy [10]" elevator scenes have a reputation for being a prime location for hookups and secret affairs, at the end of the fifth season finale, this is turned upside down. Izzie codes following a surgery for her cancer, while Meredith and the other doctors realize that the bus-accident patient they're treating is actually George — just as he starts to code, too.
As "Off I Go" plays, we see Izzie getting into an elevator in her pink prom dress from the night Denny died. Only this time, when the doors open, she sees George standing there in his military dress uniform, signaling they're both on the brink of death.
Season 6 of "Grey's Anatomy": "In My Veins" by Andrew Belle
"Grey's Anatomy [11]" has always been known for its intense and devastating season finales, and the sixth season is no exception! This time, there's a gunman on the loose in the hospital, trying to hunt down the surgeons he believes are responsible for not saving his wife when she was a patient there. Charles Percy, one of the doctors who had recently come over from Mercy West, winds up getting shot. Bailey, along with the patient who's with her, tries to stabilize him and stop the bleeding.
Bailey quickly realizes that she needs to get Charles to an OR to have any hope of saving his life, so she and her patient get him as far as the elevators. Bailey realizes the elevators aren't working because of the lockdown, leaving Bailey and Mary to comfort Charles as dies while "In My Veins" plays over the scene.
Season 8 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Skin" by Zola Jesus
Henry might have only been around for a couple of seasons, but in that short time, we got very attached to his and Teddy's love story! For a little while, after their marriage of insurance convenience turned into a real romance, things were looking up, but this is "Grey's Anatomy [12]," and no one gets to be happy for very long.
Midway through the eighth season, Henry is admitted to the hospital yet again, this time with a more serious problem that requires dangerous surgery. Teddy wants Cristina to do the surgery but hides Henry's identity as not to stress Cristina out further. Unfortunately, there's too much damage, and Cristina can't save Henry. Teddy goes to see Henry's body and sits there sobbing as "Skin" plays over the scene.
Season 9 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Without You" by One Two
"Grey's Anatomy [13]" is jam-packed with devastating deaths, but this one is especially painful. In the season nine premiere, we catch up with the aftermath of the previous season's deadly plane crash. As it turns out, most of the doctors have survived, albeit with some life-changing injuries. But Mark is in a coma and has been for 30 days. According to his wishes, if he isn't out of the woods after 30 days, his loved ones are to remove him from life support. As Mark is removed from the ventilator and flatlines, "Without You" plays over the scene until he finally dies.
Season 9 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Kiss Me" by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran's "Kiss Me" plays over one of those classic, bittersweet "Grey's Anatomy [14]" moments. Halfway through the ninth season, the doctors get to celebrate a moment of genuine joy together at Bailey and Ben's wedding. Their first dance is a sweet moment for them, but they're completely ignorant as to what's happening elsewhere.
As Richard and Meredith watch the newlyweds dance, Meredith has to break the news that his wife, Adele, has died. The song provides an emotional backdrop for the scene, as Richard silently processes the bad news while he watches his friend dance with her new husband.
Season 9 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Kiss Me" by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran's "Kiss Me" plays over one of those classic, bittersweet "Grey's Anatomy [15]" moments. Halfway through the ninth season, the doctors get to celebrate a moment of genuine joy together at Bailey and Ben's wedding. Their first dance is a sweet moment for them, but they're completely ignorant as to what's happening elsewhere.
As Richard and Meredith watch the newlyweds dance, Meredith has to break the news that his wife, Adele, has died. The song provides an emotional backdrop for the scene, as Richard silently processes the bad news while he watches his friend dance with her new husband.
Season 10 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Jill Andrews
It's amazing that we made it to the 10th season of "Grey's Anatomy [16]" before we got to one of the most iconic drama tropes: interrupting a wedding. Jill Andrews's cover of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" serves as the score to the dramatic scene at April's wedding to Matthew. At first, everything seems to be going as planned, even though Jackson looks visibly uncomfortable and is clearly struggling with his emotions.
Then, with an apology to his date, Stephanie, Jackson stands up when the officiant asks to "speak now or forever hold your peace." It's during this moment that Jackson declares that he's still in love with April and asks her if she loves him, too.
Season 10 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Where Does the Good Go" by Tegan and Sara
Officially, Tegan and Sara's "Where Does the Good Go" didn't make its full "Grey's Anatomy [17]" debut until the 10th season. However, it first appeared way back in the fourth episode of the very first season! The song was used as Meredith and Cristina's "dance it out" song, which became an iconic part of early "Grey's."
So why is it listed here as a season 10 song? During this season's finale, the song is brought full circle in a very emotional and bittersweet scene in which Cristina dances it out with Meredith one last time — just before Cristina leaves to take over an elite research institute in Switzerland.
Season 17 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Don't Fail Me Now" by Judith Hill
Even in more recent seasons, "Grey's Anatomy [18]" still has its knack for choosing incredibly powerful songs for some of the most emotional moments. Throughout most of season 17, Meredith is separated from her friends and family as she battles COVID. While she's struggling with COVID, Meredith is stuck on a "beach" between life and death where she encounters her loved ones who have died.
In the real world, the other doctors are trying to wake up Meredith, but it's not working. Zola comes in to talk to her, telling her about everything that's been happening since she's been in the hospital and pleading with her to wake up. "Don't Fail Me Now" can be heard as the scene moves from despair to hope as Meredith wakes up and hugs her daughter.
Season 18 of "Grey's Anatomy": "The Way Back Home" by Aisha Badru
"Grey's Anatomy [19]" always chooses the perfect songs to soundtrack characters' emotional journeys as they come to sudden realizations, and season 18 is no exception. "The Way Back Home" plays in episode seven as Link has dinner with Jo, who has a crush on him. During the dinner, Link realizes he's in love with Amelia and doesn't need marriage to be happy with her — unbeknownst to Jo, who has been talking about a possible future with him — and goes to call her, leaving Jo alone at the table.
Season 18 of "Grey's Anatomy": "Chasing Cars" by Tommee Profitt & Fleurie
The season finale of "Grey's Anatomy [20]" season 18, "You Are the Blood," contained a number of callbacks to the most famous songs featured across the show, including perhaps the franchise's most well-known track: "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol. As Meredith confronts Nick and tells him he should go back to Minnesota at the very end of the episode, throwing their relationship into confusion, a heartbreaking, stripped-down cover of the song by Tommee Profitt & Fleurie begins to play alongside a montage of flashbacks. (Cue the tears.)