102anni: My Favourite 'One Tree Hill' Music Moments

It’s summer, it’s raining and I have an overabundance of time on my hands. That can only really mean one thing: a One Tree Hill marathon is in order. The age gap between my sister and I means I was fortunate enough to have been exposed to the dramas of Tree Hill High School from a young age. Even as a preteen, I found the storyline gripping and the characters easy to connect with. It wasn’t until my late teen years, however, that I really started to appreciate how the omnipresence of music lends itself to — if not sculpted — the entire show (and my Spotify playlists for years to come). Here is a compilation of all the times in which I thought a brilliantly crafted non-diegetic soundtrack and the angst-overload occurrences in One Tree Hill synergised exceptionally well.

*Disclaimer: For obvious reasons, a SPOILER ALERT is now in effect.

In the interest of continuity, these scenes are arranged according to chronology, not preference. Whilst I appreciate that all characters offered something unique to the show and I always try to remain impartial, you can expect a whole lot of Lucas and Peyton drama to be documented here.

"Hands Down" — The Dashboard Confessional

Pilot

Back to where it all began. Cheerleader Peyton Sawyer speeds recklessly through Tree Hill in her 1963 Mercury Comet Convertible and has a close encounter with oblivious loner classmate/long term admirer, Lucas Scott. Meanwhile, Peyton’s star-basketball-player-boyfriend, Nathan, and his teammates celebrate another basketball victory for the Tree Hill Ravens.

"EZ" — Peter Yorn

Pilot

“I’ll be seeing ya.”

Finally, Nathan pays enough attention to Peyton to realise he may be losing her to his nemesis/estranged step-brother, Lucas. News of Lucas joining the Ravens is also spreading fast and Nathan fears he might be dethroned by his own brother on and off the court. He challenges Lucas in the only way he knows how — a one-on-one basketball game. They battle for a place on the basketball team and Peyton.

"First Cut is the Deepest" — Sheryl Crow

Series 1, Episode 16

“Cup of coffee for Sheryl Crow.”

This scene sees the first of many Tree Hill star-sightings when Sheryl Crow wanders into Lucas’ mum’s café after closing time. She treats Nathan and Lucas’ best friend, Haley, to an intimate performance of "First Cut is the Deepest." His new friendship with Haley has inspired Nathan to turn a new leaf. His pushy parents, Deb and Dan, receive the shocking news of his emancipation.

"Run" — Snow Patrol

“The sight of a solitary raven is considered good luck, while more than one raven together predicts trouble ahead.”

Series 1, Episode 22

Lucas is still struggling to come to terms with Nathan’s sudden presence. He learns that he doesn’t have a say in the matter when Haley reveals that she and Nathan are married. Lucas and his Uncle Keith leave Tree Hill in pursuit of new beginnings. Peyton and Brooke seize the opportunity to rekindle their friendship — torn apart by a Lucas Love Triangle.

"Baby Got Back" — Sir Mix-a-Lot

Series 2, Episode 5

There’s a new boy in Tree Hill and with him, he brings all different kinds of trouble. First of all, though, he puts his new classmates through their paces and arranges a “dare night” which takes Mouth, Skills, and Fergie to a local karaoke bar.

"Disco Inferno" — The Trammps

Series 3, Episode 4

“Let’s dance.”

Remember that one time when John Travolta danced with the Angel of Death? No, this isn’t archived, behind the scenes footage from Pulp Fiction. This is Halloween at Tree Hill nightclub, Tric.

"God Bless the Child" — Michelle Feathersone

Series 3, Episode 16

“Does this darkness have a name?”

One of the most emotional episodes in the show's history sees outcast Jimmy Edwards put Tree Hill on lockdown when he brings a gun to school. Lucas once again comes to the rescue of Peyton, who is badly wounded and tries to sneak her out the building. He reluctantly leaves his Uncle Keith to negotiate with Jimmy in the hallway.

Pete from Fall Out Boy Is Here

Series 3, Episode 18

How bloody awkward is it when you set-off on a much-needed getaway to a recluse cabin in the woods with your friends and Pete from Fall Out Boy invites himself?! (Honestly, I know his acting skills are much to be desired but this show rinsed every US teen drama scenario stereotype bone-dry and we're just lucky that it wasn't an axe murderer who paid a surprise visit) Pop punk bassist Pete Wentz is in town and he's got his sights set on Peyton.

"Heartbeats" — Jose Gonzalez

“Nice shot.”

“Nice legs.”

Series 4, Episode 9

It’s the aftermath of another one of those super important Tree Hill basketball games that I honestly paid absolutely no attention to. Bottom line is that the Ravens are once again victorious and everyone’s bloody happy about it. The gender of Haley and Nathan’s baby is revealed and Lucas’ winning shot sees him realize his dream. The “Leyton” ship FINALLY sets sail (it was nice while it lasted).

"Lessons Learned" — Ray Lamontagne

“The Tree Hill Ravens are champions at last and there’s not a dry eye in the house.”

Series 4, Episode 9

It’s the night of the Ravens’ big victory game and a bitter father from the opposing team is hell-bent on destruction. Pregnant cheerleader, Haley, is involved in a hit-and-run and Lucas goes into cardiac arrest — foreboding a series of health complications.

"Baba O'Riley" — The Who

“One hour can change everything.”

Series 4, Episode 13

Graduation is rapidly approaching at Tree Hill but still, the seniors are learning new things from each other. They get buddied-up and forced to spend an hour in the company of a mere acquaintance.

"Saving Peyton Along the Way" — John Nordstorm

“Who killed my uncle?”

Series 4, Episode 18

Lucas wakes in the middle of the night to find his classmate, Abby, standing at the bottom of his bed. She has also been stalking Lucas' father, Dan; but her obsession with the Scotts isn't fueled by romantic interest, instead, it's the burden of truth — something she has carried since the fatal day of the Edwards shooting. Abby was amongst the handful of students held hostage by Edwards that day. She, along with Nathan and Haley, was eventually set free but didn't make it to safety before Jimmy took to claiming victims in the hallway. In this dramatic scene, she finally reveals to Lucas what she witnessed from her hiding spot in an abandoned classroom, confirming his premonitions that Jimmy killed himself before his Uncle Keith was shot. Lucas makes the shocking discovery that it was, in fact, his own father who snuck into the school and killed Keith in cold blood.

Lucas' mother, Karen, is heavily pregnant with Keith's child. The tables have turned since her first pregnancy and Dan has stepped-in to help raise the child in light of his brother's absence. Lucas interrupts his parents as they play happy families and confronts Dan with a gun. All this drama leads to pregnancy complications for Karen.

"Times Like These (Acoustic)" — Foo Fighters

Series 4, Episode 20

It’s finally time for the Scott Brothers and co. to graduate from Tree Hill High and there are two surprise arrivals. Valedictorian Haley goes into labour in the middle of her speech. Karen gives birth to Keith’s daughter. Dan meets his niece briefly before handing himself into the police.

"Wannabe" — Spice Girls

Series 4, Episode 22

Brooke, Peyton, and Haley join forces with “Clean Teens” Rachel, Bevan, and Shelly to form the ultimate Spice Girls tribute group at the graduation party.

"Two" — Ryan Adams

“I know a place open all night.”

Series 4, Episode 22

The seniors leave their mark on their beloved Rivercourt and agree that — no matter what the future holds — they will meet back at the same spot in four years time. Nathan challenges Lucas to a friendly one-on-one basketball rematch.

Peyton Confronts Her Boss — Music Speech

“Rock ‘n’ roll can’t actually save the world. You’d be so much further along if you could just accept the business side of what we do and play the game.”

Series 5, Episode 1

It’s four years after graduation and Peyton Sawyer has landed her dream job at an LA record label. She's quickly realizing it's not all it's cracked up to be.

The Freshman — The Verve Pipe

“Four years ago it all seemed so clear.”

Series 5, Episode 1

Peyton is homesick. Lucas is struggling to pen his second novel. Haley is facing challenges as a teacher. Brooke is still discovering that fame and New York lifestyle aren't all glamour and Nathan has been left wheelchair bound — destroying his basketball dreams. He stands up for the first time in months to hug his son, Jamie. Peyton candidly pours her heart out to Brooke over the phone and they agree to make a return to Tree Hill.

"Wish You Were" — Kate Voegele

"I used to admire the Peyton I read about in the book."

Series 5, Episode 5

Lucas is still struggling with writer's block. The irony is that the ladies of Tree Hill are trapped in a wealth of literary ideas — they're locked in the Tree Hill High library. Deja vu for Peyton, but Lucas isn't coming to rescue her — or his fiance — this time. He's too busy making his coaching debut for the Tree Hill Ravens. Mouth also has the day of the Edwards shooting on his mind. He still blames himself for neglecting his former best friend, Jimmy.

A failed escape plan means the girls are now also stuck with annoying high school friend/pizza delivery boy, Tim.

Mounting tensions between reach boiling point when Peyton finally reveals to Lucas' girlfriend, Lindsey, that Lucas proposed to her with the same ring just three years ago.

"My Hometown" — Bruce Springsteen

Series 5, Episode 12

"We drove the back roads of Tree Hill and we saw all different kinds of wonderful things."

Lucas' second novel is finally ready for publication. During the writing process, he fell in love with his editor. On the morning of his wedding, Lucas takes Haley and Jamie on a Tree Hill adventure, sharing the story — much like the one in the song — in which he would sit on Keith's lap as a child and steer the car. Lucas lets his own nephew steer as they cruise through their promised land, Tree Hill.

"Never Tear Us Apart" — INXS

Series 5, Episode 12

"It was the comet. The boy saw the comet and he felt as though his life had meaning and when it went away he waited his entire life for it to come back to him. The boy saw the comet and suddenly his life had meaning."

What's a Tree Hill wedding without a bride who is either pregnant or having second thoughts? Lindsey finally delivers on her promise to review Lucas' second book: a heartfelt novel about a boy and his love for astronomy. When Peyton makes an unwelcome appearance at the wedding, Lindsey finally realises The Comet is, in fact, a metaphor for Peyton and her Mercury Comet Convertible. Lindsey does a runaway-bride and leaves Lucas alone at the altar. Jamie is kidnapped by his crazy babysitter.

"Hallelujah" — Kate Vogele

Series 5, Episode 17

Lucas blames Peyton for the breakdown of his relationship.

"How can you not like The Cure?"

Series 6, Episode 11

Peyton sets about making herself comfortable in Lucas' house. First stop: unpacking her extensive record collection.

"Don't You Forget About Me" — Simple Minds

Series 6, Episode 12

Brooke is caught trying out her best Molly Ringwald impression in her shop.

"After Afterall" — William Fitzsimmons

"Maybe the whole point of you and me and every single moment that we've shared together has just been leading us here. Maybe you and I are meant to create this life because maybe this life is going to change the world."

Series 6, Episode 17

Lucas struggles to come to terms with the fact Peyton might not survive pregnancy.

"I Can't Help Falling in Love with You" — Ingrid Michaelson

"He said 'Haley, I talked to her!' and when I asked him if the fantasy was finally over, if he could finally admit that Peyton Sawyer was human aferall, he said 'No. Peyton Sawyer is not human. She's an angel.'"

Series 6, Episode 23

Shotgun wedding, anyone? Anything goes, as long as it finally gets Lucas and Peyton down the aisle.

"Wedding Dress" — Matt Nathanson

Series 6, Episode 23

Lucas plans to reunite his new bride with her beloved car — restored after a crash. In his absence, Peyton suffers more pregnancy complications.

"War Sweater" — Wakeywakey

"I fear for our lives and I fear your closed eyes."

Series 6, Episode 24

Lucas struggles with single fatherhood and Peyton finally awakes from her coma.

"Pass the Dutchie" — Musical Youth

Series 7, Episode 8

Haley's mischevious sister, Quinn, gets Brooke and Haley stoned.

"Rock N Roll All Nite" — Kiss

Series 7, Episode 19

Nathan and Jamie channel their inner rockstars.

"Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground (Live)" — Willie Nelson

Series 8, Episode 11

There's a thunderstorm in Tree Hill and trouble ahead. Quinn battles for her life after her husband's pycho-stalker breaks in. Julian, Brooke, and Jamie are involved in a car crash which sends them swerving off the Wilmington Bridge. Julian struggles to resuscitate Brooke.

"Never Let Me Go" — Florence and the Machine

Series 9, Episode 11

Long term coffin dodger, Dan Scott, takes Julain Baker and Chris Keller on one last badass adventure in a bid to save his youngest son, Nathan who has been kidnapped by a Russian gang. (Sometimes you just have to accept that your favourite TV show ran out of ideas towards the end and that's okay.) The rescue mission proves to be one too many gun fights for Dan and his dodgy heart. Julian rushes Dan to hospital in a highjacked police car.

"Us Against the World" — Coldplay

"You're dead, Dan. If I can't forgive you now when can I?"

Series 9, Episode 11 (Oh Danny, Boy)

Nathan is finally reunited with Jamie, Haley, and their daughter, Lydia. Dan's estranged family gather at his bedside in his final hours — including the spirit form of Dan's older brother, Keith, whom he killed in the school hallway on the fatal afternoon of the Jimmy Edwards shooting. They revisit the school hallway and reconcile before stepping into the light hand-in-hand.

"I know where you're going, but what about me?"

"Don't worry little brother, you'll be my plus one."

"Sugar" — The Horrible Crowes

Series 9, Episode 13

Quinn and her husband adopt Clay's long lost son, Logan. Whilst at the registry office, they tie-the-knot.

"I Don't Wanna Be" — Gavin Degraw

Series 9, Episode 13

Tree Hill's famous friend and the man who lent his voice to the OTH theme tune for nine long years, Gavin DeGraw, makes a final appearance at TRIC.

"One Tree Hill" — U2

"It's the oldest story in the world. One day, you're 17 and planning for someday and then quietly and without you ever really noticing, someday is today. Then someday is yesterday. And this is your life."

Series 9, Episode 13

The song that lends itself to the title ties together the final moments of the show. Cut to a few years later and Jamie Scott is ready to honor the Scott family basketball legacy at Tree Hill High. Nathan, Haley, and co. eagerly anticipate his first big game.