Since Grey's Anatomy premiered in 2005, the show has been known for its boisterous, eclectic soundtrack—from crafting mainstream hits with alt-pop to powering some of the show's most exciting Countless artists are always invited to participate. (Sleeping At Last’s “500 Miles” cover comes from the show’s storming duo from season nine? Try not to cry the next time you rewatch it!)
But sometimes, the show's simplest original score is enough to bring tears to your eyes, like the musical Easter egg in Season 20's "Never Feel So Lonely." The next episode of Grey's Anatomy doesn't air until May 2, so now is the perfect time to catch up on the MerDer tribute you may have missed.
A subtle nod to Grey's history
In the Season 20 episode, Meredith was upset when her son Bailey contracted appendicitis while she was away from home. As she told Dr. Weber, who helped her fly back to Boston on a Katherine Fox Foundation plane, the experience brought back traumatic memories of Derek's death.
"Even the best hands make mistakes: bleeds, punctures," Meredith said. "It's the middle of the night. They're tired. Mistakes happen."
Later, Meredith told Webster that she wished she had Derek to lean on in times like this. "I mean, of course I miss him," she said. "It's really just when the kids wake up in the middle of the night and I don't have anyone to talk to."
If you listen carefully during the vulnerable moment, you can hear a familiar piano melody playing in the background. It's original music, aptly called their "love theme," and it's been used to soundtrack Meredith and Derek's relationship since they first met. (Yes, it even plays during the iconic "Choose me, choose me, love me" scene.)
Sound familiar?
As it turns out, this isn't the first time MerDer's theme music has appeared since Derek's death. For example, this sound can be heard in Season 17 when the couple meet on the beach where Meredith was dreaming due to her illness.
But it’s especially impactful to play these familiar notes while Meredith reflects. Like real-life memories of a loved one, the song creeps in on fans in quiet moments — a subtle reminder that no matter how much time has passed since Derek's death, he's still Meredith (and "Grey's Anatomy" ) part of the story. .
It's also a testament to the longevity of this beloved series. As the longest-running primetime medical drama in history, Grey's Anatomy is able to weave in nostalgic Easter eggs that feel earned over time.
