Music has the power to transport us back in time, evoking emotions and memories tied to a specific moment. For Gossip Girl fans, few songs capture the essence of the show as perfectly as Everytime by Lincoln Hawk. This melancholic yet beautiful track became an instant classic, deeply intertwined with the emotional arcs of its characters. But did you know Lincoln Hawk wasn’t a real band? Let’s dive into the story behind this unforgettable song, its place in the Gossip Girl soundtrack, and the musical elements that make it so hauntingly beautiful.
The Role of Everytime in Gossip Girl
Throughout the first season of Gossip Girl, Everytime emerges as a recurring theme song for Rufus and Lily’s tumultuous past and unresolved love story. The song first appears in Episode 6 (“The Handmaiden’s Tale”), when it plays during a significant moment between the two former lovers. Its longing lyrics and wistful melody serve as an emotional bridge between their history and present-day interactions.
The track resurfaces in later episodes, each time underscoring key moments of nostalgia and longing. It becomes synonymous with Rufus Humphrey’s past as a rock musician, adding depth to his character beyond his role as Dan and Jenny’s father. Everytime is not just a song in the background; it’s a symbol of lost love, regrets, and the lingering “what-ifs” of youth.
For many fans, hearing Everytime instantly brings back the golden era of Gossip Girl, reminding them of the show’s signature blend of drama, romance, and heartbreak.
Who Really Wrote and Recorded Everytime?
While Gossip Girl presents Lincoln Hawk as a real band from Rufus Humphrey’s past, the truth is that Lincoln Hawk never actually existed. The song Everytime was written and performed by the real-life musician Rob Thomas, the lead singer of Matchbox Twenty.
Thomas, known for hits like Unwell and Smooth (with Santana), composed Everytime specifically for the show. His distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics gave the song an authentic, nostalgic rock feel that perfectly suited the fictional history of Lincoln Hawk. The track blends the warmth of early 2000s alternative rock with a touch of ’90s nostalgia, making it an ideal fit for Rufus’s character, a musician from an earlier era.
Although Lincoln Hawk may not exist outside of the Gossip Girl universe, Everytime remains a fan-favorite, standing alongside real songs in the show’s iconic soundtrack.
The Gossip Girl Soundtrack: A Defining Element of the Series
One of the things that set Gossip Girl apart from other teen dramas was its impeccable soundtrack. The show featured a mix of indie rock, pop, and alternative music that perfectly captured the tone of each scene. From The Kills’ edgy anthems to Florence + The Machine’s ethereal ballads, every song choice was intentional and impactful.
The inclusion of Everytime in the Gossip Girl soundtrack was particularly significant because it added an original, in-universe song to the mix. Unlike other tracks, which were simply placed to enhance scenes, Everytime was woven into the storyline itself. It wasn’t just a song playing in the background—it was a part of the characters’ lives, a musical relic from Rufus’s past.
Fans of the show often associate certain songs with pivotal moments. Everytime joins the ranks of unforgettable tracks like:
- Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John (Serena’s grand entrance in the pilot episode)
- With Me by Sum 41 (Blair and Nate’s complicated romance)
- What Goes Around… Comes Around by Justin Timberlake (drama-filled showdowns)
With such a carefully curated playlist, it’s no wonder Gossip Girl remains a reference point for TV show soundtracks.
Talk Nerdy to Me: The Music Theory Behind Everytime
What makes Everytime such an emotionally compelling song? It’s all in the music theory.
- Key and Chord Progression: The song is written in a melancholic key, likely A minor or E minor, which gives it a wistful, nostalgic feel. The chord progression follows a classic I-V-vi-IV pattern, commonly found in emotionally evocative ballads.
- Melody and Vocal Delivery: Rob Thomas’s vocal delivery is raw and heartfelt, with slight raspy inflections that enhance the song’s sense of longing. The melody is simple yet haunting, making it easy for listeners to hum along and remember.
- Instrumentation: The production features a mix of acoustic and electric guitar, with subtle strings in the background to add depth. The stripped-down nature of the arrangement keeps the focus on the lyrics and emotion.
- Lyrics and Theme: Lyrically, Everytime captures the essence of nostalgia, regret, and unresolved feelings. Lines like “Every time I walk away, I close my eyes to see your face” perfectly encapsulate the lingering presence of past love.
These elements combine to make Everytime not just a great TV show song, but a well-crafted piece of music that stands the test of time.
The Lasting Impact of Everytime
Years after Gossip Girl ended, Everytime continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans. It’s a song that instantly transports listeners back to the Upper East Side, to the drama, romance, and intrigue of one of TV’s most stylish shows.
Even for those who weren’t hardcore Gossip Girl fans, Everytime remains an underrated gem from the era of TV soundtracks that truly mattered. In a time before streaming services curated instant playlists, a song like Everytime had to earn its place in the collective memory of a generation.
So next time you hear the melancholic opening chords of Everytime, close your eyes and let yourself drift back to a world of penthouses, love triangles, and whispered secrets. After all, as Gossip Girl herself would say, “You know you love it.”
FAQs
Who is Lincoln Hawk in Gossip Girl?
Lincoln Hawk is a fictional band in Gossip Girl, fronted by Rufus Humphrey. The band is presented as a successful rock group from the ’90s, though it does not exist in real life.
Who actually sings Everytime by Lincoln Hawk?
The song Everytime is performed by Rob Thomas, the lead singer of Matchbox Twenty. It was written specifically for Gossip Girl and used as a nostalgic track from Rufus Humphrey’s past.
In which episode does Everytime play?
Everytime first appears in Season 1, Episode 6 (“The Handmaiden’s Tale”), during an emotional scene between Rufus and Lily. It reappears in later episodes as a symbol of their lingering feelings.
Is Everytime available on streaming platforms?
Yes, Everytime is available on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, credited under Lincoln Hawk.
Why is the Gossip Girl soundtrack so popular?
The Gossip Girl soundtrack is known for featuring a mix of indie, pop, and alternative music that perfectly complemented the show’s tone. It introduced many viewers to iconic songs and artists.
What are some other memorable songs from Gossip Girl?
Some standout tracks include Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John, With Me by Sum 41, and What Goes Around… Comes Around by Justin Timberlake.
Gossip Girl is known for having a very good soundtrack in general. You can listen and form your opinion on it here
Do you still have Everytime on your playlist? Let us know in the comments! 🎶
