The Intro Song Used in The Summer I Turned Pretty
The track that plays during the opening moments of The Summer I Turned Pretty is "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes," performed by Lily Collins for the Amazon Prime Video series. This lullaby-style song was selected to immediately establish the nostalgic, romantic tone of the story and to mirror the protagonist’s sentimental view of her summers at Cousins Beach. Below is a concise breakdown of the song’s credits, context, and how it compares to other key tracks in the series.
Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Song Title | A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes | Series credits / episode listing |
| Performed By | Lily Collins | Music credit / interview mention |
| Original Film | Cinderella (1950) | Disney soundtrack listing |
| Composer (Film) | Al Hoffman, Mack David, Jerry Livingston | Disney music archives |
| Series Use | Season 1, opening sequence | Episode guide / showrunner notes |
Why This Song Was Chosen for the Opening
Showrunners and music supervisors often choose preexisting recordings or covers to quickly convey tone without lengthy exposition. In this case, the gentle, melodic quality of Lily Collins’ rendition aligns with the show’s summer nostalgia and coming-of-age atmosphere. Rather than an upbeat pop song, the selection leans into the wistfulness of revisiting childhood memories, which reflects the protagonist’s emotional journey across the seasons.
Practical Context for Viewers
- The song appears in the teaser/intro sequence and plays while key cast and setting imagery is shown.
- It is a cover of the classic Disney song from the Cinderella (1950) soundtrack.
- Lily Collins’ version was produced specifically for the series and is included on related music releases and playlists curated for the show.
Musical Tone and Narrative Function
Because the series balances lighthearted beach scenes with more intense interpersonal drama, the intro song operates as an emotional anchor. Its warm, melodic arrangement suggests safety and memory, preparing viewers for both joyful reunions and the conflicts that arise as characters grow older. Using a well-known lullaby motif also reinforces themes of nostalgia and the passage of time.
Comparison to Other Notable Tracks
While the Lily Collins cover serves as the consistent opening theme, The Summer I Turned Pretty features a rotating playlist of indie, pop, and alternative songs to support different moods across episodes. Below is a brief overview of how the intro song relates to other major music choices in the series.
| Track or Moment | When Used | Purpose / Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Intro: A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes (Lily Collins) | Opening sequence, teasers | Nostalgic, romantic, tonal setup |
| Scene-specific indie/pop tracks | Throughout episodes | Highlight specific character beats and plot moments |
| End-credit song | After each episode | Provide resolution or leave a lingering emotional impression |
Credits and Rights Context
The use of a Cinderella classic requires synchronization and master clearances. The series typically lists the performer, publishing rights holders, and the original songwriters in end credits or digital music packages. Because this is a cover tailored for the show, viewers may not recognize the melody at first as the film version, but the core structure and chorus remain familiar, aiding instant audience recognition.
Audience Reception and Recognition
Viewer comments often highlight the intro song as a nostalgic touch that deepens the immersive quality of the series. The familiarity of the melody, paired with the on-screen visuals of the coastal setting, helps create a memorable brand identity for the show. Even for those who do not recall the original Disney source, the gentle instrumentation is widely noted as soothing and evocative of summer nostalgia.
Evergreen Takeaways
The choice of song is designed to remain effective across multiple viewings and years. Its themes of memory, hope, and gentle transformation align with ongoing story arcs, making it more than a stylistic flourish. For anyone exploring the soundtrack outside of the series, understanding the intro song’s role clarifies how music supports storytelling throughout The Summer I Turned Pretty.